The Great Jeff

Life hasn't been great for Jeff. He was forced to leave his school, St. Catherines, for public school, which he hates. He's no longer speaking to his former best friend Tom Bender because of that girl Jessica. 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? Will his mom get the help she needs? And ultimately, where will they live?

Told from the point of view of the bully in the modern classic Firegirl, The Great Jeff is a powerful look at a troubled boy who finds his life spiraling out of control, and his world sliding into homelessness.

“ "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." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review”

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."--Publishers Weekly, starred review
Praise for The Great Jeff:
A Curbed Best Kids Book of 2019
"...an exquisitely moving yet completely age-appropriate dive into a kid's experience of impoverishment."--BCCB, 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."
--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review
"...a hopeful coming-of-age story that portrays the challenges of poverty in a realistic and relatable way."--Booklist
"A powerful and realistic story of a boy coming of age with a family in crisis."--School Library Journal
"A moving, realistic coming-of-age tale."--Kirkus
"A touching story of friendship that is easy to read yet hard to forget."
--School Library Journal
"For fans of Firegirl, this follow-up is a must-read...this novel is a solid addition to any library."--School Library Connection
"In a body of stellar work, The Great Jeff may be Abbott's finest."--Nora Raleigh Baskin, award winning author of Anything But Typical, Ruby on the Outside, and Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story
"In this poignant story, readers will recognize that even by doing small acts of kindness, people stand to gain more than they lose."
--Booklist
"Jeff's search to understand himself and the harsh world around him is breathtaking."--Patricia Reilly Giff, author of Newbery honor winners Pictures of Hollis Woods and Lily's Crossing

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.

Life hasn't been great for Jeff. He was forced to leave his school, St. Catherines, for public school, which he hates. He's no longer speaking to his former best friend Tom Bender because of that girl Jessica. 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? Will his mom get the help she needs? And ultimately, where will they live?Told from the point of view of the bully in the modern classic Firegirl , The Great Jeff is a powerful look at a troubled boy who finds his life spiraling out of control, and his world sliding into homelessness.

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