Spring-Heeled Jack

by Philip Pullman

Book Overview

Spring-Heeled Jack: The name evoked awe from both criminals and upstanding citizens alike. Some thought he was the devil, but he was actually the original superhero--leaping over the buildings of Victorian England with the help of springs in the heels of his shoes. The story begins as three young innocents escape their orphanage one dark and stormy night. As they make their way through the treacherous streets of London danger lurks, for hiding in the shadows is Mack the Knife, the most villainous of villains. Enter Spring-Heeled Jack, the springiest of heroes. But will Jack's powers be enough to save the orphans? Originally published in paperback, Spring-Heeled Jack is back--now as a hardcover with eye-catching new jacket art.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375816011
• ISBN13: 9780375816017
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.3" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Fun story for kids and adults alike.

This book is a fun, Victorian sort of superhero tale. It's not a long book at all, but that seems like it would be perfect for young readers. I like that some parts of the dialogue are done in comic form, and that there are little funny illustrations on a lot of the pages. I thought that was a great idea, and well-executed. The story is simple, three orphans trying to escape from their dodgy wardens and get on a ship to America. I like that you never find out very much about Spring-Heeled Jack, even at the end of the book, which means that the character still has a lot of mystery to him. I feel like this character could easily become part of a series, and I hope that Pullman will consider writing more adventures for Spring-Heeled Jack.

Spring-Heeled Jack *Great diversion*

From the author of "His Dark Materials" a great diversion from ordinary crime drama. You get suspense, intrigue, real bad guys and good guys and gals who refuse to compromise on their values. Oh! and yes a real neet super hero. Spring-Heeled Jack is worth a look.

child heroes embark on an adventure spiced with mystery

If ever a book was created for a child with ADD, this is it. In a mix of narrative and comic book panels, 3 orphans escape from an orphanage intending to purchase tickets to America. When young Ned is kidnapped, a legendary British superhero comes to their aid: Springheeled Jack, a trickster type.Quotes from famous authors, like Hugo and Dickens, preface each chapter, with a variation of the quote becoming the opening line. This device takes an amusing turn when Pullman quotes himself, and the first line of the book. Footnotes abound, and a silly pseudo-French menu lends humor. The nineteenth century melodramatic tones and orphan adventure will bring Lemon Snicket to mind; perhaps the popularity of the Baudelaire twins adventures is the reason for the reissue. Whatever the reason, Pullman delivers his trademark combination of child heroes embarking on an adventure spiced with a bit of mystery. This fun fast-paced romp is a great intro to the graphic novel format for younger readers.

A blend of graphic novel elements with paragraphs of text

Spring-Heeled Jack is a British superhero who was legendary long before today's popular comics: here his adventures and mishaps come alive with stories by Pullman and comic-strip illustrations by David Mostyn. The blend of graphic novel elements with paragraphs of text will encourage elementary-level readers in grades 4-6.

I absolutley LOVED IT!

IT was wonderful i read it many times it was very easy but lovable. I even read it to my kids.