Something to Sing About - Softcover

Payne, C. C.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0802853447 ISBN 13: 9780802853448

Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2008

Synopsis

Jamie Jo's fear of bees has been not much more than an annoyance for the Morgan family -- that is until the summer their church explodes. While trying to make sense of this event, Jamie Jo deals with overcoming other struggles: she fears reaching out to a new girl in the neighborhood, she worries about taking on the responsibility of a puppy, and she doesn't know why her older brother's return to town has caused tension in the family. She has to deal with all of this without going outside (where the bees live) alone!

Readers will be captivated by Jamie Jo's humor, wit, and small-town charm as she begins to see her world and her faith in a new way.

About this title

Reviews

Grade 4–6—Ten-year-old Jamie Jo Morgan is deathly afraid of bees since she watched a movie in which the young main character dies of a bee sting. She spends most of summer vacation inside unless her mother is with her carrying a flyswatter. She longs for a friend, a wish that comes true when a girl her age moves into her neighborhood. A series of events, beginning with her mother's exclusion from the church choir because she can't sing, cause Jamie Jo to question her faith in God and face her fears. Jamie's struggles and questions are met with wisdom, humor, and a positive attitude especially through the character of Mrs. Morgan. Payne gives the story enough realistic family and friend imperfections to keep readers interested and the plot from taking on a syrupy-sweet edge. Christian ideals are shown in behaviors rather than preached. This uplifting story contains much to appeal to a broad audience.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH
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*Starred Review* Jamie Jo Morgan, a 10-year-old living in Franklin, Kentucky, is afraid of bees. So afraid she doesn’t leave the house without her mother, making sure Mama is brandishing a flyswatter. As the summer wears on, her bee “allergy” inhibits her greatly. When a new girl, Rafi, moves across the street, Jamie Jo is afraid to go over alone. But then Rafi puts out a Puppies for Sale sign, and Jamie Jo has a decision to make. Having a puppy is a deeply held dream, but how can she care for one if she can’t take it out for a walk? Payne, a first-time novelist, offers a book that, like The Penderwicks (2006), harkens back to such perennial favorites as the Moffats series and the works of Elizabeth Enright. There is more, though, as Payne takes a familiar story line about childhood fears and adds a Christian bent. An explosion at the church offers both Jamie Jo and readers the opportunity to ponder the mysterious ways of the Lord. And unlike many books for middle-graders, the adults here are fully fleshed-out characters, whose foibles are seen clearly through a child’s eyes. The word wholesome sometimes gets a bad rap, but here it’s leavened by gentle humor and considerable insight, and it fits this book just fine. Grades 4-6. --Ilene Cooper

Edition details

• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802853447
• ISBN 13: 9780802853448
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 167