The Legend of Jimmy Spoon

Jimmy Spoon #1

by Kristiana Gregory

Mass market paperback, fiction, western

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Juvenile, Native American, Westerns, Native Americans, Cultural

182 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Kristiana Gregory grew up in Manhattan Beach, California, two blocks from the ocean. She's always loved to make up stories [ask her family!], telling her younger siblings whoppers that would leave them wide-eyed and shivering. Her first rejection letter at age ten was for a poem she wrote in class when she was supposed to be doing a math assignment. She's had a myriad of odd jobs: telephone operator, lifeguard, camp counselor, reporter, book reviewer & columnist for the LA Times, and finally author.

Her award-winning books include STALKED, which earned the 2012 Gold Medal for Young Adult Mystery from Literary Classics and is hailed as "historical fiction with a thrilling twist." KIRKUS calls it "an atmospheric confection that will thrill YA readers ... Gregory achieves a realistic, rich atmosphere with insightful details about the immigration process and New York tenements in the early 1900s." Now available on Kindle and in paperback.

JENNY OF THE TETONS [Harcourt] won the Golden Kite Award in 1989 and was the first of two-dozen historical novels for middle grade readers. Several of Kristiana's titles are now available on Kindle including "Curiously Odd Stories: Vol. 1 and Vol. 2" with the celebrated 'Paper Monument', a futuristic book-banning with horrific consequences.

BRONTE'S BOOK CLUB [Holiday House] is set in a town by the sea and is inspired by the girls' book club Kristiana led for several years.

Her most recent title with Scholastic's Dear America series is CANNONS AT DAWN, a sequel to the best-selling THE WINTER OF RED SNOW, which was made into a movie for the HBO Family Channel.

New re-releases in ebooks and paperback on Amazon:
**PRAIRIE RIVER SERIES #1-4
**ORPHAN RUNAWAYS: THE PERILOUS ESCAPE TO BODIE
**CABIN CREEK MYSTERIES #7: THE PHANTOM OF HIDDEN HORSE RANCH
**THE WAITING LIGHT: CLEMENTINE'S STORY -- originally titled "My Darlin' Clementine" [Holiday House] this riveting historical mystery takes place in an Idaho mining camp of 1866, and was Idaho's representative for the 2010 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Library of Congress.

Kristiana and her husband have two adult sons, and live in Idaho with their two golden retrievers. In her spare time she loves to swim, walk, hike, read, and hang out with friends. She's trying to learn to knit, but isn't yet having much success.

Check out Kristiana's blogs at http://notesfromthesunroom.blogspot.com/ for behind-the-scenes stories about her books, and with photos from her childhood.

Reviews

[Jennifer Lynn Alvarez]

I read this with my son for his 8th grade English class. This review is from him. He loved the book. The main character was his age, but living a wildly different life. The story captured his imagination and held it, and my son doesn't like to read. The chapters were short and interesting. He especially liked hearing about the girls that Jimmy encountered :) All in all, it's a great book for reluctant readers. We learned a lot about living a nomadic life. As to the book's historical accuracy, I'm not knowledgeable enough to comment on it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait to read this book to my class. I love that it is based on the true story of Nick Wilson and that so many events are local to us and teach about the Shoshone tribes and Chief Washakie. I'm glad another 4th grade teacher recommended this to me- I think my students will love it!

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

[Suzan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always on the lookout for good "boys books". (Why does there seem to be a dirth of them?) This book definately qualifies. The plot is engaging and realistic. Vocabulary is not too overwhelming but doesn't feel "dumbed down". Some of the transitions are a bit abrupt but overall it is a good historical novel for the reluctant reader.

[Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book for school and it must say. I had to force myself to put it down. It is a wonderful children's book but it also wonderful for high level tween readers like me. I am really looking forward to reading her other books.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 7th grade friend recommended this book to me. How could I not read it? And it was an quick, easy, fun read since the setting is from the Tetons down to Salt Lake City, and is based loosely on the true story of a young boy who lived with the Shoshone tribe in the 1800s.

[Carolyn Lind · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book to snag 4th or 5th grade boys into reading, this is a good choice.

[Jami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Addi's bookclub read this month. First few pages talk of Brigham Young and the Utah settlers, kind of cool. This is a perfect book to read for third grader's when they study Native Americans.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend to 4th-5th graders.

[Sam01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really stuck out to me. It was very good, but it isn't very good to read it a few chapters at a time, or the suspense will kill you.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember my 4th grade teacher reading this, and I've thought about it off and on ever since. I finally bought a copy and it's better than I remember.

