A high-octane read where unexpected heroes try to save the
day.
Jack is a genius who speaks Mandarin and Latin. When his
parents’ car is hi-jacked by a bank robber with Jack inside, for once he’s as
clueless as the rest of us.
The car-jacker doesn't know Jack's in the car - yet. But
it's only a matter of time before he's discovered. And then, anything could
happen. Only one thing's for sure: Jack's in for the thrill-ride of his life...
To post your review and comments about this book, simply
click on 'post a comment' below. When posting select 'Anonymous' but please do
not forget to include your first name, school and a book rating out of ten in
the post. This year we have awards for schools and pupils who write the best
reviews and engage with this blog, so it is important to tell us who you are.
Name: Shyaam Balasegaram
ReplyDeleteSchool: KEGS
I loved the workshop at Great Baddow High School and appreciate Dave's hardwork and enthusiasm, which caused me to fall in love with this year's selection of books. I would recommend to anyone who is not taking part in the awards this year to definitely read this year's selection of books, no matter how keen a reader you are, and should jump on any opportunity to take part next year. I know that my journey has just begun, but I have cherished every second from the unveiling of the books to my first page in the book 'If You Were Me'! I cannot wait to read all six books!
I'm really looking forward to reading the selection of books too :) We are very fortunate to have to have such amazing choices this year.
DeleteCar-Jacked, KT, HACH
ReplyDeleteGripping. This book grips and hooks your mind, heart and soul. It makes your eyes rain and stare wide; your other senses switch off to welcome the words. When Ross McAllister steals the Mattingly family’s car, he doesn’t mean to kidnap boy genius - Jack Mattingly - who was hidden from view under the blanket in the back seat. Soon, McAllister discovers the boy and, despite the thief’s reputation, Jack is whisked away on a wild adventure dressed in numerous disguises to save a tortured brother trapped in a room with fading oxygen. £100,000 is the price, and with £4700 unattainable, can lives be saved? Or is everything not as it seems? This book is a must-read to fulfil the reader’s life forever and I rate it 10/10!
A bit unrealistic, but i have quite enjoyed it as it has captivated my imagination and place myself in the shoes of the Characters.
ReplyDeleteDan L GBHS
good book plenty of action interesting to read. I would write an essay like i did for I Predict A Riot last year but i chose not to. i finished the book in two days. i seemed to enjoy i predict a riot more mainly because the characters in the book were more likeable. and the annoying thing is it seems like the Alex Rider books but instead of learning martial arts its intelligence and it just made it a bit annoying. and in the end the main character jack seemed arrogant. but overall it was a good book if you ignore all those annoying bits.
ReplyDeleteJosh
GBHS
I agree with you there though they're are more good bits.
Deleteyeah it did have a few good bits it was an overview of it
Deletewell I suppose it does it really makes me happy when they become friends. I agree more good bits so far!
DeleteJack is a super intelligent boy that happens to be unfortunate enough to be stuck inside his parent's car when it gets hijacked by a bank robber!
ReplyDeleteI loved the way the story took the reader on an adventure and how the relationship between Jack and Ross developed throughout a series of disguises and different locations. I particularly liked the ending and also the way the adventure had changed Jack's outlook on life.
I would definitely recommend this book and it will take you on a fantastic ride!
Mrs M - Tendring Technology College
I agree, the ending was amazing :D
DeleteI fell in love this book nearly straight away, in a way I could relate in a way. ( There possessive mother / relaxed dad and wanting to be free). The fact that the book was about two very different characters becoming friends, made me a bit wary however I'm so glad I took the time to read this. The cliff-hanger at the end was very enticing and I would very much like a sequel and see Jack and Ross again.
ReplyDeleteBe warned, reading this book may cause you to cry or you heart to ache...proceed with caution!
Charlea bray Y9
The Ockendon Academy
At the moment, this book is amazing and my favourite character is Ross. Bethany, GBHS
ReplyDelete*Spoiler Alert*
ReplyDeleteThis Book is amazing! It Is Sort Of Thrilling And Full Of Tension around the start, and at the very end, it is quite heart warming. I almost cried (And I NEVER Cry During Books!)at the end with Jack's Letter, and I Breathed A sigh of relief when I saw Ross' letter. It Is a brilliant book, and I Can't Wait to read the other book award books!
Daniel, TTC (Tendring Technology College)
It was a very emotional rollercoaster of a book for me too :) It was very fun reading it.
DeleteAbigail
Moulsham High School
LOL
ReplyDeleteThe moment I read the first chapter, I knew this was going to be the best book I will ever read. Ross McAllister, car- jacker, steals car with young boy, Jack inside. Brilliant adventure story with lots of unexpected twists and I would recommend this book to anyone. Cliff-hangers round every corner and leaves you spell-bound every time. Couldn't put the book down!
ReplyDeleteThomas, Tendring Technology College. 10/10
Jack Mattingly, a genius who unfortunately stays in the car as it is stolen. He is scared at first, but then realises that there is more to him than a dark exterior.
ReplyDeleteThis book is brilliant. With fast-paced action and a gripping plot, I found myself immersed in the book. It is both sad and happy because Ross, his kidnapper/friend at the end of the story is thought to be dead - but the book ends with a letter from Ross, who actually is alive and has been rehabilitated to New Zealand!
I really recommend this book!
Apurva T, KEGS
Carjacked is a great read that captured my imagination from the first page. It was enthralling, gripping and full of suspense. It can get slightly unrealistic at times, but Ali Sparkes has managed to make it mostly believable, which is no mean feat. You get mixed feelings as you read the book, since it is easy to hate at first, but you start to like him. You gradually begin to despise Jack's mum, who is what you would call, "high maintenance". Your emotions are always mixed up, and you can't help but just keep reading. The cleverly placed cliffhangers make it an addictive read, and very interesting. It is an enthralling read, one I would definitely recommend.
