Status
Available
Call number
Call number
PB Pul
Local notes
PB Pul
Collection
Publication
Yearling (2004), Edition: Reprint, 112 pages
Description
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.
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
112 p.; 5.25 inches
User reviews
LibraryThing member Salsabrarian
Half-prose, half graphic novel, this is the story of three orphans who escape the awful orphanage with intent of selling their mother's locket for passage to America. With the help of Polly, sailor Jim Bowling and the timely appearances of the legendary Spring-Heeled Jack, all's well that ends well.
LibraryThing member AltheaAnn
Yeah, one star. I feel a little bad, because this book did not actively anger me. However, I didn't like anything about it.
My book club selected this, because: Golden Compass! Sally Lockhart! Yeah!
We haven't had our meeting yet, so I don't know what everyone else thought of it, but I was quite
The plot is very slight, and hackneyed in a Dickens-lite kinda way. Three siblings must escape from a horrible orphanage, and find themselves in need of help from a mysterious benefactor.
Don't get me wrong, cliche or not, I like orphan stories! But these orphans just seemed wussy and kind of annoying (but only kind-of. They didn't have enough personality to be particularly annoying). The story didn't have any original twists to set it apart. Even for a middle-grades book, it seemed rather shallow.
The 'humorous' bits seemed aimed at older readers than the book's target audience, but weren't particularly funny.
I did not find the illustrations aesthetically appealing. (All the people, as drawn, resemble unattractive, doughy peanuts.)
And, worst of all, Spring-Heeled Jack - a quite fascinating Victorian urban legend - here is not portrayed as an enigmatic villain, but seems more like just some random adult do-gooder who fortuitously shows up to save some kids who weren't spunky enough to save themselves.
Plodding and predictable.
My book club selected this, because: Golden Compass! Sally Lockhart! Yeah!
We haven't had our meeting yet, so I don't know what everyone else thought of it, but I was quite
Show More
disappointed.The plot is very slight, and hackneyed in a Dickens-lite kinda way. Three siblings must escape from a horrible orphanage, and find themselves in need of help from a mysterious benefactor.
Don't get me wrong, cliche or not, I like orphan stories! But these orphans just seemed wussy and kind of annoying (but only kind-of. They didn't have enough personality to be particularly annoying). The story didn't have any original twists to set it apart. Even for a middle-grades book, it seemed rather shallow.
The 'humorous' bits seemed aimed at older readers than the book's target audience, but weren't particularly funny.
I did not find the illustrations aesthetically appealing. (All the people, as drawn, resemble unattractive, doughy peanuts.)
And, worst of all, Spring-Heeled Jack - a quite fascinating Victorian urban legend - here is not portrayed as an enigmatic villain, but seems more like just some random adult do-gooder who fortuitously shows up to save some kids who weren't spunky enough to save themselves.
Plodding and predictable.
Show Less
LibraryThing member hopeevey
It's a cute story, and a quick read.
LibraryThing member renclbb
Spring-Heeled Jack is a fun, clever, and warm-hearted mash-up of many of our perceptions about the streets of Victorian England.
Similar in this library
Pages
112