What do you think?
Rate this book
Jimi & Me
An electrifying novel about love, loss, and the power of music
After his father is murdered, Keith and his mother try desperately to pick up the pieces of their lives. But his father s death has left them devastated-both emotionally and financially. Forced to leave Brooklyn and move in with his aunt, Keith urgently clings to every last reminder of his dad, discovering comfort in his own music and that of the late legend-and his father s idol-Jimi Hendrix. In Jimi s music, Keith finds solace, and brief moments of reprieve from his chaotic new life. But just as he begins to get a handle on his father s death, he discovers the secrets of his father s life--secrets that threaten to tear apart what s left of his fragile family.
After his father is murdered, Keith and his mother try desperately to pick up the pieces of their lives. But his father s death has left them devastated-both emotionally and financially. Forced to leave Brooklyn and move in with his aunt, Keith urgently clings to every last reminder of his dad, discovering comfort in his own music and that of the late legend-and his father s idol-Jimi Hendrix. In Jimi s music, Keith finds solace, and brief moments of reprieve from his chaotic new life. But just as he begins to get a handle on his father s death, he discovers the secrets of his father s life--secrets that threaten to tear apart what s left of his fragile family.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2005
14 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Adoff
11 books15 followersJaime Adoff was born in New York City but grew up in Yellow Springs, Ohio. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from Central State University in Ohio, where he studied drums and percussion. Moving to New York City in 1990, he attended the Manhattan School of Music and studied drums and voice. Jaime then went on to pursue a career in songwriting and fronted his own rock band for eight years. He released two CD’s of his own material and performed extensively in New York City and throughout the US.
He is the author of the "all ages" original poetry collection "The Song Shoots Out of My Mouth": A Celebration of Music,(2002)(Downloadable at audible.com 08') which was a Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor book,(2003) an IRA Notable book (2003), A NY Public Library book for the teenage(2003), a VOYA poetry pick (2002) and a CCB Best Book for 2002.
The critically acclaimed "Names Will Never Hurt Me" (2004) was his first young-adult novel and almost instantly became a MUST HAVE for teens around the country. In 2005 it was named a NY Public Library book for the teenage, and was nominated as a Best Book for Young Adults.
"Jimi & Me" (2005) was the recipient of the 2006 CORETTA SCOTT KING/JOHN STEPTOE NEW TALENT AUTHOR AWARD. It was named as a 2006 YALSA QUICK PICK FOR RELUCTANT READERS, A 2006 NY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK FOR THE TEENAGE and was selected to the VOYA TOP SHELF FICTION LIST FOR 2005. It received a *starred* review from LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION and was cited as "an exceptional story" and "a tremendous addition to any collection" by VOYA magazine.
Jaime's latest young adult novel "The Death of Jayson Porter"(April 08) has been receiving rave reviews nationwide. Including *Starred Reviews from *Booklist*, *Library Media Connection*, and *VOYA* magazine,(5Q). It was also selected for the 09' "Choose to read Ohio program." A project of the State Library of Ohio, to promote reading across Ohio. As well as an Ohioana Book Award finalist in the Juvenile category.
His first picture book "Small Fry"(NOV 08) was cited as "Cathartic and Encouraging fun" by Kirkus Review.
Jaime is a highly sought after speaker, presenting across the country on teen issues, diversity, YA literature and Poetry. His Rock n Roll school visits have been knocking the socks off students and teachers alike, for years. Jaime has worked with students from Kindergarten through High School and even college and graduate students as well. Giving them all a "backstage- all access- pass" into the life, creative process, and works of one of the most groundbreaking, unique and innovative voices writing for children and teens today.
Jaime Adoff is the son of the late Newbery Award-winning author Virginia Hamilton and renowned poet Arnold Adoff.
Jaime lives in his hometown of Yellow Springs, Ohio, with his family.