ReplyDeleteI would give it 9/10.
Adam Fuller
KEGS
The fist book that I read. I thought it was a very moving story, and it really shows that Homerus etiam de tempore usque ad tempus(Even Homer nods off from time to time) I could relate to it, havng an overprotective mother, and an invisible father. In some respects, it was quite like Bubble-Wrap Boy from last year. a very good book.
ReplyDelete6/10
William S-KEGS
I feel the same way, it hooked me in and it's such a page turner. Is it just me or does it feel so realistic? I wish I just never have to put it down. But it's still the best book in my eyes, so far. =]
DeleteF.J.P at King Harold Academy
I agree :D It's very relatable and captivating. I overly enjoyed reading the book!
DeleteAbi
Moulsham high school
it is amazing the story grips you like a hook i would like to give thanks to mrs smy who encouraged me to read this book it is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThis book is so awsome
ReplyDeleteAwesome stuff
ReplyDeleteif you want to read one of the books definitely choose this one. It is amazing and the suspense keeps you drawn in to the book.
ReplyDeleteThis was my first EBA book this year(this is my second time participating) and I CANNOT EVEN DESCRIBE how unbelievably good this story is. It has amazing characters(some that are so easily loveable) and an awesome story-line, quite thrilling and exciting. From the cover and the blurb, its not something I'd usually pick up, but it has now most likely become one of the most amazing books I've read this year, possibly my life. It makes me look forward to all the other EBA books ;) I'm not someone who cries at books, and I'm almost perfectly sure that I have never cried at one before, but this book had me so drawn in that I was an emotional wreck at the end of it :)
ReplyDeleteI'd DEFINITELY recommend this book to anyone and everyone that would like a good book to read; I'm certainly thinking of reading Ali Sparkes's other novels! I'm looking forward to the selection of stories this year.
Abigail
Moulsham High School
I agree!!! :)
DeleteLizzy, Year 10, MHS
:):):):):):):):):):)
Lucy, Boswells school
ReplyDeleteThis is my favourite book. It has such a brilliant story where at the beginning you hate Ross but by the end it's so sad that Ross died. I love the way Carjacked catches your imagination and the suspence of it urges you to read more of it. I love the character of Jack's over protective mother and her thoughts throughout the book.
I've only just started reading it but the first few pages are really good
ReplyDeletePaige yr7 boswells school
This book is so amazing. I am really taken back at how detailed and realistic it seems(even though something like this probably won't happen, at least in my lifetime!). At first, you are rather fooled into thinking that this is going to be one of those books in which the hero does something really thrilling and gets away, like the Alex Rider series. But after a while, you realise that this book is completely unique. There are huge swathes of originality everyone. For example, one unexpected twist is when Ross, the then-thought 'criminal', comes back with an asthma inhaler to save Jack's life.
ReplyDeleteI like the opening with Leonie Mattingly getting completely out of control with her son. It makes me feel grateful I don't have a mother like that!
Nandu, Year 7, KEGS
I read this book in just a few days as the way it is written is very clever as it twists between Jack and Ross and his parents and the police which makes it leaving you on so many cliffhangers . I really really enjoyed reading this book. I was really scared at the end, hoping that Ross would survive because he was so kind to Jack. I rate the book 5 stars. Taylor TTC.
ReplyDeleteAt the moment I'm reading car-jacked and think it is a very exciting book, which includes funny moments and exhilarating scenes.Although it is an amazing book I think it is quite unlikely for a 12 year old boy to stay with a criminal who kidnapped him and almost cost him his life.I believe that there are many twists in the book, for example: Ross(the car-jacker) risking his brother's life to give a random boy his inhaler.Or how Jack dose not call the police when he is in car-crash with a car-jacker.
ReplyDeleteGBHS
Jacob
I love it! the way jack and ross are portrayed are amazing and the plot is so well thought out.
ReplyDeleteI agree
DeleteJoe
GBHS
At the moment i have nearly finished car jacked and it is very good. Jack makes friends with the car-jacker (Ross) and i was really excited through the book. I would say it is four and a half stars and I would reccoment it.
ReplyDeleteJames
I've finished reading car jacked and i thought it was really good.I loved the bit when the car jacker took the car because they way they described the person getting in the car you would of thought it would have been jacks dad. If you haven't read it yet you'll love it when you do. this book was amazing!!!!! definetly my favourite book so far!!!!!
ReplyDeletePaige year 7 Boswells school
this book is amazing i gave it a 10/10. this book made me cry in some parts (and i NEVER cry in books ;) ) The book was astonishing. I've never read a book that is that good before. It's definitely going to get my vote!!!!! :)
ReplyDeletePaige year 7 Boswells school
I've just finished car-jacked and it's an amazing book which shows that Jack, the super genius boy, showing how he is not just a genius. This exciting intense book is possibly going to be the best book I will read!
ReplyDelete10/10
Joshua year 7 KEGS
Couldn't put it down. I read it in a weekend
ReplyDeleteKEGS
4 stars
ReplyDeleteSaint
Davenant Foundation School
Car Jacked was a book full of treats and twists which made for a good read. It has a an intriguing plot and generates a feeling of emotion. As Jack embarks on a emotional rollercoaster journey fills you with emotion.
ReplyDeleteKage
DFS
I thought carjacked was a really good book with a really normal approach then a really awesome ending. My favourite character was the carjacker as he had been represented in a bad way but was a really nice person.
