Jimi & Me [Hardcover]

Jaime Adoff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2, 2005

On today's Shanna Show, our sassy star collects several clues that help preschoolers explore the different Kwanzaa objects and their meanings. Simple words and fun rhyme make learning about Kwanzaa so much fun and inspire young children to develop self-esteem, creativity, storytelling abilities, and problem-solving skills-all critical to further learning. Harambee!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9–Rendered penniless by the murder of his wealthy, record-producing father, 13-year-old biracial Keith and his mom are forced out of their fancy Brooklyn apartment to live with his father's sister in small-town Hollow Falls, OH. Once there, Keith enrolls in school where by day he fights off bullies and befriends Veronica, a popular and gorgeous blond who soon works her way into his affections. By night, he funnels his grief and frustrations into the Jimi Hendrix songs he plays on his guitar. But Keith's grief morphs into rage when his mom discovers that his father had another woman on the side and a son named Jimi, and he vows to track them down and make them pay. Written in line breaks with Hendrix's lyrics interspersed throughout, Adoff's novel features unique characterizations–especially Keith–whose mixed heritage and bright paisley '60s attire sets him apart from the other teens in his school and from many other characters in YA literature. However, the plot, although easy to follow, tends to drag, and the overly moralized conclusion seems too preemptive to be realistic. Teen readers will respect Keith for his individuality and drive to save himself and his mother from poverty, but will be rolling their eyes by the novel's forced finale.–Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 8-11. This verse novel carries Keith, a 13-year-old biracial boy, through the tumultuous first six months after his father's death. His dad, a music producer who called him "Little Cool" and shared his love for Jimi Hendrix's music, is shot to death in Brooklyn. Their money seems to be gone, so he and his mom move to Ohio to live with his aunt. Keith copes with a small town, a racist bully, and panic attacks, but he also meets a shy, beautiful blonde and plays his guitar fiercely. He uncovers the truth of his father's money losses, and he finds another Jimi who was in his father's life, so the title has a double meaning. The denouement, which takes place in Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, is melodramatic but effective. In language occasionally wry and often funny, Adoff captures the self-pity and self-centeredness of an eighth-grade boy as well as his very real pain and doubt. GraceAnne DeCandido
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Jump At The Sun (September 2, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786852143
• ISBN-13: 978-0786852147
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #725,145 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jaime Adoff was born in New York City but grew up in Yellow Springs, Ohio. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from Central State University in Ohio, where he studied drums and percussion. Moving to New York City in 1990, he attended the Manhattan School of Music and studied drums and voice. Jaime then went on to pursue a career in songwriting and fronted his own rock band for eight years. He released two CD's of his own material and performed extensively in New York City and throughout the US.

He is the author of the "all ages" original poetry collection "The Song Shoots Out of My Mouth": A Celebration of Music,(2002)(Downloadable at audible.com 08') which was a Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor book,(2003) an IRA Notable book (2003), A NY Public Library book for the teenage(2003), a VOYA poetry pick (2002) and a CCB Best Book for 2002.

The critically acclaimed "Names Will Never Hurt Me" (2004) was his first young-adult novel and almost instantly became a MUST HAVE for teens around the country. In 2005 it was named a NY Public Library book for the teenage, and was nominated as a Best Book for Young Adults.

"Jimi & Me" (2005) was the recipient of the 2006 CORETTA SCOTT KING/JOHN STEPTOE NEW TALENT AUTHOR AWARD.
It was named as a 2006 YALSA QUICK PICK FOR RELUCTANT READERS, A 2006 NY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK FOR THE TEENAGE and was selected to the VOYA TOP SHELF FICTION LIST FOR 2005.
It received a *starred* review from LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION and was cited as "an exceptional story" and "a tremendous addition to any collection" by VOYA magazine.

Jaime's latest young adult novel "The Death of Jayson Porter"(April 08) has been receiving rave reviews nationwide. Including *Starred Reviews from *Booklist*, *Library Media Connection*, and *VOYA* magazine,(5Q). It was also selected for the 09' "Choose to read Ohio program." A project of the State Library of Ohio, to promote reading across Ohio. As well as an Ohioana Book Award finalist in the Juvenile category.

His first picture book "Small Fry"(NOV 08) was cited as "Cathartic and Encouraging fun" by Kirkus Review.

Jaime is a highly sought after speaker, presenting across the country on teen issues, diversity, YA literature and Poetry. His Rock n Roll school visits have been knocking the socks off students and teachers alike, for years. Jaime has worked with students from Kindergarten through High School and even college and graduate students as well. Giving them all a "backstage- all access- pass" into the life, creative process, and works of one of the most groundbreaking, unique and innovative voices writing for children and teens today.