[Odir · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Legend of Jimmy Spoon” by Kristiana Gregory was a great easy read. The book takes place in the mid- 1800’s following the adventures of young teen named Jimmy spoon who runs away from his family, because all he wanted for his birthday was a horse, but he did not receive this. As jimmy ran away he encountered two Shoshone Native Americans. He decides to travel with because they simply gave him the one thing he wanted more than anything else which was a horse.
This book with memoirs of young boy can teach one many things in life from having an appreciation for life and to get what you want, from reading what Jimmy went through in his life working hard and joining a Native American tribe just because they offered him a horse shows how much he was willing to sacrifice for what he wanted. When jimmy first arrived at the tribe he arrived with an injury having to be cared for by one of the tribe members. He was met with great a dislike, being that he was not part of the people, but as time passed he gained respect from the tribe, to where he began to date one of the members. The fact that jimmy gained respect from the tribe knowing nothing of them and what they could do to him, shows great bravery and how he works hard he works for something in his life.
Throughout the story Jimmy does not mention his actual family giving an allusion that he does not really missed them. While reading I felt that he was feeling much happier where he is. Jimmy expresses how much he loves the Shoshone tribe through the story. My maybe only dislike of the story is the ending because of what he ends up doing, which does not really make much sense.
Although I had one dislike “The Legend of Jimmy Spoon” by Kristiana Gregory, is a great easy read that is worth a read if you’re looking for a great adventure.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent juvenile story based on the memoirs of a man who lived with Chief Washakie's Shoshoni tribe in the mid-1800's. Jimmy's story is a coming-of-age story where Jimmy learns about family, love, war and peace, and forgiveness. It is also a well-researched adventure story with many great Western elements, but always Jimmy faces moral issues that he must resolve in his young mind. Great for boys and girls to see the conflict between settlers and Native Americans, plus how the Shoshoni lived during that time.

[Roberto Galindo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like most quick writes this story centers sound the people first, ideals second and the surrounding environment dead last. I would've loved to know about the ecosystem a whole lot more, between salt lake and Yosemite and further out where these people were. Very anti-pioneers and anti-Brigham young, which derailed the plot for me. Good raff for young starters though.

[Kaitlyn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t remember where this book came from, nor do I know why I read it so often. It’s been a while since I last read this book, and I appreciate the simplicity. I think now it might be time to retire this book as a frequent read.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book that is full of adventure!

[Emily Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had high hopes for this one but ultimately it fell flat and I wasn't at all interested or invested.

[Julie Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and entertaining read, the kids want to hear the sequel.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found and read this book for the first time since I was a kid. Still find it to be a great read.

[Maci Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.25 just because this is more of a boys’ book, and I’m not a boy book gal. Read in preparation for teaching 4th grade.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jimmy Spoon is taken by two young Shoshone to assuage the grief of their chief's mother, who had lost several family members in a very short time. He went willingly--promised a pinto pony--and did not realize that he would be too far away to find his way home.

This was quick moving and full of adventure and vivid detail, and is supposedly based on a real person's experiences, but there were several things that did not ring true or seem realistic. The author tried to explain why Jimmy adapted to his new native life so quickly--he was injured from his long/fast ride, nursed back to health by his adoptive mother; he loved the freedom of being outside, learning to fish and ride, loved his new pony. Stockholm syndrome? Maybe.
Later, Jimmy criticizes the way Shoshone women work so hard, and suggests that the men should help them. He also wishes that the Shoshone and Crow peoples could live in peace. Seemed anachronistic to me.

So I did some more research, curious about how Shoshone people might have reacted to this, and found The Broken FluteA Broken Flute: The Native Experience in Books for Childrenon Google books; we are adding it to our professional collection today. It was very critical of Jimmy Spoon; it covers some of the things that had bothered me, and says that it's too reflective of the times in which the story takes place, and of current prejudices. Basically, it's very difficult, if not impossible, for someone from outside a culture to respectfully and accurately depict it, no matter how well-meaning they may be. I'm curious to see which books The Broken Flute will recommend; I do think it's worthwile for kids to read about other cultures, but I think it's our responsibility (as adults and librarians) to make sure that the books they're reading are as accurate and sensitive as possible.

[Larry Osoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The legend of jimmy spoon was a good book.it taught me that back then in the 1800s was hard to live as a indian.Jimmy spoon was a hard working kid.he was brave,helpful,and not lazy.i learned from him to never be lazy and always do things in a good mood.The day jimmy spoon escaped his family and went with the indians.I really thought it was stupid because what if the indians killed him and just for a horse.
if i was jimmy spoon i wouldn't escape from my family because indians back then had to travel a lot.but he got along with the indians and learned things from them to.Jimmy like his new family which made me think that he forgot of his old family because in the book it didn't really mention jimmy first family while he was living with the indians.So i think if i was not with my family no more i would always think of them which in the book it didn't say he missed his family.
At the end i would've changed some things.At the end jimmy goes back to his old family.If jimmy really loved his new family why didn't he just stay with them.and he also had a girlfriend named nahee that he really liked.he should've stayed with his new family and said goodbye to his old family.thats why i wouldn't never change family becuase then you start liking your new family more then your old family.A lot of people were looking for jimmy spoon when they found him they took him back to his old home.How did they find him. if they traveled a lot away from his house.

[Erick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jimmy spoon by Kristiana Gregory. when a young American boy named Jimmy Spoon seeks adventure he receives it. Two Shoshoni boys come to town, offer Jimmy to come with them in return for a horse. The animal that Jimmy has been asking his father for. He accepts, and rides day and night to their tribe. He is exhausted from the long trip. He is harshly injured as well. he lives with the only for now. at first he is treated like garbage, but earns respect and becomes a hero with all the good deeds he's done. in the end something happens. I recommend this book to legends and tales fans.

[Lorenzo Osoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristiana Gregory's The Legend of Jimmy Spoon entertained me with how Jimmy Spoon a teenage boy runs away from his family. He runs away with Navite American boys just because the boys gave him a horse. He always wanted a horse but his dad wouldn't let him have a horse until a certain age. The native American boys take Jimmy to their tribe.

This book showed me to always work hard to earn what you want. I liked how the book was written because Jimmy try to do something but couldn't do it. He worked hard to what he wanted to do. Their was a young Native American girl one of the most beautiful girls in the tribe. Jimmy had a crush on her and tried to get her attention. I like how the author put her because it does happen in real life. One other character was the chief of the tribe. He taught Jimmy a lot of things and how to be a man. The chief taught him the Native American habits. At the end Jimmy Spoon starts to dream of his family often. He has two families so he doesn't know which one to stay with.

THis book is really good. I would waste my time reading it twice or more. I recommend this book for teens. Their is not many kids like Jimmy Spoon.

[Annelie]

The Spoon family lives in Salt Lake City, Utah in the early 1800's. Life is boring and monotonous for young Jimmy until he befriends two Shoshoni boys. It isn't long before the deep desire for adventure and a horse convince him to join his new friends and Jimmy's world becomes much more complicated as he tries to understand the new culture he suddenly becomes a part of.

I enjoyed this book. Not only does it bring the same sense of adventure that Jimmy himself was seeking for, but it teaches a lot of historical geography and Native American traditions. It is a realistic coming-of-age journey of boy who also must find his place in a new society full of both mistakes and victories. Jimmy Spoon is a very simple but relatable character and it left me wanting to read the next book in the series.

Content Warning: Genre: Historical Fiction Violence: Moderate. Jimmy is exposed to tribal warfare, scalping, and other mishaps that happen among tribe members but it's not described in great detail.

[Massimo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was amazing, so amazing that I read it 10 times. The main character, Jimmy, really wants a horse, but he can't have one until he is 14. He leads a pretty dreary life in an early Mormon settlement in the 1800's. But his life starts to get better when two Indian brothers come to his town as scouts. They offer him a horse if he comes to their village, he can't resist the offer. It turns out that in the Indian village, the chief's mother is in mourning, of her lost daughter, two sons and husband, and she dreams of another son. When Jimmy arrives, the chief's mother adopts Jimmy, but Jimmy thinks that he simply visits and goes back to his family, but no. So he has to stay. After a while he starts to like the chief's mother, but he also is remembering his real mother, and trouble is brewing in his town because of Jimmy's mysterious disappearance.
Kristina Gregory writes very well because of the great detail and care she puts into every word, and it really makes her writing fun to read.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

gr 6-8 165 pgs


1854-1857, Utah ?. 12 year old Jimmy Spoon was bored living in town and working in his father's store. What he really wanted was some excitement and a horse. But his father insists he is too young for one. When Jimmy sees two Shoshoni boys he decides to go with them when they return home. Jimmy is adopted by "Old Mother" and becomes Chief Washakie's honorary brother.

Great story and according to the author based on a true one. The only issue I had was that I didn't really understand why Jimmy wandered off in the first place.


sequel: Jimmy Spoon and the Pony Express

[Jami · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this with my group of 7th graders this year. We all loved it. It is a very easy read and details the account of a young boy named Jimmy Spoon. Jimmy and his family live in 1800s Salt Lake City. Jimmy is "kidnapped" by two young Shoshoni boys and lives with their family for over 2 years. It tells the story of his time with the indians. Very good. I would especialy recommend it for any young boys to read.

[Lauri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story to go along with Utah History. It also gives kids a great understanding of what indian life was like. My kids always ask if it is true, and I know that it was based on a true story, but I don't this all the facts are exactly right. It is a great book to peek their interest in learning more about "The White Indian Boy."

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the bomb.It is about a boy that wants a horse more than anything in the whole world.Jimmy turned thirteen and he hoped to get a horse but instead his dad gets him a watch.That night he is awaken by two Indians and they said that if he goes with him he will get a horse.



To find out if he goes read this book.If you like graphic books with lots of detail it yours.