ReplyDeleteLily- Tendering Technology College
I am half way through the book and it is probably one of the best stories I have read. (Other than The Door That Led To Where which is another EBA book) There is so much thought put into it and I really like it. I cant rate it yet as I haven't read the whole book, but I am sure it will be around 9/10.
ReplyDeleteZoe Rowe Pearce - Tabor Academy
I have not started the book yet but after reading most of the reviews it has given me high expectations of it. The blurb makes it sound very interesting and there is already a cliff hanger. I am looking forward to it. AH - KEGS
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Brilliant book! One of the best books I have read so far. This book is jam packed full of twist and turns. This book follows a boy genius called Jack and when a man steals his car with him in it he is in for the journey of his lifetime. Jack has to put his IQ to the test if he wants to make it home. With an overprotective mother who has restrained him all his life the question is can he make it? This book is an absolute thriller and I would recommend it to all fans of the Hunger Games. It excited me with every page and I could just not put it down. It really represents how everyone can have a light and dark side. It has an intriguing plot and it is a book you just can not put down. And with a twist at the end which will put a happy tear in your eye Favourite book so far.
ReplyDelete10/10
Finlay DFS
I haven't read it yet but it looks really intriging. I haveonly read the door that lead to where but i think ar jacked will win
ReplyDeletecar-jacked is a thrilling book about a young, very intelligent boy whose car get stolen....with him in it! He then gets taken on a thrilling journey and its a book that I would read again and again. I would rate it 8 and a half out of 10.
ReplyDeletesaskia
TTC
Tis was a epic fast speed book with a good storyline. However,it could have had a better middle a I started to tire of it. therefor I wouldn't say its better than some of the other books. But its a good read and I enjoyed the start and end, it gripped my thoughts and I was acing to read it well done Ali Sparks!(no spoilers)
ReplyDeleteGeorge DFS.
Wow! Where do I begin! So far Car-Jacked has been my favourite EBA book. 13 year old Jack is kidnapped when is family car is stolen on holiday, he must use his genius IQ of 170 to try and figure out how he is to get home. This book was very enjoyable and I coudln't put it down! This book is amazing, it is so well written and there are twists and turns in every chapter, I highly recommend this book.
ReplyDelete10/10*
Eloise, Year 7, The Boswells School.
Car-jacked was a masterpiece written by Ali Sparkes. My Essex Book Awards experience was kicked of with a thrilling read of the Crowham Martyrs,which proved to be an outstanding book. However,Car-jacked was even better and raised the bar even higher. Ali Sparkes's story about a young and talented boy called Jack and many other people. Throughout the course of the story we read about the feelings of characters: including Jack, his over-protective mum and the mysterious person in Jack's car. Each turn of the page provided detailed reasons to the motive of why people were acting in the way that they did. Overall, it was a thrilling read,that I would score 9.5 out of 10
ReplyDeleteThomas G
KEGS
I enjoyed car jacked lots. I liked the action and twists in it. I would rate it 7/10 because it takes time to make a point.
ReplyDeleteJoe
GBHS
This book is so EPIC! One of my most favourite books. Jack is a thirteen year old boy who gets "accidently" gets stolen when on his way to his holiday house. He needed to use his genius IQ SKILLS to figure out how to get home. GREAT PLOT! I liked how there were lots of twists and turns. I will definitely recommend this book to others.
ReplyDeleteRating:9/10
Jesbin Siby -Tendring Technology College
Car-jacked in my opinion was an action thriller that is all based on a boy genius called jack Mattingly.
ReplyDeleteIt all starts when jack is at a petrol station with his mum and dad when suddenly the car gets stolen with only jack in it. Then the life jack always wanted may have become his worst nightmare. But really the book is amazing and at no point I wanted to put it down.
Ali Sparkes has made this book an amazing story. There may have been a part of the story where you want to shout at jack for making the wrong decision but mostly it pulled me even more. Another part that really got on my nerves was the fact that jack made such stupid decisions for someone with an IQ of 170. Although, I love this book so much, because it shows an adventure in the least expected form. There is a part in the story which got me very confused so I would say unless you pay max attention you might need to re-track over the page. But except from that it was a top notch story.
8*/10* --F.J.P-- --King harold acadamy--
Car-jacked starts with a man named Ross stealing a Prius with a child genius named Jack inside. Jack ends up being friends with Ross who stole the car to help save his brother from criminals.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the action starts very quickly and then kind of slows down for a few chapters but speeds up again when they get separated and when you find out about his brother and what the criminals have prepared for Ross.
The book is quite good although for a genius Jack makes some stupid decisions. I love the book because it takes a boy genius and throws him into an unexpected situation that no-one expected. I loved the book and didn’t want to put it down.
I would recommend it to people that like action thrillers.
8*/10*
D.W. KHA Library
I loved this book- definately my favourite so far and I've read all but one of them! Is it me or does it hook you from the very first page? Right from the beginning I loved it and i have to say that there wasn't a single part that disapointed me. Certainly recommend it for all types of readers- boys and girls- AMAZING!
ReplyDelete10/10
Molly
Plume school
Car-Jacked is a very fast-paced book and probably my favourite so far due to the tension and the suspense. It was an amazing page-turner and I couldn't but this book down. There are many plot twists in this book and Car-Jacked makes you think that even if you are a criminal you aren't necessarily a bad person.
ReplyDelete9.5/10
Harvey M -Year 7 -KEGS
I loved this book! You could picture what the story said and it was as if you were there. The story links in with problems them some people may face in reality and what to do when you come to face a problem like this and how to face it. It was very intense and I couldn't put the book down because it was so good! I would recommend it for people who like adventures and mysterious books.