He is the author of the "all ages" original poetry collection "The Song Shoots Out of My Mouth": A Celebration of Music,(2002)(Downloadable at audible.com 08') which was a Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor book,(2003) an IRA Notable book (2003), A NY Public Library book for the teenage(2003), a VOYA poetry pick (2002) and a CCB Best Book for 2002.
The critically acclaimed "Names Will Never Hurt Me" (2004) was his first young-adult novel and almost instantly became a MUST HAVE for teens around the country. In 2005 it was named a NY Public Library book for the teenage, and was nominated as a Best Book for Young Adults.
"Jimi & Me" (2005) was the recipient of the 2006 CORETTA SCOTT KING/JOHN STEPTOE NEW TALENT AUTHOR AWARD. It was named as a 2006 YALSA QUICK PICK FOR RELUCTANT READERS, A 2006 NY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK FOR THE TEENAGE and was selected to the VOYA TOP SHELF FICTION LIST FOR 2005. It received a *starred* review from LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION and was cited as "an exceptional story" and "a tremendous addition to any collection" by VOYA magazine.
Jaime's latest young adult novel "The Death of Jayson Porter"(April 08) has been receiving rave reviews nationwide. Including *Starred Reviews from *Booklist*, *Library Media Connection*, and *VOYA* magazine,(5Q). It was also selected for the 09' "Choose to read Ohio program." A project of the State Library of Ohio, to promote reading across Ohio. As well as an Ohioana Book Award finalist in the Juvenile category.
His first picture book "Small Fry"(NOV 08) was cited as "Cathartic and Encouraging fun" by Kirkus Review.
Jaime is a highly sought after speaker, presenting across the country on teen issues, diversity, YA literature and Poetry. His Rock n Roll school visits have been knocking the socks off students and teachers alike, for years. Jaime has worked with students from Kindergarten through High School and even college and graduate students as well. Giving them all a "backstage- all access- pass" into the life, creative process, and works of one of the most groundbreaking, unique and innovative voices writing for children and teens today.
Jaime Adoff is the son of the late Newbery Award-winning author Virginia Hamilton and renowned poet Arnold Adoff.
Jaime lives in his hometown of Yellow Springs, Ohio, with his family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 7, 2020
Jimi & Me by Jaime Adoff is a verse novel. In a verse novel, the story is told throughout a collection of poems, usually each poem being its own chapter. This book follows the life of a young boy, Keith, after his father’s violent death. The death of his father leads to Keith moving to a small town in Ohio, away from Brooklyn and everything he has ever known. Keith relies heavily on music, specifically Jimi Hendrick’s music, to help him through this hard time. This hardship forces Keith to grow up a little bit faster.
I had never read a novel set-up like this; however, I enjoyed reading a book through poems. This book was personally an interesting read. Furthermore, this book could be used to teach several concepts in the classroom. To introduce it to the classroom, the teacher could read either a couple of chapters or the entire novel with the class. The students could analyze the way the poetry is written and write their own. This book could also be used to show that everyone should be treated the same at school no matter how different they may seem. This relates to the book because Keith would wear hippy clothes to his new school, however, this instantly set him apart from his classmates. I would remind my students to treat each person with respect and kindness.
I had never read a novel set-up like this; however, I enjoyed reading a book through poems. This book was personally an interesting read. Furthermore, this book could be used to teach several concepts in the classroom. To introduce it to the classroom, the teacher could read either a couple of chapters or the entire novel with the class. The students could analyze the way the poetry is written and write their own. This book could also be used to show that everyone should be treated the same at school no matter how different they may seem. This relates to the book because Keith would wear hippy clothes to his new school, however, this instantly set him apart from his classmates. I would remind my students to treat each person with respect and kindness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2009
Aiden (he's a freshman now) told me about this book three years ago and I finally got to it! It's a narrative poem so it's another quick read. It was pretty good. This boy's dad unexpectedly dies and they have to move to an unwelcoming small town in Ohio from big time NYC. The main character is bi-racial (white mom/black dad) which doesn't sit well at his new school. So if dealing with that isn't enough...he soon learns a secret about his dad's life that makes things even more difficult!
