What do you think?
Rate this book
Being Jimmy Baxter
A gently funny yet powerful coming-of-age middle grade novel about surviving the odds, unlikely friendships and the magical music of Elvis.
It's not eggsactly easy being Jimmy Baxter 'cause-
The real Jimmy's hiding inside
Ned Kelly's giving him the evil eye
Mum's stopped going to work and stays in bed
There's no eggs in the fridge - or anything else.
AND there's new jobs, bad-at-school brains and a whole lot of trouble called Duke.
But then . . . there's Mac.
A moving story told with moments of absolute delight. Morris Gleitzman
13 - Biographical note Fiona was born in the beautiful North-East of England near picturesque countryside, windswept beaches and the vibrant cultural city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She dreamed of writing in a cosy country cottage and of life as a theatre actress but, as it often does, life got in the way.
Working and travelling instead, Fiona floated in the Dead Sea, climbed the Sydney Harbour bridge, gave guided tours in Holland and fell in love with all things Greek during her two years in Athens and Skiathos. Her most special travel experience was in Myanmar where she visited the place where her Granny was born.
Amongst her myriad of interesting jobs, Fiona worked as a television colourist on Home & Away, This is Greece and Secrets of Britain's Great Cathedrals. She has works in several anthologies for children, is a role model for Books in Homes, coach with the Harding Miller Education Foundation and Schools Program Coordinator for the Words on the Waves Writers Festival.
Fiona loves storytelling in all forms, especially theatre, television and books. Now settled near Sydney with her husband and three children, she mostly travels in her head to marvellous, magical places.
It's not eggsactly easy being Jimmy Baxter 'cause-
The real Jimmy's hiding inside
Ned Kelly's giving him the evil eye
Mum's stopped going to work and stays in bed
There's no eggs in the fridge - or anything else.
AND there's new jobs, bad-at-school brains and a whole lot of trouble called Duke.
But then . . . there's Mac.
A moving story told with moments of absolute delight. Morris Gleitzman
13 - Biographical note Fiona was born in the beautiful North-East of England near picturesque countryside, windswept beaches and the vibrant cultural city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She dreamed of writing in a cosy country cottage and of life as a theatre actress but, as it often does, life got in the way.
Working and travelling instead, Fiona floated in the Dead Sea, climbed the Sydney Harbour bridge, gave guided tours in Holland and fell in love with all things Greek during her two years in Athens and Skiathos. Her most special travel experience was in Myanmar where she visited the place where her Granny was born.
Amongst her myriad of interesting jobs, Fiona worked as a television colourist on Home & Away, This is Greece and Secrets of Britain's Great Cathedrals. She has works in several anthologies for children, is a role model for Books in Homes, coach with the Harding Miller Education Foundation and Schools Program Coordinator for the Words on the Waves Writers Festival.
Fiona loves storytelling in all forms, especially theatre, television and books. Now settled near Sydney with her husband and three children, she mostly travels in her head to marvellous, magical places.
240 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2023
4 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Lloyd
2 books5 followersFiona was born in the beautiful North-East of England near picturesque countryside, windswept beaches and the vibrant cultural city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She dreamed of writing in a cosy country cottage and of life as a theatre actress but, as it often does, life got in the way.
Working and travelling instead, Fiona floated in the Dead Sea, climbed the Sydney Harbour bridge, gave guided tours in Holland and fell in love with all things Greek during her two years in Athens and Skiathos. Her most special travel experience was in Myanmar where she visited the place where her Granny was born.
Amongst her myriad of interesting jobs, Fiona worked as a television colourist on Home & Away, This is Greece and Secrets of Britain’s Great Cathedrals. She has works in several anthologies for children, is a role model for Books in Homes, coach with the Harding Miller Education Foundation and Schools Program Coordinator for the Words on the Waves Writers Festival.
Fiona loves storytelling in all forms, especially theatre, television and books. Now settled near Sydney with her husband and three children, she mostly travels in her head to marvellous, magical places.
Being Jimmy Baxter is her debut middle-grade novel.
Working and travelling instead, Fiona floated in the Dead Sea, climbed the Sydney Harbour bridge, gave guided tours in Holland and fell in love with all things Greek during her two years in Athens and Skiathos. Her most special travel experience was in Myanmar where she visited the place where her Granny was born.
Amongst her myriad of interesting jobs, Fiona worked as a television colourist on Home & Away, This is Greece and Secrets of Britain’s Great Cathedrals. She has works in several anthologies for children, is a role model for Books in Homes, coach with the Harding Miller Education Foundation and Schools Program Coordinator for the Words on the Waves Writers Festival.
Fiona loves storytelling in all forms, especially theatre, television and books. Now settled near Sydney with her husband and three children, she mostly travels in her head to marvellous, magical places.