ReplyDeleteJayani, Tendering Technology College
I really enjoyed this book. It is fast-paced and really amazing. It was tense and I never knew what would happen next. I didn't think I'd like it but I actually loved it!
ReplyDeleteEleanor - Year 7 - Hockerill Anglo-European College
Looking at the cover and the blurb, I agree that it's something I would never usually pick up. I'm really glad I read it :)
Deleteabi
Moulsham High School
A great book from start to finish, it was VERY hard to put down. (SPOILER ALERT: The only bit I didn't get was when Ross wrote Jack a letter even though he was dead!) Altogether it is a FANTASTIC book.
ReplyDeleteErin - Year 7 - Hockerill Anglo-European College
I really enjoyed this book. It is fast paced and exciting. It had lots of plot twists that kept me interested. I thought that the story is very good, as it shows you an unexpected side of crime. I would recommend this book.
ReplyDeleteSophie - Year 9 - Hockerill Anglo-European College
In really enjoyed it but you didn't know what was going to happen it was just like a aticon movie but better Andrew 10/10 Plume School
ReplyDeleteKills time well
ReplyDeleteGreat book, best one so far, but would have been better if it ended more quickly, because I felt it dragged on. However it was unpredictable
ReplyDeleteI have read some of Ali Sparkes' other work and I felt that this one wasn't as good but I still enjoyed it nevertheless. I really liked the opening when Jack is accidently stolen with the car, and, the twist at the end.
ReplyDeleteI lead a book talk session on this in school.
I would recommend this book.
Clare, library prefect BUCHS.
I really liked car jacked because it is very interesting and also fun
ReplyDeleteJames, GBHS
This book is my favourite so far as it makes you think and has lots of suspense.
ReplyDeleteJoe
GBHS
i really enjoyed this book it is by far my favorite book out of the 3 i have read. The ending is amazing and you just can't help but like ross. The only thing i would say is the starting is a bit patching and boring but keep with it and you will love it.
ReplyDeletei loved this book and couldn't put it down. If you don't know Ali Sparks, then this is great to get in to her. A bit unrealistic at parts but never the less a great book
ReplyDeletethis is a great book, there's loads of action and sometimes it's serious and sad. my favourite part is when jack(the boy) and ross McAllister(the bank robber) snuck in to the cottage to stay over night.
ReplyDeleteDan,GBHS
I enjoyed this book as it wasn't what you expected.
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning it was quite boring as they were just in a petrol station, as you got deeper into the book it got more interesting. With Jack being taken I thought Ross would be a nasty criminal, but it turned out he was just a friendly guy. Even though Jack should have gone back to his parents he was determined to help Ross save his brother. However Stuart faked it which must have really upset Ross. Jack's mum was probably the most funny character as she thought everything was a big deal, but she was only trying to protect her son which all mums/parents do. The police weren't much help and probably made her more stressed.I think this book deserves 9/10.
Jenny GBHS
I am reading this book and it is really good. I would rate this 7/10 so far
ReplyDeleteGBHS Taylor
I loved this book! I thought it was a brilliant combination of funny, poignant and exciting, while also having a great storyline!!! I could really relate to the characters and would give this book 8.5/10 :):):)
ReplyDeleteLizzy Year 10
Moulsham High School
It is very thrilling and exciting XD Very fortunate to have been able to read it.
DeleteAbi
Moulsham High School
I enjoyed this book a lot!
ReplyDeleteYou get to see Jack go on this thrilling adventure to help this criminal Ross save his brother. The more of this book you read, the harder it is to put it down! The only thing I would say is the beginning is a bit boring but it gets better. This book was much better than what I actually thought it would be and I liked the way Jack and Ross gradually become friends and help each other out throughout the story. This book is full of action and surprises and I would give it a 8/10 :)
Safi- Moulsham High School
Very tense and exciting - if you like adventure stories definitely read this. This is a number 1 book for all people aged 11-17. For me there were no boring bits apart from a long letter which didn't give much information.
ReplyDeleteMatthew - Year 7 - Hockerill Anglo-European College
My favourite character is Jack who's a child genius and I like how he changes throughout the story and becomes a much stronger and braver person.
ReplyDeleteBut I also like Ross and thought it was interesting when we found out why he went to prison and got into crime. I think Jacks dad is pretty cool too, but his mum is very protective of Jack and is literally freaking out throughout the whole book!
Safi- Moulsham High School
I would say that Ross is my favourite character. It was a kind of love-hate feeling at first, but overall, I would say he's pretty incredible :)
DeleteAbigail
Moulsham High School
There is a lot of character development for Ross :)
DeleteChloe
Moulsham High School
did ross die or did he go into a witness relocation program to newzealand
DeleteMatthew
Boswells school
I like ross too! the way that he is really kind to jack and he uses his wits.
Deletejess b gbhs
Car jacked is a very exciting book about a young intelligent boy called Jack whose car that gets stolen whilst he is in it. It takes you on interesting adventure with lots of thrilling activity. I recommend this book to people who like adventure and mystery. I give this book 9/10 stars
ReplyDeleteChinna
Year9
DFS
Jack is a boy genius who has never experienced the wonders of childhood "treats". When he is accidently kidnapped, he finally gets to fulfil his dreams. I think although this book was full of adventure, I feel that the storyline was a bit predictable.
ReplyDeleteSophia
DFS
I love this book it is so amazing! There is so much detail and the storyline is just so good. This is by far the best book I have read so far. Jack is my favourite character because even though he is a genius he is also very funny. I rate this book 10/10.