November 9, 2017
Jimi and Me by Jamie Adoff is about a boy named Keith James who just lost his father who was just been murdred. With his son having to mover from Brooklyn to Hollow Falls Ohio, where he is force to start over keeping himself together. He goes to a new school where he is being “mixed” isn’t a good thing. He finds some of his,dads old 70’s stuff and trying to figure out all of his secrets that his dad has. The main message of the book being that you need to let the past go and deal with the future. If ayou are into the and Me books I recommend this and if you like Jimi Hendrix I strongly recommend this.
October 22, 2018
I really wanted to like this book. I love novels in verse, and then add in that it's about a biracial boy with a Jimi Hendrix obsession? Sign me up.
Unfortunately, it kinda fell flat for me. The main character is trying, often whiny, and super obsessive. I did feel for him because he lost his dad, but he was hard to like. The plot being predictable didn't help matters. I did like that the ending wasn't wrapped up in a completely neat little bow. I'm all about that realistic ending.
Overall, I might recommend this to a preteen boy who lost a parent, but otherwise, I didn't love it and wouldn't recommend to most.
Unfortunately, it kinda fell flat for me. The main character is trying, often whiny, and super obsessive. I did feel for him because he lost his dad, but he was hard to like. The plot being predictable didn't help matters. I did like that the ending wasn't wrapped up in a completely neat little bow. I'm all about that realistic ending.
Overall, I might recommend this to a preteen boy who lost a parent, but otherwise, I didn't love it and wouldn't recommend to most.
January 19, 2017
This book is about a boy named Keith James who's father passes away.After,Keith's father's death he is forced to move from Big-City Brooklyn,New York to Hollow Falls,Ohio.Kieth is mixed, So when you move of course your going to have to go to a new school and being mixed doesn't really fit at his "New School".When Keith thought things couldn't get worse he discovered something from his father's past that is so unbearable Kieth just doesn't know what to do. SO throughout the book he tries to find out more about the situation.
March 27, 2018
For anyone who enjoys predictable sappy stories this book is definitely for you! Unfortunately, I would prefer a book that keeps me at the edge of me seat wondering what is going to happen next. This story is about the protagonist Keith who recently lost his father to a shooting at the local gas station. Now, he has to move schools and move on with life accompanied by his mother. This book goes on to basically just explore how music made him feel much better and got him through his rough days. I really did not enjoy reading this book.
January 30, 2022
As a Jimi Hendrix fan myself, the title and cover was all I needed to get me reading this book. Music is a huge part of us and can have a major impact on our lives such as Hendrix did on Keith. This book did a great job covering issues in family, how to deal with emotions, and even race/discrimination to young audiences. It was touching and I think that we can all find something to relate with in this book.
April 26, 2023
4.5
I loved the premise of this book and verse was a perfect way to tap into Keith's feelings as he grieves his father. The way Keith and his dad share a love of Jimi and music reminds me of Garvey's Choice, another novel in verse (by Nikki Grimes) that is a younger version of a boy who connects with his dad via music. Jimi & Me is a perfect book to hand young teens as they age up from middle grade books.
I loved the premise of this book and verse was a perfect way to tap into Keith's feelings as he grieves his father. The way Keith and his dad share a love of Jimi and music reminds me of Garvey's Choice, another novel in verse (by Nikki Grimes) that is a younger version of a boy who connects with his dad via music. Jimi & Me is a perfect book to hand young teens as they age up from middle grade books.
November 20, 2019
(2005) Jimi & Me walks us through a young teen’s experience of losing his father. He uses his and his father’s shared love of Jimi Hendrix to find comfort in this deeply personal prose novel. Best suited for independent reading.
August 27, 2018
A very realistic story about a boy's struggles after his father dies. The prose was very good, but the story lacked emotion for me.
