“The important thing is not to stop questioning.” – Albert Einstein
Jack is growing up, and with that comes big questions—about family, love, loss, and even war. In Always Jack, he navigates everything from friendships and sibling rivalry to his mum’s cancer diagnosis, learning that life’s challenges can be met with humor, resilience, and the support of those who love us.
“Part survival manual, part therapy, part autobiography, part fiction—Always Jack is beautiful, sad, and funny. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and Jack’s story will stay with readers always.” – Sun-Herald Review
As a multiple breast cancer survivor and a mother of two, I wrote Always Jack to help kids understand that it’s okay to ask questions, seek answers, and share their worries with family and friends. No matter how tough things seem, they are never alone.
A Heartfelt and Uplifting Story About Family, Change, and Resilience
Jack’s life is going great—he’s got amazing friends, his jokes always land, and his inventions are the best. But just when everything seems perfect, things start to get complicated.
His Nanna is getting older, and his best friend Anna suddenly makes his face go red. His mum and Rob’s wedding is taking over everything, and Jack’s not sure how he feels about it. But the biggest challenge comes when his mum tells him something that changes everything—she has cancer.
Jack is about to discover just how much courage it takes to face the unknown. With his family and friends by his side, he learns the power of hope, love, and talking through life’s hardest moments.
Why Read Always Jack?
With warmth, humour, and honesty, Susanne Gervay once again brings Jack’s world to life in a way that is relatable, inspiring, and filled with hope. Always Jack is a must-read for young readers navigating life’s ups and downs.
Susanne Gervay is an award-winning Australian author, celebrated for her ability to tackle real-life issues with honesty, warmth, and heart. A dedicated advocate for children’s literature, social justice, and youth empowerment, she has worked extensively in anti-bullying initiatives, literacy programs, and educational outreach.
Her beloved I Am Jack series has become a cornerstone in anti-bullying education, embraced by schools, families, and young readers worldwide. With its humour, heart, and deeply relatable storytelling, the series has resonated across generations and has even been adapted into a successful stage production.
In Always Jack, Susanne delves into family, health, and the resilience of the human spirit. Jack’s life is full of fun, friendships, and crazy family antics, but when his mum is diagnosed with breast cancer, everything changes. As Jack struggles with fear, uncertainty, and the responsibilities of growing up, he learns the power of love, support, and facing challenges together. With humour and heart, Always Jack brings light to a difficult subject, helping children and families navigate conversations about illness, change, and the importance of staying strong as a family.
Through her writing, Susanne continues to empower young readers to face life’s ups and downs with courage, kindness, and hope.
“Gervay’s ability to balance humor with life’s toughest moments shines in Always Jack. Through Jack’s eyes, we see the power of love, family, and resilience in the face of uncertainty. A touching, funny, and honest story that every child—and parent—should read.”
“Jack’s journey continues in this beautifully written novel that tackles big issues—first love, family changes, and cancer—with warmth and authenticity. Always Jack is a must-read for young readers navigating their own challenges.”
“A deeply moving and uplifting read, Always Jack captures the ups and downs of growing up with honesty and humor. Jack’s story reminds us that even in life’s hardest moments, family and friendship are our greatest strengths.”