ReplyDeleteCaitlin Morris
DFS
I found Carjacked an exciting and intriguing, action packed story. As soon as I reached about the third chapter I couldn't stop reading, even when it was time for dinner, I would say "one more chapter and I will come downstairs" but then I would read way more than one chapter. I especially enjoyed the part when Jack made a decision to help his brother, than go back home to his parents where he would be safe. I was quite sad when Ross (the carjacker) dies; he was innocent all the time! He only robbed banks, so he could save his brother, who wasn't even in danger; his brother just needed the money to do a dodgy deal. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was sad to have finished it and I think it has given me a wider imagination than usual.
ReplyDeleteLola Year 7 BUCHS
I found the book carjacked pretty exciting and full of action.But for a long time through the story I found that it seemed to never end,and it was stretched for a long time.At the beginning I actually enjoyed it but then it seemed to repeat.It was quite sad for Ross to die as it wasn't entirely his fault but you know I don't actually enjoy action books so it wasn't my thing, but for others who like action packed books they probably enjoyed it.I recommend this book to people who enjoy action and adventure.
ReplyDeleteSatvika A Year 7 CCHS
in the book it starts slow not very exciting but throughout the book it gets surprisingly amazing I would definitely recommend this book for a lot of people
ReplyDeleteit made me want to read more every time I read even 1 page.
my favourite character was obviously jack because I like all the smart people in books because they might sometimes come up with an idea to stop the problem but jack had no idea how to solve the problem so I found that exciting.
most of the characters were real to me except jack because I don't get how a boy is that smart but when he gets into trouble he has no idea what to do
the book made me happy and I was so excited to know what happened next
I could not dislike the book one bit it was too amazing for me to stop reading it.
out of ten I would give it ten I would also recommend everyone should read it before they are out of secondary school
Reece age 11 Tendering Technology College
I loved this book as it was two different people working together, and shows real trust in each other. At the end it was full of lies and finding out the truth which kept me on the end of my seat!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this book, especially all the random facts Jack gives. Took me while to get around to reading it, but so glad I did
ReplyDeleteReally good book. Really gripping. I found I could not put it down.
ReplyDeleteAimée - Year 7 - Hockerill Anglo-European College
I really really enjoyed this book. First book in 4 years that has properly gripped me. Al;though it lacks build up at moments it is really good and has a solid plot.
ReplyDelete8/10
Chloe Moulsham High School
It is a action packed book. I really liked the end as I liked the fact it tells you that Ross did not die for which I was thankful as I really hated his death. Also I really liked how the separation of the family actually unites both families.
ReplyDeleteYear8 Moulsham High School
AMAZING!!!AMAZING!!!AMAZING!!!AMAZING!!!AMAZING!!!AMAZING!!!AMAZING!!!AMAZING!!!AMAZING!!!
ReplyDeleteFull of excitement, this book is. I couldn't put it down.AMAZING!!!
ReplyDeleteThis was the second book I read and so far it's my favorite of the five I have read. I did not want it to end. It was moving, gripping and adventurous, everything I love in a book! It was so clever and I loved the ending! 10/10 Tiegan, Boswells
ReplyDeleteThis book was exciting and kept me hooked throughout the story. I didn't know what was coming next and it was full of surprises. However I thought the ending was confusing because I didn't understand what happened to Ross. I rate this book 8/10
ReplyDeleteEmily Cr, Boswells
I would rate this book 8/10.
ReplyDeleteI did enjoyed this book because I like the way that both characters contrasted each other as they were two very different people, however they worked well together and they used each other’s strengths well. Although, I did find the book quite predictable and you could easily tell what would happen next. However, I didn’t quite get the end when Ross sent a letter because I thought he was dead but I understand why the writer put it in, as it causes confusion towards the reader and it makes you wonder what actually happened to Ross. My favorite character was Ross, because he was a kind person as he defended his brother a lot even though he didn’t always need to. Overall, I thought it was a great book and I would recommend it.
Hannah
The Boswells School
This book creates tension all the way through. Amazing book, very gripping. I could not put this book down. This book is very action packed, yet does enter the theme of adventure. The tension in this book is what pulls you in and makes sure you don’t stop reading. CarJacked has a very plot and I found that you didn’t always know what was going to happen further into the book. The very beginning (like the first 2/3 chapters) was really exciting. But as you went further in to the beginning it is a little boring, but luckily the adventure and tension soon kicks in again. Amazing book overall, defiantly one of my favourites so far.
ReplyDeleteNatasha
The Boswells School
This was the first book that I read and I have really enjoyed reading it. There were many events that occurred that I didn't expect witch made it more exiting. I love the story line and how Jack is determined to help Ross rather than going back to parents (in a safe environment). I also found the book full of excitement and this is what kept me on the edge of my seat. I would definitely recommended this book. As the book progresses, we learn more about Ross and his situation and he goes on to become my favorite character. 10/10
ReplyDeleteSophie Jacobs Boswells
very good book quit exiting but also a bit funny
ReplyDeletethis is a very good book but could have used some more action ( like a police shoot-out with the bad guys, Mr Chan not ross)
ReplyDeleteThis was a epic fast speed book with a good storyline. However,it could have had a better middle and I started to get boring. therefore I wouldn't say its better than some of the other books. But its a good read and I enjoyed the start and end, it gripped my thoughts and I was acing to read it well done Ali Sparks!(no spoilers)
ReplyDeleteGeorge DFS.
I found this book incredibly exhilarating. the characters were so easy to fall in love with their personalities! the first 3 chapters where the most interesting and after that, it started to become slightly boring. after a while though the real adventure starts to happen. I don't want to give away much but I defiantly thought that this book was the greatest.
ReplyDeletei would rate this book a 9.5/10.