March 2, 2021
This book was very exciting and suspenseful. It made you wonder what will happen in the future. It was very sad at points. I would recommend it to people that like mystery and suspense.
March 2, 2021
It was a little slow in the beginning. It got a little more interesting as you read the book. It made want to know what would happen next. The ending was really surprising. Overall it is a good book.
March 2, 2021
I thought it was pretty good. I liked when jimi was determined to find out who his half brother was. And i still wonder what happened with jimi and Veronica. But it was a pretty goo book.
March 2, 2021
This book is really good. It is a very good read if you like Jimi Hendrix.
March 24, 2021
Hard to follow at some points but overall really good.
November 9, 2022
This book was really interesting and provided a lot of insight into a person that most of us know. Highly recommend for pre teen+ readers.
March 3, 2011
2.5 stars
When Keith's father, a producer who works in the music business, is shot and killed, Keith and his mother are left with nothing. All of the family's savings are gone, and they are forced to move from Brooklyn to live with his father's sister Berny in a small town in Ohio. Keith, who is biracial and wears his hair in an afro and clothes from the 1970s, definitely stands out at his new school. But his style and his love of Jimi Hendrix - his father's favorite musician - make him feel closer to his father. Though Keith is having trouble accepting his new environment, he does his best to deal with his grief and stay strong. But then his mother makes a shocking discovery that could destroy Keith's idealized image of his dad forever.
This novel in verse has an interesting premise, but the plot is slow to get going and then becomes a little melodramatic at the end. Though I have enjoyed some novels in verse, in this case, the format didn’t work for me. The poetry was a little clunky at times and it seemed like it could have just as easily been prose. However, Adoff does a decent job of expressing what it’s like for teens who are biracial or simply feel that they don’t fit in as well as those who are dealing with grief over loss of a loved one.
When Keith's father, a producer who works in the music business, is shot and killed, Keith and his mother are left with nothing. All of the family's savings are gone, and they are forced to move from Brooklyn to live with his father's sister Berny in a small town in Ohio. Keith, who is biracial and wears his hair in an afro and clothes from the 1970s, definitely stands out at his new school. But his style and his love of Jimi Hendrix - his father's favorite musician - make him feel closer to his father. Though Keith is having trouble accepting his new environment, he does his best to deal with his grief and stay strong. But then his mother makes a shocking discovery that could destroy Keith's idealized image of his dad forever.
This novel in verse has an interesting premise, but the plot is slow to get going and then becomes a little melodramatic at the end. Though I have enjoyed some novels in verse, in this case, the format didn’t work for me. The poetry was a little clunky at times and it seemed like it could have just as easily been prose. However, Adoff does a decent job of expressing what it’s like for teens who are biracial or simply feel that they don’t fit in as well as those who are dealing with grief over loss of a loved one.
July 21, 2014
Keith's life WAS pretty perfect. His dad is a pretty big music producer in Brooklyn, New York, so Keith gets to be around music all the time. He especially likes listening to Jimi Hendrix. Then one day, Keith's father goes to get a Diet Coke and is shot. This turn the family upside down, so Keith and his mom have to move to a small little town in Ohio that is not very accepting of this biracial family. While dealing with his father's death, his new school and surroundings, normal 8th grade stuff, and his mother's spiraling-downward emotions, Keith and his mom learn more information about his father that may change the way he remembers his admirable father. Keith uses his music and especially Jimi Hendrix music to get him through much of this tough times, but it also keeps him connected to his father.
Told in verse, Adoff does a great job of catching the emotion of an 8th grade boy who is not only going through normal 8th grade stuff, but is also going through a great tragedy with his family. I would recommend this book to students in the 7-10 grade. I think they will enjoy the plot, and they will also enjoy the quick pace of the story since it is told in verse.