Being Jimmy Baxter is her debut middle-grade novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 3, 2023
I’m normally not a big fan of naive child narrators, but I fell in love with Jimmy. His voice is pitched just right, to allow a lightness of touch on heavy themes. This is a beautifully written book with heartwarming intergenerational relationships and sense of community.
June 6, 2023
Fiona Loyd's first book is a charming, heartwarming tale of a young boy dealing with adversity.
Running from his father, Jimmy and his mum hide in small town Australia. All is going well until Jimmy's mum can't get out of bed. In his effort to keep the family going Jimmy is helped by a social outcast—but who is helping who?
This book is beautifully written with highs and lows and so many beautiful moments that have you looking for the shiny.
Running from his father, Jimmy and his mum hide in small town Australia. All is going well until Jimmy's mum can't get out of bed. In his effort to keep the family going Jimmy is helped by a social outcast—but who is helping who?
This book is beautifully written with highs and lows and so many beautiful moments that have you looking for the shiny.
July 19, 2023
Delightfully fresh voice of an optimistic boy on the run from his alcoholic father. Jimmy learns to deal with his mother's depression with the help of some kind new friends.
October 8, 2023
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.
May 30, 2023
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.
October 23, 2023
This book made me laugh, cry and want to find my own kind of shiny. What a heartwarming and heart-wrenching story about a little boy who finds the courage to help other people, even when his own life is less than shiny. Lloyd captures the voice of a child perfectly - inner and outer - and I just adored how she interweaves Aussie phrases, euphemisms and slang. So witty! Lloyd explores some importance issues around domestic violence and loneliness with subtlety and care too. I dare you not to read this book and not fall in love with Jimmy.
July 24, 2023
A powerful exploration of family breakdown, mental health and domestic violence through the eyes of Jimmy as he and his mother flee their alcoholic father. When Jimmy’s mother can’t get out of bed, he finds ways to keep putting food on the table and friendship in the most unlikely places. Big issues told with sensitivity and perspective at a perfect level for the middle years.
January 12, 2024
I genuinely admire Fiona Lloyd for writing this book (her first) and tackling such tricky topics.
As I get older, and more opinionated, there are niggles I have with this text that I would love to edit out.
But, overall Morris Gleitzman’s quote on the front cover sums it up best “…moments of absolute delight”.
As I get older, and more opinionated, there are niggles I have with this text that I would love to edit out.
But, overall Morris Gleitzman’s quote on the front cover sums it up best “…moments of absolute delight”.
May 27, 2024
The story starts with Jimmy Braithwaite and his mum escaping a violent and alcoholic father and husband but with Jimmy is in ignorance, thinking they are going on a holiday. When Dad turns up and hits his mother, Jimmy reacts with violence and this frightens him. Taking off again, they lose themselves in a small town and change their name to Baxter.
Mum finds a job and Jimmy starts school, where the school bully targets him, he makes one friend, Debbie and is lucky to have an observant teacher of mixed Italian and Australian heritage. As his sicken and removes herself for the world, (depression is not stated) Jimmy turns away from school and meets an old hermit living in a barn and the two form an unusual friendship that helps both of them to adjust and slowly learn to reach out for help.
Set in 1991, Jimmy's naivety shelters the reader from the blunt truth of the serious issues that are covered in this story. His resilience and determination to look after his mother makes for powerful reading and the notes he writes demonstrate his initial ignorance of what is happening in his life to increasing awareness of the issues, threats and challenges.
Although dealing with big themes including family violence, bullying, friendship, racism, responsibility, complex grief, and mental illness; this is a funny and moving story. It is uniquely Australian with a smattering of language and commentary (superbly explained in the glossary at the end), that celebrates community spirit that can shine in small towns. Although pegged as middle school I feel that most teenagers will find Kimmy just a bit too immature to hold their interest. Ideally pitched as 9 to 12 year olds, and great potential as a class read aloud. However, family violence may touch close to home for some. young readers. It is a brilliant read for middle-grade kids (9-14) that deals with some very big
Shortlisted in the 2024 CBCA Younger Readers category
Mum finds a job and Jimmy starts school, where the school bully targets him, he makes one friend, Debbie and is lucky to have an observant teacher of mixed Italian and Australian heritage. As his sicken and removes herself for the world, (depression is not stated) Jimmy turns away from school and meets an old hermit living in a barn and the two form an unusual friendship that helps both of them to adjust and slowly learn to reach out for help.
Set in 1991, Jimmy's naivety shelters the reader from the blunt truth of the serious issues that are covered in this story. His resilience and determination to look after his mother makes for powerful reading and the notes he writes demonstrate his initial ignorance of what is happening in his life to increasing awareness of the issues, threats and challenges.