Elise Albiston
DFS
This book is very adventures and a book that I find is impossible to put down... I love the story line and how a car-hacker can be so different! Although I did think this book lacked a bit of reality
ReplyDeleteKate
DFS
Fast-paced. Dramatic. And absolutely hilarious in some places. Car-jacked really keeps you on the edge of your seat! The characters were relatable yet so exaggerated. Especially the mother who is so over-protective that she cares more about the fact that Jack hasn't taken his "optimum intelligence" pills than that he has been kidnapped by a criminal. And Ross, the car-jacker himself, seemed like your average bad-guy at first but was actually way more complex than that. I loved this book - it was a perfect balance between action and comedy.
ReplyDeleteI would rate it 10/10.
Oliver C - KEGS
Car-Jacked is an action backed and on the whole an exceptionally humours read for anyone who is capable of understanding all the jokes that are used in the context. However, at the end and the beginning of the story there is a much more serious atmosphere. I greatly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading an incredibly funny story that is full of action. Overall I would rate this book 7 out of 10.
ReplyDeleteBenjamin S. KEGS
This book was so good! Unlike other eba books I was in love with the story sine the very first page! It's dramatic, action packed and fast paced plot line sucked me in as soon as I took my first glance at it! The story never failed to keep me entertained which is why I loved it so much as it kept me reading. it was like I couldn't even put the book down as at some points it was so emotional and thrilling that I just had to keep reading to find out what happens next!
ReplyDeleteI felt that the story really developed as it went on, creating more atmospheric moments and emotional, funny and dramatic scenes shown by the fantastic writing that described every object possible to its maximum degree constructing an exact image in my head of the settings and characters. As well as the plot line developing, I also felt like the characters did as well. I feel like this mainly happened in the character of Jack's mum. This is because at the start of the story, like lots of other people, I thought that she was very annoying and rude- only caring that she had lost her genius son (always emphasising genius) seeming to not care about her son. However, towards the middle of the story, I think that jack's mum's character had developed and started to say things like I know he is a genius but he is just a twelve year old boy- which I felt linked to how Jack was feeling as though he was just a normal twelve year old boy and a lot younger than he usually acted!
My favourite character must have to be Ross. Although he was a carjacker/bank robber/vandal/accidental kidnapper, I always thought that he had another, softer side to him, which was shown to be true as the story uncovered his past where he was an innocent, normal man at university! The story also showed how utterly endearing he was to his little brother trying to prove that however bad family were you always have to love them. This also acts as a lesson in the book towards Jack to his mum.
I also really liked how the character of the dad, Nigel, developed throughout the story. At fist, I was quite annoyed at the dad, he seemed so sullen and monosyllabic at the whole situation just hanging in the background waiting for his wife to deal with it all as he was portrayed to not even care about Jack at all. However, later in the story, jack's dad was shown to take control. It seemed that he suddenly, he actually really did care about his missing son and he wanted help. I loved how he was shown to almost stand up to his wife and make her see sense in how ridiculous and oblivious to how stupid what she saying really was! (more in next post)
(Continued from the post that this is replying to) The only fault that I found with the book would be that at some parts, it did not completely make sense. I found that sometimes, the story did not really explain itself and did not quite make sense how some of the characters got from one place in the plot to another. To be honest, I did find that this happened quite a lot in the other eba books, however, unlike in the other ones, it did not recover itself by later summarising and explain the story, it just left some mysteries unsolved which made me confused multiple times.
DeleteSome parts in the story were really sad and emotional like when the police man came out in Jack's speech at the end to...deliver the news! I nearly cried at this point, the excellent writing had made me so attached and close to the characters that it was so sad when anything happened to them. On the other hand, some moment in the story made me laugh out loud! For example, sometimes, even though I did find the mum annoying at some points, at certain times, her sarcastic and oblivious tone that came across was quite amusing as though she really didn't know how embarrassing she was to her son! I also felt like this was also a really good point in the book. this was because it was like there was something to relate to so that it the story was more familiar and easier to imagine.
I thought that the ending was definitely one of the most inventive out of all the other books I have read. I really was on the edge of my seat when I heard about Ross as he was such an incredible character. I thought that the book had ended at jack's letter, thinking that ross had died. I originally thought that this would be quite a poor ending to such an excellent book because it was just jack saying how sad it was- but then there was the twist! I couldn't believe it when I read the first line of the second letter! it was so inventive to have ross under witness protection- I never saw it coming! I almost whooped with joy when I found out that ross was alright, it was just the perfect conclusion to an excellent book!
Overall, this book was extremely enjoyable and completely and perfectly over dramatic which made it slightly comedic! I would definitely recommend this book to everyone at any age to read it as I could be confident that they would love as much as I did!
An amazing story and amazing to read!
Grace A
9/10
The Boswells School
I really like car jacked- I like the fast paced adventure and that he uses his cleverness accordingly!
ReplyDeletejess b gbhs
wow! this book was amazing. when I was reading this lots of girls where like why are you reading a boys book. I dint care what they said. I didn't really want to read it in the first place. after I read the first few words I just wanted to read on. thanks
ReplyDeleteBethany cartwright
great Baddow high school (gbhs)
This is a really good book and it is really easy to get into. The thing that I liked about this book as well is that with some books the characters comme in like bang bang bang whereas this bokk the characters came in gradusally this is my fav book
ReplyDeleteIsabella
I loved this book!
ReplyDeleteThis was my fourth book and definitely my favorite one so far! With the other books, I found it very hard to get into them and most of them progressed throughout the book. However, with Car-jacked I loved it from the word go! From the start, the plot was thrilling and full of adventure. It was gripping and constantly had me on the edge of my seat.
