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alice_c's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
naychapman's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Domestic abuse, Body shaming, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Car accident and Death of parent
Minor: Vomit and Animal death
marc_1977's review
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Violence, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, and Car accident
smitchy's review
5.0
Jimmy and his mum are on the run with the help of Mrs J. Jimmy's dad has spiraled since he lost his job and he's been drinking more. At first Jimmy just thinks they are on holiday, but when his dad turns up Jimmy realises that it is time that he and his mum really do disappear to somewhere his dad can never find them.
Landing up in the little outback town of Mungo Creek at first things go okay. Mum gets a job and Jimmy starts back at school. Then Jimmy's mum falls into depression and someone has to make sure there is food in the house. With some unexpected friends, a good dose of optimism, and a touch of Elvis, Jimmy is determined to make sure his mum finds her sparkle again.
This is a funny and moving story that is uniquely Australian, and an ode to small towns. It is a brilliant read for middle-grade kids (9-14) that deals with some very big themes including family violence, bullying, friendship, responsibility, complex grief, and mental illness. It reminded me a bit of Craig Silvey's Jasper Jones but with no swearing and aimed at a younger audience.
If reading with (or giving to) a child who has experienced domestic violence it might be worth a parental read-through first and discussion before and after about any issues that the story might raise for that child.
Landing up in the little outback town of Mungo Creek at first things go okay. Mum gets a job and Jimmy starts back at school. Then Jimmy's mum falls into depression and someone has to make sure there is food in the house. With some unexpected friends, a good dose of optimism, and a touch of Elvis, Jimmy is determined to make sure his mum finds her sparkle again.
This is a funny and moving story that is uniquely Australian, and an ode to small towns. It is a brilliant read for middle-grade kids (9-14) that deals with some very big themes including family violence, bullying, friendship, responsibility, complex grief, and mental illness. It reminded me a bit of Craig Silvey's Jasper Jones but with no swearing and aimed at a younger audience.
If reading with (or giving to) a child who has experienced domestic violence it might be worth a parental read-through first and discussion before and after about any issues that the story might raise for that child.
helendeu's review
4.0
Being Jimmy Baxter by Fiona Lloyd is book 63 for 2023!
This middle grade novel is touching and I found it hard to put down. I normally find books written from a child’s perspective irritating because it’s hard to get right (the protagonist is often too naive - as a teacher, I know kids are smarter and notice more than we realise) however, Lloyd struck the right balance.
Jimmy is on what he thinks is a holiday with his mum which his father turns up, drunk and aggressive. It is then Jimmy realises they need to run from his father. Just when things might be looking up, his mother doesn’t get out of bed. Jimmy takes things upon himself to keep everything on track, even when dealing with a school bully and Ned Kelly’s side-eye.
I read a review that stated their frustration because the MC didn’t have any consequences for his actions. There were consequences, even in the form of Jimmy’s fear and guilt at the slightest. But seriously, there is much more understanding these days about children of trauma and the adults in this book demonstrated such understanding, even if Jimmy doesn’t realise they know. There’s nothing more frustrating than reading a story that doesn’t feel true because it makes the story more interesting. Particularly in children’s stories - kids pick that stuff up and won’t pick the book up again.
This would be a great class novel. Some may be concerned about the domestic violence but it isn’t graphic. More importantly, students may relate to Jimmy’s story. I would suggest it’s more suited to Grades 4-6.
This middle grade novel is touching and I found it hard to put down. I normally find books written from a child’s perspective irritating because it’s hard to get right (the protagonist is often too naive - as a teacher, I know kids are smarter and notice more than we realise) however, Lloyd struck the right balance.
Jimmy is on what he thinks is a holiday with his mum which his father turns up, drunk and aggressive. It is then Jimmy realises they need to run from his father. Just when things might be looking up, his mother doesn’t get out of bed. Jimmy takes things upon himself to keep everything on track, even when dealing with a school bully and Ned Kelly’s side-eye.
I read a review that stated their frustration because the MC didn’t have any consequences for his actions. There were consequences, even in the form of Jimmy’s fear and guilt at the slightest. But seriously, there is much more understanding these days about children of trauma and the adults in this book demonstrated such understanding, even if Jimmy doesn’t realise they know. There’s nothing more frustrating than reading a story that doesn’t feel true because it makes the story more interesting. Particularly in children’s stories - kids pick that stuff up and won’t pick the book up again.
This would be a great class novel. Some may be concerned about the domestic violence but it isn’t graphic. More importantly, students may relate to Jimmy’s story. I would suggest it’s more suited to Grades 4-6.
jess64au's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I really liked this middle grade fiction. Messages: Strength of family, community and trusting people. Key information: Set in the late 20th Century, domestic violence, and racism. I found the "Time Setting" of this book a little generic & confusing, it is not an historical fiction, but it is clearly not set in the current time. I kept wondering why the author chose that time setting, and I felt it was mainly to avoid having to include digital and social media components.
Sally's Thoughts: I would encourage children to read this book, but with warnings.
Sally's Thoughts: I would encourage children to read this book, but with warnings.
miss_randi's review
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
thebookcasebandit's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
mandi_m's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
A delightful middle-grade fiction. There are some big themes dealt with here with a deftly light touch and affectionate humour. You will fall in love with Jimmy and cheer him along as he navigates becoming Jimmy Baxter.
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