Jake's Tower

Jake's Tower is a young adult novel written by Elizabeth Laird. It was first published in 2001. The book was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal^[1] and the Children's Book Award.

Plot summary

Everyday life is a struggle for Jake because of his mom’s abusive boyfriend, Steve. Jake dreams about living in a tower where he can be at peace and feel safe. In his tower he dreams of his biological father who gave him a fluffy duck when he was born. Jake can only wish that he will be reunited with his real dad again. Fortunately for Jake, his mother has had enough of Steve’s behaviour. One night when Jake’s step-dad goes to the pub, his mother packs their bags and drives to his paternal grandma. On arrival at Mrs Judd’s home, she doesn’t recognise Jake and his mother, however Mrs Judd sees the resemblance and lets them into her home. Jake returns home from school one day to see his biological father. Jake asked him several questions. Upon getting to know his dad, he discovers that his dad won’t be able to stay for very long. His dad helps Jake and his mother to get back on track. Jake and his dad repaint the house and buy furniture for it. Jake gets a mobile phone to call his dad in an emergency.

Let’s just say that Steve won’t be ‘bugging’ them anymore. He owes his bank far too much money! 

By Austyn Cohen In Cape Town, South Africa

References

Every day life is poor for Jake is a struggle due to his mother's horrible and violent boyfriend, Steve. To escape his problems, Jake dreams of having his own tall tower where he can be peaceful and safe. In his pretend tower he daydreams of his father, who gave him a hug and a fluffy duck when he was born. Though certain he will never see him again, Jake believes that he might somehow get to meet him one day. But when the struggle becomes too much for Jake and his mother, they run away from Steve to Jake's grandmother (his father's mother, Mrs. Judd). While Mrs. Judd had not believed that Jake was her grandson, upon meeting him she sees his resemblance to his father and accepts and protects him from the danger that he is in. However, Jake's mother insists on fighting for Jake's custody, resulting in a case conference between Jake's mother and his grandmother. Meanwhile, Jake befriends Kieran, a boy from school, and they agree to go to and from school with each other. When Kieran is sick one day, Jake takes a shortcut, only to be apprehended by the one person he did not want to meet: Steve. Steve grabs Jake, but immediately releases him when Jake's teacher come out. However, when his teacher leaves, Steve starts to intimidate Jake again. Jake manages to escape to his grandmother's house, where Mrs. Judd manages to get rid of Steve when he follows Jake. The following day Jake returns home from school while Mrs Judd and his mother are at his case conference. Suddenly the door opens - standing at the living room door is Jake's father

External links

• Jake's Tower at the author's website
• Jake's Tower at Fantastic Fiction