Audiobook: The Janitor's Boy by Andrew Clements

The Janitor's Boy by Andrew Clements


Read by B.D. Wong


Published by Listening Library (2000)


3 Discs: 3 Hours, 49 Minutes


ISBN: 9780739372173


Reading Level: Ages 9 and up

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The Janitor's Boy tells the story of Jack Rankin, a fifth grade boy who is struggling to come to terms with the fact that his father is the school janitor.  It never bothered him before, but lately kids have started to tease him about being the lowly janitor's son.  One day, Jack impulsively decides to vandalize a school desk with gum, knowing that his dad will be the one to clean it up.  But Jack never expected to get caught - and he never expected such a punishment.  The school principal forces Jack to help out the janitorial staff every day after school for three weeks.  Could his embarrassment possibly get any worse?

But after a few days of working alongside his dad, Jack realizes that there are a few benefits to being the school janitor, namely the access to all the keys that unlock the doors within the school.  Jack, being curious and a bit mischievous, takes a few interesting keys and decides to explore the school on his own.  But one key leads him down a mysterious corridor, and unlocks much more than a door - Jack's exploration leads him to a new understanding of his father and the secrets he has carried since his time in the Vietnam War.

The Janitor's Boy may be one of Andrew Clements's lesser-known novels, but it nonetheless carries the same poignancy and humor that he is known for as a writer.  Sort of like a mini coming-of-age story, the novel is geared toward young boys who are entering the social realm of peer pressure and self-awareness.  Jack is ashamed of his father's position within the school, not realizing the sacrifices his dad has made along the way to support his family.  But he soon learns that what appears to be the worst punishment of his life has some unexpected rewards, and Jack is finally able to see his father as a man to be proud of.

B.D. Wang's performance in this audiobook is perfect for the tone of the novel.  There aren't a lot of bells and whistles here - no sound effects or multiple narrators - but Wang uses voice techniques to separate the characters, and his pacing is spot on.  Audiobooks are a great way to entice reluctant readers into the world of literature.  If kids get impatient or fidgety while reading, they might find that listening is a better alternative.  While this book is definitely geared towards a male audience, the novel's themes of understanding, embarrassment, patience, and exploration will likely appeal to anyone in the 9-12 age range, and could open up a great discussion with parents or classmates about the importance of judging people by their character, and not by the uniform they wear.