I honestly cannot think of a single thing that was bad about this book. Everything was written in a way that meant I always wanted to read more. Even when I had finished, I still wanted to read more. When I finished I felt sad and wanted to read it again.
The ending was really good- I actually almost cried! Ross was probably my favorite character, so I glad that there was a happy ending for him, as well as everyone else. I found Jack's Mum a bit annoying. Lots of people have said they think she was over-protective, but I got the impression she was more worried about the genius than she was about her son. Throughout the book, however, she did seem to weaken a little bit and become more worried about Jack as a person. This was nice to see in a way. However, even by the end I still feel that she should have allowed Jack a little more freedom to make his own choices. Having said this, I do not dislike her character, as I felt that she was a big part of the plot and without her the book would have been nowhere near a as good.
I have so much more to say about this book, but it would take me hours. It was amazing and I would recommend it to everyone! I hope there are more books by the same author that I can read as it was so good.
I would give this book 10/10
Charlotte B
The Boswells School
I really enjoyed this fast-paced and thrilling read. The opening chapter was thoroughly gripping and exciting and I was desperate to read on. Jack, a child genius, is accidentally taken when his car is stolen at a petrol station, when his parents have gone off to pay. At first, the criminal seemed cruel and heartless but throughout the book his character softens as we discover more about him and his circumstances. I thought both the main characters were unique, individual and an unlikely friendship begins, which is still credible.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the scenery descriptions that Ali Sparkes created, along with the suspense and dramatic tension. I didn't want to put the book down!
I thought the plot in this story was original, with some unexpected twists, especially the ending.
I would rate Car-Jacked 9.5 out of 10.
This last review was by Molly, The Sweyne Park School (Year 7)
ReplyDeleteCar-Jacked is one of the most thrilling adventure stories that I have read and it was extremely hard to put the book down through the exciting plot. Jack is a child genius and he is accidentally taken when someone steals the family car at a petrol station. However, even though he had robbed a bank, the "baddie" was in more need than Jack was. I thought the characters were totally believable and this story could have actually happened. I really enjoyed reading this book so much I would rate it 10/10.
ReplyDeleteSam (Yr 7) The Sweyne Park School
I really liked Car-Jacked. I thought it was fast-paced and I liked how it had a mystery to it as well as being an easy to read and gripping adventure story.
ReplyDeleteIt was about a boy called Jack who was really clever and he was in the back seat when somebody stole the car. (His parents were paying at a petrol station)
This isn't the type of book I would normally read, but I'm really glad I did because I really enjoyed it.
I would give this book 9/10
Abigail, The Sweyne Park School (Year 7)
Car-Jacked was probably my third favourite book in the Essex Book Awards. I found it fast paced then it slowed down a bit at time. This isn't my type of book and I found it pretty annoying at times because it kept saying that Jack was a genius.
ReplyDelete8*/10*
D.W. KHA
At the moment I am reading Car-Jacked and so far it is good. I wouldn't say it was my favourite beginning from other Essex Book Award Books because i think it was to predictable but I think it will be an amazing book in the end.
ReplyDeleteL.R.S King Harold
it is a very good book and a nice twist at the end personaly i think it was the best out of the lot as most i found quit boring.
ReplyDeleteCar Jacked: the only book I managed to read before the deadline. Because of this, I won't be at the Award Ceremony to see which book wins the award, nor will I be able to vote (because it will be unfair when I haven't read the others). But I hope that it will be Car Jacked. It truly is an amazing read.
ReplyDeleteJack is trapped on his mother's leash, stuck in a world of competitions and healthy food. However, when Ross steals the car with Jack inside of it, the teen genius has his life flipped upside down. In my opinion, it is for the better, because he truly gets to experience freedom and the ability of choice for the first time. Ross allows him to experience this, despite the fact he is deemed to be an outlaw. Kinda like Robin Hood helping out his Merry Men, huh? (Since Ross is kindhearted deep down, and at the end of the day he is forced into crime.) The relationship between Jack and Ross is actually really cute to watch - it is surprisingly realistic and strong too, even though they should be against each other, since Ross has technically kidnapped Jack.
I would have loved to have seen a bit of a different ending though - it just seemed rather rushed to me. If I'd written the book, I would have ended it with Jack at Ross' 'funeral', standing alone over Ross' grave and crying. Then Ross would come up to him to comfort him, and the book would end with Ross saying something like "Cheer up, Jack. It's gonnae be alright." That's just me, though - the ending was still great and nearly made me shed tears. Had I been alone, I would have cried. But quite frankly I didn't want to cry in front of my class in the library, so I had to bite my tongue...
Anyway, overall, Car Jacked is a truly great book that explores many fantastic themes, such as youthful freedom, family and (of course) friendship. I'd rate the book 9/10 and if I could vote, it probably would be for this book. Thank you for writing this awesome book!
~Lucy Coulson, Boswells
IT TOOK ages TO GET GOING IS THE ONLY THING WRONG!
ReplyDeleteotherwise it was a great read
6/10
for people who like suspense, mystery and trouble
lauren
GBHS
I enjoyed this book I rate it 7/10 I have finally finished it
ReplyDeleteGBHS Taylor
This book is very fast paced and impossible to put down. It is the best one I've read so far.
ReplyDeleteEmma - Year 7 - Hockerill Anglo-European College
EDITED:I fell in love this book nearly straight away, in a way I could relate . ( There possessive mother / relaxed dad and wanting to be free). The fact that the book was about two very different characters becoming friends, made me a bit wary however I'm so glad I took the time to read this. The cliff-hanger at the end was very enticing and I would very much like a sequel and see Jack and Ross again.
