I received this book from Library Thing in exchange for an honest review.This little book was a surprise. I knew it was coming, but I didn’t expect it to be so big for its size. By that I mean, this book may be small but it is jam-packed – in such a nice way.Nancy Hartry grabbed my attention right away with how she began this tale. She set the scene in chapter one, then hit with a gut-wrenching punch in chapter two. Even so, this interesting – yet painful – story that’s easy to read, easy to follow, easy to understand, is hard to put down until the end. And once there it evokes a satisfied sigh and leaves the reader thinking it all over.Carolyn and Jimmy were best friends. When Jimmy got hurt, Uncle Ted’s story was that he fell off the swing. What nobody knows is that Carolyn saw the whole thing, but who can she tell? And what good would it do?This story is set in 1958, after World War II, during a time of struggle and recovery in Canada, a historical time that will change the nation. Nancy Hartry writes in a way that illuminates that era without the reader realizing there is a history lesson being presented.This book is well worth the read. It is very believable and captures the reader for a step back in time to learn what life in Canada was like then, and what it means to be courageous, dedicated, and truthful.Watching Jimmy by Nancy Hartry was a finalist for the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People, and the Ontario Library Association’s Golden Oak Award.If you enjoy historical fiction you will certainly appreciate Watching Jimmy by Nancy Hartry. start: i've been asked to read and determine if this is more of a kids' book or a teens' book.finish: quick read about a poor canadian girl who is strong-willed, talented and smart, an outcast at her school, and determined to keep Jimmy, her best friend, safe from his uncle after an "accident" which left him severely brain-damaged. could be for middle school or upper elementary, doesn't go into great detail about the accident, just as the girl doesn't go into great detail when she talks. short book, but potent. didn't understand all the Canadian references, but still managed to get through the story ok.
What do You think about Watching Jimmy (2012)?
Possibility for SCR children's selection. Engaging but concerned about language.
—gwallace814
Beautifully written. It's a tough subject, but the characters are endearing.
—haaliya