Although dealing with big themes including family violence, bullying, friendship, racism, responsibility, complex grief, and mental illness; this is a funny and moving story. It is uniquely Australian with a smattering of language and commentary (superbly explained in the glossary at the end), that celebrates community spirit that can shine in small towns. Although pegged as middle school I feel that most teenagers will find Kimmy just a bit too immature to hold their interest. Ideally pitched as 9 to 12 year olds, and great potential as a class read aloud. However, family violence may touch close to home for some. young readers. It is a brilliant read for middle-grade kids (9-14) that deals with some very big
Shortlisted in the 2024 CBCA Younger Readers category
January 31, 2024
Jimmy and his mum are on the run from Jimmy’s abusive, alcoholic father. They’ve changed their names and moved to a small town where they’re hoping to start a new life. Which isn’t easy when Mum spends all her time staring into space or lying in bed and when Jimmy has nothing to eat and no-one to turn to. Not to mention a bully named Duke who makes Jimmy’s life unbearable. Or the fact that Ned Kelly keeps giving Jimmy the evil eye.
When Jimmy befriends an elderly man named Mac, he learns about Elvis and holding onto the bright things in life, which he desperately tries to do even when everything is falling apart.
Young Jimmy has plenty to contend with and Lloyd doesn’t offer easy fixes or sugar coat anything. Her portrayal of real characters in dire situations resonates with truth and sensitivity. Despite the serious and important issues of domestic violence, depression, loneliness, racism, and death dealt with in this story, Lloyd still manages to imbibe the story with humour and joy in all the right places. Jimmy is likeable, vibrant, and stoic and readers will empathise with his desire for love and his unwavering hope for his mum to be right again.
Themes: domestic violence, anxiety, depression, loneliness, racism, death, loss, family, friendships.
When Jimmy befriends an elderly man named Mac, he learns about Elvis and holding onto the bright things in life, which he desperately tries to do even when everything is falling apart.
Young Jimmy has plenty to contend with and Lloyd doesn’t offer easy fixes or sugar coat anything. Her portrayal of real characters in dire situations resonates with truth and sensitivity. Despite the serious and important issues of domestic violence, depression, loneliness, racism, and death dealt with in this story, Lloyd still manages to imbibe the story with humour and joy in all the right places. Jimmy is likeable, vibrant, and stoic and readers will empathise with his desire for love and his unwavering hope for his mum to be right again.
Themes: domestic violence, anxiety, depression, loneliness, racism, death, loss, family, friendships.
July 24, 2024
Took a while to get around to writing this review, so the memory is a little hazy. Anyway, I think this a great novel - but with one significant flaw. We will return to that later.
Being Jimmy Baxter is a compelling, emotional story that really got me invested in Jimmy's life and circumstances. Jimmy is an excellent young character, who starts out a little naive, but quickly has to grow up and shows determination and undying love for his Mum. I think the novel does a great job of having the reader understand and empathise with Jimmy's situation, which is realistic and is experienced by many kids every day. I am very glad it was shortlisted for the CBCA this year and will happily recommend it to mature readers in my library.
The flaw in my mind is the cover and how the book is pitched. The book has some funny moments, but overall this is not a comedy, it is a book dealing with serious issues including alcoholism, domestic violence, mental health, neglect and grief. When I showed my students the cover & read the back blurb, I asked them what sort of book they expected. They were expecting something along the lines of Diary of a Wimpy Kid! I think this mismatch of expectations and content could be quite a jarring shock for some readers, and I think does the book a disservice.
Being Jimmy Baxter is a compelling, emotional story that really got me invested in Jimmy's life and circumstances. Jimmy is an excellent young character, who starts out a little naive, but quickly has to grow up and shows determination and undying love for his Mum. I think the novel does a great job of having the reader understand and empathise with Jimmy's situation, which is realistic and is experienced by many kids every day. I am very glad it was shortlisted for the CBCA this year and will happily recommend it to mature readers in my library.
The flaw in my mind is the cover and how the book is pitched. The book has some funny moments, but overall this is not a comedy, it is a book dealing with serious issues including alcoholism, domestic violence, mental health, neglect and grief. When I showed my students the cover & read the back blurb, I asked them what sort of book they expected. They were expecting something along the lines of Diary of a Wimpy Kid! I think this mismatch of expectations and content could be quite a jarring shock for some readers, and I think does the book a disservice.
June 6, 2024
This is another book on the CBCA short list and I really, really hope it doesn't win because I can't stand it. The premise is okay but slightly predictable: Jimmy and his mum are escaping a DV situation. They have to settle into a new town where they know no-one. Jimmy gets picked on at school. Mum falls into depression and Jimmy has to fend for himself. But, what's that in the distance? A lonely and crotchety neighbour?!? I wonder if he will help Jimmy sort himself out. Urgh. Save me.