ReplyDeleteThe slightly unrealistic relationship between the two made me laugh and think it would be a bit of a whimsical book but in reality it was a good book full of home truths. It made me think about everyday situations in more depth and made me focus on thing important. Defiantly recommend this to anyone. 10/10
Be warned, reading this book may cause you to cry or you heart to ache...proceed with caution!
Charlea bray,
year 9.
the ockendon academy
Ben Parr
ReplyDeleteYear 7
King Edward Grammar school
The book was an instant winner to me and caught me like a fishing line, slowly healing me in as I dived further through the pages, the unlikely relationship between Jack and Ross added a bit of humour to the rapidly unfolding story. It was one of the few books that I wished would never end. The thrilling tale is sure to wrap you up in it's pages which contains a well divised story which I would recommend to anyone. 10/10
Such a gripping and exciting book! I just cannot put it down. :)
ReplyDeleteLucie SHSG
This book is one of my favourites. It is funny and very good. When I was reading it I was feeling like I was in the book. This book is about Jack with IQ of 170 being accidently kidnapped by Ross. After crashing the car they are stuck with each other for the rest of the book. It is very good for raining days or when you are bored,
ReplyDeleteOla St Helena
I thought Car-Jacked was an amazing adventure book. It was exciting, fast-paced and full of twist and turns. Jack is accidently kidnapped by Ross; an interesting character who develops the more you read into the book. At first he is a hardened criminal, but then we start to see a softer side to him as the book progresses. There is never a dull moment as each time you turn the page there is something happening, which makes you unable to put the book down! The ending really shocked me and at first I didn't understand the twist, but now I realise and I won't forget this book. This is my favourite book and I hope it wins. I give it 10/10.
ReplyDeleteFlorrie, The Sweyne Park School (Year 7)
wyllow
ReplyDeletethis book is one of my favourites. it has lots of cliff hangers and its very dramatic! my favourite part was the end of the book! I couldn't put it down
Rating: 5/5
ReplyDeleteI believe this book is suitable for all teenagers.
Carjacked was a fantastic and very gripping story and a lot more action packed than other books I read before! I think the author came up with an extremely clever, yet simple plot because crime is a common situation nowadays, but the way she interpreted a friendly figure and a desperate young boy into it was intelligent because not many would ever agree to the way the 2 main characters bonded, showing that the book had its own unique view on some criminals.
One of the main things I loved was that as soon as you started it, you got into the action because if it takes a book a long time to really get started, you lose interest in it a lot quicker and that makes you feel like you don’t want to persevere until the end. In Carjacked, I immediately was hooked in the first few pages, which is why I did want to continue reading the book.
I was slightly confused at the end and I didn’t quite understand what had happened because it ended the final chapter in a slightly unexpected way, but then carried on with an exchange of letters between Jack and Ross, which is what really confused me. However, once it was explained to me, I realised that it actually fit very well and after discussing with others, came to a decision that a sequel would complement the book.
Overall, I loved this book a lot and really think a sequel should be considered by the author because it would help to understand the book better, because I think people might not understand the ending, as I didn’t at first.
Erfan, HACHS
I have recommended this book to so many people especially those who like action which this book is full of, and I loved this book from start to finish.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the part in the book when Jack defends and protects Rose while he was getting arrest by the police for kidnapping and armed robbery. It is Jack who is my favourite character, and I can relate to Jack with some of his character traits which are a bit of me.
I was at first not sure which direction the book was going with the two main characters, even disliked Ross to begin with, but as the story unfolds you just need to know what is going to happen to them both. I read the ending twice as I didn’t get it at first, then I re-read it then I understood it which made the book even more brilliant.
Saunders, HACHS
This is a gripping and entertaining novel. It kept me hooked throughout, and had a clever and intelligent storyline that was relevant to modern-day issues that occur in todays society. It tells the story of 12 year old genius, Jack, who is kidnapped when a carjacker, Ross, steals his parents car whilst he is hiddne in the backseat of the car. He embarks on a journey to not only save himself, but also the friend that he has made along the way.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I particularly enjoyed about this book is the fact that it was suited both genders, boys and girls, because of the interesting and unisex storyline. Some books on todays market, are targeted towards particular genders through the artwork of the covers and the blurb. One of the things that I liked was the fact that the storyline changed throughout the book and towards the last few pages, I still did not fully understand how the author was going to make sense of everything built up in the novel, and deliver an ending that was relevant to the rest of the novel and the characters we had learnt so much about. But, Ali Sparkes delivered and gave an unexpected ending that was unimaginable until you read the end of the novel.
This book was wonderful but if I could change one thing about it, it would be the explanation of the ending better as I felt as it was little bit too rushed, and I was left confused because it was abrupt.
In conclusion, I did thoroughly enjoy this novel as it was intriguing and covers issues that could happen in everyday life. The ending needed a better explanation to give a better overall view of the novel. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good crime/action novel, specifically targeted at year groups 12-15.
I would certainly read more of the authors books in the future.
Cullis, HACHS
This is an absolutely fantastic read. Ali Sparkes has done an amazing job when creating this book. The partnership of child genius and adult thief seemed unlikely at the very beginning, but actually became an enthralling partnership as the book went on.
ReplyDeleteHumour is also very well used, especially when Jack's mum is so consistent about Jack's habits. A great read, suited for all.
9.8/10
Jamie W, KEGS
At the beginning, I was intrigued. I couldn't put the book down! However I did feel that the whole plot- that was stated in the blurb- was over in the first few chapters. I am quiet specific with my choice of books; this book was not for me.
ReplyDeleteEven though I didn't enjoy it that much, I would still recommend it to someone who likes a slow read with some twist, turns and suspense.
Rating-7/10
Nadine Turrell. Year 7.
The Ockendon Academy.