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The Great Jeff by Tony Abbott
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The Great Jeff

$26.23

Get for $14.99 with membership
Narrator Josh Hurley

This audiobook uses AI narration.

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Length 6 hours 26 minutes
Language English
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Perfect for fans of Gary D. Schmidt comes the companion to the modern classic Firegirl from acclaimed writer Tony Abbott.

Life hasn't been great for Jeff Hicks. After years at his beloved St. Catherine's, he's forced to spend eighth grade in the public middle school, which he hates. He's no longer speaking to his former best friend, Tom Bender, because of "that burned girl" Jessica Feeney. But worst of all, his family is changing, and it's not for the better.

When his mom comes home announcing that she's lost her job, Jeff begins to worry about things far beyond his years: How will they pay the rent? Will his absentee dad step up and save the day? Is his mom drinking too much? And ultimately, where will they live?

The Great Jeff is a powerful look at the life of a troubled boy who finds his life spiraling out of control.


Tony Abbott is the author of over a hundred books for young readers, including the bestselling series the Secrets of Droon and the Copernicus Legacy and the novel Firegirl. Tony has worked in libraries, bookstores, and a publishing company, and has taught creative writing. He has two grown daughters and lives in Connecticut with his wife and two dogs.

Illustration of person sitting

Shop small, give big!

With credit bundles, you choose the number of credits and your recipient picks their audiobooks—all in support of local bookstores.

Start gifting
Phone showing make the switch message

Limited-time offer

Get two free audiobooks!

Nowโ€™s a great time to shop indie. When you start a new one credit per month membership supporting local bookstores with promo code SWITCH, weโ€™ll give you two bonus audiobook credits at sign-up.

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Reviews

Praise for The Great Jeff:
"A moving, realistic coming-of-age tale."
โ€”Kirkus "...an exquisitely moving yet completely age-appropriate dive into a kid's experience of impoverishment."โ€”BCCB, starred review "...a hopeful coming-of-age story that portrays the challenges of poverty in a realistic and relatable way."โ€”Booklist "A powerful and realistic story of a boy coming of age with a family in crisis."โ€”School Library Journal "For fans of Firegirl, this follow-up is a must-read...this novel is a solid addition to any library."โ€”School Library Connection Praise for Firegirl:
* "Tom's connection to Jessica changes his perspective on himself, his peers and friendship, and underscores the reward of reaching out to another.... This novel maybe be brief, but it leaves a big impact."โ€”Publishers Weekly, starred review * "This isn't the usual book about adjustment to differences; instead, Abbot brilliantly explores the kids' struggle to manage this intrusion of abnormality into their lives.... An understanding yet thought-provoking novel."
โ€”The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review "A touching story of friendship that is easy to read yet hard to forget."
โ€”School Library Journal "In this poignant story, readers will recognize that even by doing small acts of kindness, people stand to gain more than they lose."
โ€”Booklist Expand reviews
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