The story of a young man who refused to become a victim of the circumstance. Determined to make something of himself, Jacob writes down all his hopes and dreams about leaving the ghetto he was born into and caring for his mother who is addicted to drugs. The story is written in the style of a film script, making it a quick read and easy to follow. It reflects the challenges I imagine many young people face living in gang-controlled areas - and although set in America, I am sure would be relevant to young people in the UK as a starting point for talking about facing challenges and future hopes and dreams

I've had this book for 3 months, but had a hard time starting it. I usually don't select books like this because I see students struggle like this, not always to the magnitude displayed in this book...though it is not far off. Usually, when I read, I want an escape. But there was something about Jacob's Ghetto that would not allow me to pass it by.

I liked the likable characters. Jacob was a sweetheart. I am not certain I believe such an extensive vocabulary for a 10 year old, but children are full of surprises, so I went with it. Jacob, through his hard situation, is encouraged to be more by his teacher, his best friend Kenny, and others in the community.

There were things that happened in the book that I felt were left dangling, like the situation with the principal. It was awkward and I was not sure how it tied into the story other than showing how Miss Collins had issues at work. Maybe this could have been fleshed out and tied in a little more.

The story is written in a script format. It is an easy read, though different because of the cues and directives. Once I got past the first several pages, I devoured the book quickly. I definitely could see this book in schools where students need to hear this type of message, that they are not what their environment dictates. They have a choice. Even deeper is the need to recognize toxic thinking and ideas that may even come from those who should protect them.

This book has strong messages of hope, faith, strength and a call to be more than your environment dictates. There is language and reference to drug use. There are several intense moments with guns.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars

Almost like a script for a movie but it's a great read. Life in the ghetto from the point of a ten year old African American boy. A very sad read but it has loads of Hope in it. Shows you that God gives you many talents not just athletic ones.

Thank you Netgalley and Publishers for granting me early access to "Jacob's Ghetto".

This book did top my favorite reads this year, however I'm currently in the middle of a major move, and will definitely come back at a later time and write out a full review and rating.

Thank you so much!

I really liked the story, don't get me wrong. My problem is I feel it doesn't speak to its audience!!!!
It feels like every opportunity to crack out the thesaurus was taken, and this gives the Jacob an almost 'haughty' tone. Novels like this that seek to make a statement to young people about taking control of your future and playing to your talents need to be accessible to ALL kinds of readers.
In my experience working with kids who come from homes like Jacob's, those who would benefit most from this book would struggle to read it. I think this is a huge shame, as the story is really wonderful and heartbreaking at times.

Jacob’s Ghetto
You’re not the product of your environment

by Travis Peagler

Script Novel Publishing LLC

Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members’ Titles

Christian , Teens & YA

Pub Date 17 Aug 2019

I am reviewing a copy of Jacob’s Ghetto through Script Novel Publishing LLC/Independent Book Publishers Association and Netgalley:

Jacob is a ten year old African American boy with an amazing writing ability, and a promising academic career, but his life is crushed by the poverty he lives in on the south side of Chicago, life at home is difficult he lives in the drug infested ghetto and dreams of using his gift of writing to get his family out of the Ghetto.

Now he is at the age where gangs start to notice him and he and his best friend Kenny have a brief run-in with Ja’heve. Ja’heve is a a brazen individual and second in command to a vicious gang known as “The Circle.” During the encounter, Ja’heve feels disrespected by Jacob’s refusal to join; he becomes furious and jealous of him and his intellect. He knows Jacob has the smarts to make it out of their hell hole of a neighborhood and vows not to let that happen.

While taking the train one morning Kenny finds a folded form and hands it over Jacob to read being somewhat illiterate. It ends up being an entry form for a writing contest with a handsome cash prize and book deal. Suddenly a light of hope pierces through Jacob like never before. No longer feeling abject, and with encouragement from Kenny, he believes that he can win the contest and move he and his mother out of the ghetto and start a new life.

Ja’heve continuously pursued and harassed Jacob to the point that Jacob’s survival becomes deadly game of cat and mouse. He fears it’s just a matter of time before his picture ends up on the nightly news like so many other slain black kids before him. Jacob knows his time is short, but a chance is all he needs, and his will to survive is all he has.

I was impressed with the plot line, though I found the chosen formatting to be distracting, but the storyline itself makes it worthy of five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Written like a script for a movie this short novel gives insight in the life in the Ghetto from the point of view of a ten-year-old boy. It's a sad story full of hope.