Jack's Island

‘This accomplished writer tells a good tale. The cheeky but lovable characters are woven well into a riveting storyline with an Australian setting. All blend beautifully together within simple prose to form an exciting and entertaining story. [Four stars out of five]’ Good Reading Magazine

‘Sometimes funny sometimes sad but always enthralling.’ School Matters

‘I took heart in the real and secure place that family occupies in this novel.’ Australian Book Review

‘an insightful perspective of life on the Australian home front as seen through the eyes of its unruly narrator.’ Canberra Times

‘A modern Australian classic, with shades of To Kill a Mockingbird, Jack’s Island stands the test of time and is still very relevant today. Highly recommended.’ Jan Nicholls

‘It is an absolute delight, written with a youthful naivete, and the fact that it has been republished is a tribute to the power of the story for a new generation of readers.’ Carolyn Hull, ReadPlus

‘This book is hard to put down.’ Alphabet Soup

‘With teaching notes available, Jack’s Island is a fun but also emotionally rewarding read for 8-12-year-olds that will keep the reader engaged and inadvertently learning along the way.’ StoryLinks

‘The book is hard to put down due to its ability to capture the reader’s attention and hold onto it for the duration of the book. The characters from the Japanese soldier to trouble-maker Jack add an engaging storyline for the readers. Because of this, I confidently rate this book 4 stars out of 5.’ Gabriel, age 13, Alphabet Soup

‘When this was first released, it won the WA Young Readers’ Book Award 2009 and was a CBCA Notable for that year, awards that were thoroughly deserved. Now, re-released in a new livery, it remains an excellent read, one that will entertain and engage a new generation, including all those young lads who will see themselves in Jack and Banjo.’ The Bottom Shelf

WA Young Readers’ Book Award (Winner 2009)

Children’s Book Council of Australia’s (CBCA) Picture Book of the Year (Honour book 2009)

The WA Premier’s Book Award (Shortlisted 2009)

Norman Jorgensen became an avid reader after being given The Secret Seven by Enid Blyton at age seven. His love affair with books has never ended, and for the past thirty years, Norman has worked in the book trade. In addition to Jack’s Island, Norman has published The Smuggler’s Curse and The Wreckers’ Revenge, and three picture books: In Flanders Fields, The Last Viking, and The Last Viking Returns.