Told in verse, Adoff does a great job of catching the emotion of an 8th grade boy who is not only going through normal 8th grade stuff, but is also going through a great tragedy with his family. I would recommend this book to students in the 7-10 grade. I think they will enjoy the plot, and they will also enjoy the quick pace of the story since it is told in verse.
April 17, 2007
After his record producer father is murdered, Keith and his mother try desperately to pick up the pieces of their lives. But his father’s death has left them devastated --- both emotionally and financially. Forced to leave Brooklyn and move to a small “hick” Ohio town with his aunt, Keith urgently clings to every last reminder of his dad, discovering comfort in his own music and that of the late legend --- and his father’s idol --- Jimi Hendrix. Small town life is not the same—he has to fight off a racist bully at school and Hollow Hills is just not Brooklyn. Still, there is some consolation for Keith when he befriends the beautiful and popular Veronica. But just as he begins to get a handle on his father’s death, he discovers the secrets of his father’s life --- secrets that threaten to tear apart what’s left of his fragile family.
An enjoyable story, although the ending was a little forced.
An enjoyable story, although the ending was a little forced.
February 25, 2017
I just read Jimi & Me and it was meh.
First of all the way it is written is extremely clunky and unpleasant. Sentences will skip to the next line mid-sentence without any good reason as to why. It seems like the only reason for this is because, "HER-DUR, it look reel poeticy". Like, poets don't just skip 20 lines before writing a single word after a 2 sentence stanza for no reason. It was actually really pretentious.
Also, they REALLY rushed and sh*tted out that ending. It was really awful. It was almost as if the author was thinking to himself "Damn, I'm finally almost finished, I can't wait to get this done." 1 hour later: "AUGH! This is taking to long! I'm gonna miss the new episode of WestWorld at this rate." It seriously felt like that.
The story is nice, but it feels recycled. Many plot points are kinda laughable as well.
All in all, I don't think I would recommend this.
And I'm giving this one a 5/10 and a 2/5.
First of all the way it is written is extremely clunky and unpleasant. Sentences will skip to the next line mid-sentence without any good reason as to why. It seems like the only reason for this is because, "HER-DUR, it look reel poeticy". Like, poets don't just skip 20 lines before writing a single word after a 2 sentence stanza for no reason. It was actually really pretentious.
Also, they REALLY rushed and sh*tted out that ending. It was really awful. It was almost as if the author was thinking to himself "Damn, I'm finally almost finished, I can't wait to get this done." 1 hour later: "AUGH! This is taking to long! I'm gonna miss the new episode of WestWorld at this rate." It seriously felt like that.
The story is nice, but it feels recycled. Many plot points are kinda laughable as well.
All in all, I don't think I would recommend this.
And I'm giving this one a 5/10 and a 2/5.
April 28, 2014
• Genre in which book belongs and intended age range
The genre in which this book belongs is historical fiction. The intended age range is 4th grade through 7th grade.
• Simple one or two sentence summary
A young man’s Dad dies and he discovers comfort in the music of Jimi Hendrix.
• Curriculum connection
Ask students what comforts them in a time of need? Start writing journals within the classroom that allow students to express themselves and do they have an someone important that they look up to?
• Your opinion or reaction to the book
The book showed a different style of presenting a story. This gave me a chance to break up the monotony of how the other novels were being presented.
• Visual appeal of book
The front of the book shows a young man listening to music and a big picture of Jimi Hendrix.
The genre in which this book belongs is historical fiction. The intended age range is 4th grade through 7th grade.
• Simple one or two sentence summary
A young man’s Dad dies and he discovers comfort in the music of Jimi Hendrix.
• Curriculum connection
Ask students what comforts them in a time of need? Start writing journals within the classroom that allow students to express themselves and do they have an someone important that they look up to?
• Your opinion or reaction to the book
The book showed a different style of presenting a story. This gave me a chance to break up the monotony of how the other novels were being presented.
• Visual appeal of book
The front of the book shows a young man listening to music and a big picture of Jimi Hendrix.