Jaime Adoff is the son of the late Newbery Award-winning author Virginia Hamilton and renowned poet Arnold Adoff.
Jaime lives in his hometown of Yellow Springs, Ohio, with his family.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finding Jimi, February 13, 2006

By 

The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jimi & Me (Hardcover)

After a tragic event, Keith James suddenly finds that his life is turned upside down. His father, known by most people as MAJ, was murdered and now Keith is having to not only deal with the grief and loss, but also with all of the changes in his life. Despite his father's relatively successful career in the music industry, they were left with nothing but a lot of bills. Keith's mother, unable to maintain the household financially, sells off most of her husbands music equipment and other valuables and she and Keith move from New York City to live with Keith's aunt in a small town in Ohio. The move is unsettling for Keith, even more so when school starts and he doesn't exactly fit in. He is bi-racial, a musician -- he plays the guitar, a huge fan of Jimi Hendrix, and dresses a bit unconventionally -- at least on small town Ohio terms. For these reasons, he feels a bit alienated and doesn't even attempt to make friends. In spite of this, he befriends and develops a bit of a crush on a "super-fine girl with long blonde hair" named Veronica. Financial issues and grief are two things no one in Keith's home want to discuss, however, they are two things that cannot be ignored and cause a great deal of stress and unspoken tension. This intensifies when MAJ's deepest secrets are revealed, and rock Keith to the very core. With only one friend to rely on, Keith must make a journey that will help him discover the truth, and ultimately come to terms with his father's death.

JIMI AND ME is a fantastic read. Jaime Adoff has an uncanny ability to capture the thoughts, feelings and melodrama of early teens and put them into his characters. I felt as if Keith was someone I could have went to school with, and I am certain that young adult readers, especially boys will be able to relate to him. Adoff has a unique writing style that is a blend of poetry and prose. He tells a profound story, with such an economy for words, that you can't help but appreciate his ability as a writer. JIMI AND ME is poignant and at times humorous, but at its core it is a truthful account about growing beyond pain and hurt.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Jimi & Me, April 11, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Jimi & Me (Paperback)

Jimi and Me is about a young boy Keith, who through the magic music of Jimi Hendrix, overcomes the challenges,lies,struggles, and secrets of his family. Keith's family changes in many ways throughout the book, and he holds on through the love of music that both he and his father have.

The format of the book is interesting, written as if in song lyrics. Because of this, it can sometimes be hard to understand exactly where, when, or who is in the scene. This makes it hard to choose a specific scene that was my favorite, but the whole book because of the format, keeps you reading, and it is enjoyable.

I definetly recommend this book. It is a quick read, and pages are very short, due to the "songs" they are written in. The more you read into the book, the more Jimi Hendrix lyrics you will find. A great choice for any Hendrix fan. The story of Keith can easily be linked to many other people's personal stories as well, so all around, this is a great book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Legend, a Hippie, and a Long Lost Brother, October 19, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Jimi & Me (Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent. Author (Awards)) (Hardcover)

Keith's family is full of secrets. Jimi & Me is the story of Keith, a biracial hippie who's life has been flipped upside down. His father was murdered and he must turn to Jimi Hendrix for hope, but there's another Jimi in his life. Keith finds out he has an older half brother who "stole" his name. This is a story full of surprises, bullying, love, and "face meltin' guitar solos."

My favorite component of this book was the style that it was written in. It was poetically composed and fun to read. The author used a lot of figurative language to shake up the vocabulary. Keith's hippie style also showed in the text because it was very laid back for most of the story. The style made this book exciting to read because it wasn't like most novels.

Keith made a extraordinary main character. He seemed unlike a lot of characters in stories like this. Most characters seem to either have horrible or perfect lives but Keith's life was like a roller coaster, it had good moments and bad moments that worked themselves out in time. If I was an author, I would want to write about a character like Keith.

The problems that Keith faced in this book can relate to almost anyone. Many families all over the world face finical difficulties, and Keith's was no exception. He also had to deal with heart ache and bullies, just like every other teenager. Keith seemed like someone I could just sit down with and have a long talk with about life; the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I would recommend Jimi & Me to anyone that likes to read about real life problems. If you want to read about wizards, knights, or aliens then this isn't you're book. Jaime Adoff did an outstanding job and he deserves every award that he received for this book.

R. Martin