I kept getting the vibe that the author was intentionally trying to write a novel that has many 'worthy' themes and a shedload of similes in an attempt to get into classrooms as a class book. Unlike Scar Town where the kids sounded like kids, Jimmy sounds like a junior version of Alf Stewart from Home and Away. It was like the author had never actually heard children (or people) talk before.
I kept getting the vibe that the author was intentionally trying to write a novel that has many 'worthy' themes and a shedload of similes in an attempt to get into classrooms as a class book. Unlike Scar Town where the kids sounded like kids, Jimmy sounds like a junior version of Alf Stewart from Home and Away. It was like the author had never actually heard children (or people) talk before.
August 5, 2024
This was a powerful, ultimately uplifting read but I would have to think carefully about who I’d recommend it to. The light and cheerful cover is somewhat misleading. While there are certainly many likeable characters and laugh out loud moments in the book, it also contains challenging themes around family violence, depression, prejudice and death. However, this is outweighed by Jimmy’s resilience, ability to connect with others and his capacity to find what’s important.
It could be considered for Year 6 Book Chat or Year 7 Literature Circles where the themes can be discussed in a supported reading environment. However, the young characters themselves are in Year 6 and sometimes Year 7 students don’t want to read about primary school characters. It’s not too long, which is a bonus for more reluctant readers.
It could be considered for Year 6 Book Chat or Year 7 Literature Circles where the themes can be discussed in a supported reading environment. However, the young characters themselves are in Year 6 and sometimes Year 7 students don’t want to read about primary school characters. It’s not too long, which is a bonus for more reluctant readers.
September 1, 2023
This is a junior fiction book about a boy and his mother escaping domestic violence, and the struggles they encounter in the aftermath. Jimmy’s trying to stay positive and ‘find the shiny’, but when his mum won’t get out of bed and there’s been no food in the house for a week, he finds it tough.
It definitely plays the Aussie card, including a glossary in the back (which seems a little unnecessary as it’s only published in Australia, but dream big I guess).
It’s got a little of that found family element, but leans more towards small town community support. It is one of those books where there’s no consequences for the MC’s bad actions, (most characters tbh) but if you enjoy a little bit of unreliable narrator it’s got you covered.
It definitely plays the Aussie card, including a glossary in the back (which seems a little unnecessary as it’s only published in Australia, but dream big I guess).
It’s got a little of that found family element, but leans more towards small town community support. It is one of those books where there’s no consequences for the MC’s bad actions, (most characters tbh) but if you enjoy a little bit of unreliable narrator it’s got you covered.
October 13, 2023
This is a middle-grade novel with great depth of soul. On one level, it is a delightful tale of a young Aussie finding himself and his place in the world. On another, it is a story that doesn’t shy away from the harsher realities many children have to live with, including domestic violence, parental loss, bullying, and mental health struggles. It is a hopeful book: as in life, these troubling themes don’t occur in bleak isolation. Instead, ‘Being Jimmy Baxter’ is filled with humour, bravery, the love of found family, and the flavours of smalltown Australia.
May 28, 2024
As a CBCA shortlist I found this book to be a bit heavier in themes than I expected. Jimmy and his mum are escaping a domestic violence situation and have to take on new identities in a new town. His mum becomes unwell so Jimmy has to try and juggle school, and work whilst trying to stay under the radar. He meets an old guy who becomes his male role model. But the characters are all quite complex. More aimed at upper primary, early secondary.
July 1, 2023
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.
May 25, 2024
Ok. Suits middle to upper primary but deals with DV, poverty, mental health and societal issues. In summary, it's about a likable kid who bears the weight of his world until responsible adults help along the way.
July 16, 2024
An enjoyable and original voice with a timeless quality: the tough issues Jimmy has to deal with could be happening anywhere and anytime. A very Australian feel to this sensitive and at times heartwarming story.
September 17, 2023
Too young for year 7 class set. Suit year 6.
December 30, 2023
A sweet story with some heavy themes of mental illness and addiction, alongside strong themes of community.
April 7, 2024
I really enjoyed.
Glad that it clarifies that it's in the 90's because I feel outraged the town let everything in the book slide.
CBCA 2024 Shortlisted - Younger Readers
Glad that it clarifies that it's in the 90's because I feel outraged the town let everything in the book slide.
CBCA 2024 Shortlisted - Younger Readers
April 19, 2024
Brilliant book. Love the main character, so believable, brave and beaut. The moving story, though sad in parts, is told with such truth, makes it delightful despite the somber themes.
December 16, 2024
And that’s how you write an award winning book for young readers. Wonderful work from start to finish. Jimmy is an admirable protagonist who doesn’t let life get him down.
January 3, 2025
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews