THE DECOMPOSITION OF JACK

A parent-child duo collect and research roadkill.

Tennessee middle schooler Jack Acosta can handle maggots, blood, and intestines. But the “stench of decay” involved in transporting carcasses (his scientist mother studies decomposition) is a big nope. Between being called “Roadkill Kid,” his mom and dad’s divorce, and extracurricular “roadkill undertaking,” Jack has a lot going on. In spite of the “work, work, work,” Jack finds time to hang out with his best friend, André, and fret over his budding friendship with his crush, Zoe. A live cougar’s surprise appearance in the backyard “Roadkill Garden” inspires Jack to research the species—one that has been declared extinct in the state—for a school report. His mom sees the cougar as a “data nightmare,” but to Jack, it’s a call to action. Tubb, known for humorous dog books, diverges from her oeuvre to deliver a moving narrative with a distinct point of view. Jack’s references to the stages of the decomposition process as he grapples with his parents’ divorce offer unique parallels to grieving. Laugh-out-loud moments balance the heavy with the humorous. The strong conservationist message and assignment-based structure, however, make the story a bit bloated. Race and ethnicity aren’t explicitly stated; some cues suggest possible diversity (e.g., Zoe’s mom wears a headscarf).

Niche but surprisingly fascinating.