Jimmy's Stars
Published on 27. June 2009
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
978-1-4095-0123-7 (ISBN)
Description
Set in Pennsylvania during the Second World War, this is an unforgettably moving tale of growing up and facing change amid the sacrifices of war. It's September, 1943, and American forces are fighting the Japanese in World War II. By now, eleven-year old Ellie is used to making sacrifices for the war effort, having relinquished her roller skates for the scrap-metal drive. However, nothing prepares her for the ultimate sacrifice when her beloved brother Jimmy is drafted into the service. Quickly, Ellie's life is turned upside down, as her Aunt Toots moves into their home and into Jimmy's bedroom, and her mother even takes a war job at the local factory. As the war drags on, and more families begin to receive the dreaded telegrams informing them that their fathers, sons or brothers are wounded or will never return, Ellie is forced to ask herself if Jimmy will ever come home. Involving, touching and beautifully evocative, "Jimmy's Stars" will transport readers back to the daily drama and sacrifice of 1940s America.
Reviews / Votes
A moving, compelling book which makes it clear to readers aged 11-plus that war is no computer game for the families who get caught in its toils. * Newbury Weekly News * A deeply moving and poignant tale of love, loss and sacrifice. You won't find a better novel to paint a picture of family life and woes during World War Two. * Lovereading4kids.co.uk * Arguably a candidate for the status of 'modern classic', Mary Ann Rodman's gripping tale of a 1943 Pittsburgh schoolgirl, struggling to come to terms with the conscription - and ultimately, the loss of her beloved big brother, is both profoundly moving and deliberately unsentimental. * Teach Primary * Jimmy's Star's brilliantly portrays the cruel realities of life in an era of war. Unlike many books written about World War II, Rodman's story focuses on life on the home front, introducing readers to concepts such as war bonds, rationing and canning, excellently illustrating the day-to-day life of an average American during wartime. It successfully communicates the turmoil felt by many and avoids the trap of sugar coating reality that many children's fiction books fall into. Rodman's book is well written and would captivate and educate its target audience about this important event in history. * Resources Review, published by the Scottish Association of Teachers of History * You won't find a better novel to paint a picture of family life and woes during World War Two. * Lovereading4kids.co.uk *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 11 to 14 years
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 130 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-4095-0123-7 (9781409501237)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Mary Ann Rodman wanted to be a writer since the age of three, but was only inspired to write Yankee Girl, her first novel, after leaving her job as a librarian and moving to Thailand. The experience of dealing with a completely different culture reminded her of her childhood years spent in Jackson, Mississippi, in the 1960s. Mary Ann moved to Mississippi when her father, an FBI agent, was sent there to investigate hate crimes during the civil rights movement. Mary Ann Rodman is married with one daughter and now lives in Alpharetta, Georgia.