Read
February 4, 2016*SPOILER* Keith James and his mother are leaving Brooklyn after his father is killed during a robbery at the corner grocery store. They're moving in with Aunt Benny who lives in a small Ohio town. Keith hangs tight to the memories of his father who was a music producer and clings especially to their shared love of Jimi Hendrix's music. Hendrix's lyrics form the soundtrack of Keith's struggle to cope with his father's murder and his new life in a small town, especially as a racially mixed teen. But it appears there was more to his father's life than Keith and his mother knew. The life insurance money and much of the savings went to another woman and their son, Jimi, who is three years older than Keith. Keith is angry that Jimi stole so much away from him and his mother and he is determined to track Jimi down and take revenge.
August 8, 2010
This book is about a boy named Keith James who's father passes away.After,Keith's father's death he is forced to move from Big-City Brooklyn,New York to Hollow Falls,Ohio.Kieth is bi-racial which means he is half White(Mom)/half African American(Dad).So when you move of course your going to have to go to a new school and beong bi-racial doesn't really fly at his "New School".When Keith thought things couln't get worse he discovered something from his father's past that is so unbearable Kieth just doesn't know what to do.
January 6, 2015
I think that this book was excellent. It is about a teenage boy who goes through a tragedy and then has to relocate to a small town. He faced a lot of trouble in this town and in his new school. His family isn't doing well and he tries to make everything better while keeping himself together. The story has an amazing plot that made me want to read more. I finished the book in two days because I had to find out the end. The ending was spectacular and I would definitely recommend this to a friend.
November 19, 2008
This is a really great story told in such a great way! It was interesting, filled with emotion, and has you hanging on every word. At times, it makes you feel like there is no hope but then it reveals something new. I could really relate to the main character's love of music and feeling of not fitting in with the times, like you belong in a different decade (the 6o's! same as him!). There is a big twist that changes everthing you thing is going to happen. It's a surprise! Completely satisfying!
October 19, 2010
This book was pretty good. This book is about a young boy named Kevin whos dad died. The dad who was a music producer, loved Jimi Hendrix and so did his son Kevin. In the book the mom and son find out the dad had been lying and had a second family. Which he had been giving all his money too. Also in the book Kevin meets the other son named Jimi and learns that Jimi actually was the jealous one because he got to spend time with the dad and he didnt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 18, 2010This was a YA book written in free verse. It was easy to read. I loved the writing style. Keith's father, a record producer, goes to the corner store to buy a Diet Coke and he is killed in a robbery. After his death, Keith's life is turned upside down. He has to move from New York City to the midwest. In the aftermath of his father's death, Keith and his mother find out that his father had some huge secrets.
December 7, 2010
Genre: Poetry
Copyright: 2005
This is a verse novel- a novel written in prose. I found the format intriguing. I thought that the plot dragged on from time to time. It is a very heavy read. A young kid's father is murdered and the reader is taken inside the kid's thoughts on a journey through the grieving process. It might be cathartic, or it might be a downer. It probably depends on the mood you are in while reading it.
Copyright: 2005
This is a verse novel- a novel written in prose. I found the format intriguing. I thought that the plot dragged on from time to time. It is a very heavy read. A young kid's father is murdered and the reader is taken inside the kid's thoughts on a journey through the grieving process. It might be cathartic, or it might be a downer. It probably depends on the mood you are in while reading it.
October 20, 2010
My first experience of reading a verse novel. It was great, both the writing and story. I enjoyed this story of a young boy (middle school) who loses his father and has to move to another city and state, plus start a new school, and deal with the father's death, as well as secrets his father was keeping. C. 2005, Genre-poetry
March 18, 2016
Keith's father has recently passed away and him and his mom are left behind. Keith was having a hard time letting his father go because they were very close. Keith and his mom have to leave Brooklyn and move in with his aunt. Keith starts to listen to his dads favorite music and starts to learn secrets about him that he didn't know before.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews