Jimi and Me by Jaime Adoff

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Awards: 2006 Coretta Scott King Award, John Steptoe New Talent Author Award

Summary: Keith has had to move from Brooklyn, NY to the sleepy town of Hollow Falls, Ohio after his rock-music-producing father is murdered across the street from their Brooklyn, New York home. Keith and his mother try to adjust to living with his bubbly aunt as they work through paper-work and insurance, only to find that there is no money left.
Keith hates his new school, but is falling in love with beautiful classmate Veronica.

Then, the truth comes out that Keith's dad has been sending all of the family's money to another woman and a son that the family never knew about. Keith's mom is furious and calls her husband a "monster" for what he has done that she didn't know about until after his death.

Keith and Veronica go on a road trip to find "Jimi"- the brother he hadn't known about. And hatred fades when understanding and compassion begins to replace it.

Reaction: I had a hard time getting into the story as I had trouble to relating to the characters. Then, when the truth came out, it was hard to put the book down. There are definately many students who will love this book.

Recommended To: Students, especially boys in urban locations, will relate to book for grades 9-12. The text is surprisingly rich for a newer author.

Book Hook: Are you trying to make your own way, show your own unique style, and be your own person, just to be taunted by your classmates? Have you experienced the loss of someone who was your idol? Do you have a favorite rock star that you would love to be like? Read this great book and relate!