Watching Jimmy

by Nancy Hartry

A novel of danger, warmth, and dark humor — about a brain-damaged young boy and the friend who knows a terrible secret.

Watching Jimmy is an impossible-to-put-down novel full of danger, warmth, and dark humor. With shocking candor, young Carolyn relates the truth about what really happened to her best friend, Jimmy, when his Uncle Ted chose the perfect time to teach him a lesson he'd never forget. The truth is, Jimmy didn't fall from a swing like Uncle Ted claims — Carolyn knows, because she saw everything. According to her, "Uncle Ted just didn't count on me, Carolyn, [being] perched in a tree where the park and the parking lot meet."

With the dreadful secret locked away, Carolyn walks an emotional tightrope. No matter what else is happening in this post-war era, she must keep an eye on poor, brain-damaged making sure he behaves, keeping him clean, and keeping him safe — especially from Uncle Ted. But when Uncle Ted threatens his beleaguered family with even more abuse and the loss of their home, Carolyn must find the courage to match wits with him and to speak out, using the truth as her only weapon. But perhaps her biggest challenge will lie in finding a way to get Jimmy the expensive operation he needs to relieve the pressure on his brain,

"As I told you, our Jimmy is not a mental defective like people say. Our Jimmy is in there. He's in there. This I know." Set in 1958, Watching Jimmy is a brilliant portrait of a time past, a family of strong women, and a resourceful young girl who exudes character, resilience, and, most of all, love.

Genres: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Historical, Realistic Fiction, Canada, Fiction, Childrens

160 pages, Hardcover

First published April 14, 2009

About the author

Nancy Hartry is the author of two picture books, Hold On, McGinty! and Jocelyn and the Ballerina. Nancy finds inspiration for her stories in the antics of her children and her larger family. Watching Jimmy grew from her short story "Thunderbird Swing," which appeared in Secrets, published by Tundra Books. Watching Jimmy won the Canadian Library Association's Book of the Year for Children Award and was a finalist for the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People, and the Ontario Library Association's Golden Oak Award. When Nancy is not writing stories, she works as a lawyer. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Reviews

[Kimberly Caldwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Historical Fiction - 2009 My librarian asked me to preview this book for her as it is new to our classroom library. It was probably perfect timing after our discussion about censorship/selection. Throughout the text, I found myself questioning having this text in our library. I'm not sure our elementary students are developmentally ready for some of the content in this book. Carolyn, the main character, takes care of her best friend Jimmy who was injured due to physical abuse by his "uncle". This story takes place in the 1950's and makes mention of post-war issues. The story revolves around Carolyn's inner growth, and the struggle of Jimmy's family to free themselves from abuse. I tried to approach the book with an open mind and recognize there was going to be difficult topics discussed. However, I struggled with supporting how the book was written, especially aspects of the ending that suggest you should keep abuse silent.

[Claire Zheng · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main character, Carolyn, has witnessed a tragic event involving her friend Jimmy's uncle Ted teaching him a lesson and causing him to have brain damage. Now, Jimmy can barely think straight and Carolyn has to protect his family from even further abuse from Uncle Ted. But nobody else knows the real truth behind Jimmy's accident, and Carolyn has to muster up the courage and speak out. This book is touching to say at the very least and was incredibly heartwarming at the end. I really do recommend you to read it. Though, there may be content not meant for younger readers and I feel it's more fit for middle schoolers.

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn Jamieson has a story to tell. It's not your average everyday story that any normal almost twelve-year-old would tell. You see, Carolyn was high up in a tree one early evening when uncle Ted thought he was alone in the park with her best friend Jimmy. That particular day would change all of their lives forever. Carolyn and Jimmy have lived next door to each other. They spent a lot of time together mostly because Carolyn's mom worked the night shift. Aunt Jean, Jimmy's mom, took care of them as best she could. Uncle Ted, who was presumed to be Aunt Jeans brother, and was considered to be a wealthy man. It's the late 1950's and he has made his money in the plumbing industry. He drove a blue Thunderbird with white pleather seats. Jimmy always wanted to drive that car. Uncle Ted always showed up on Thursday to visit Aunt Jean and he would always leave her a little money to help out. While Uncle Ted visited, Jimmy, Carolyn and the neighborhood kids would hang all over his car. Jimmy always sat behind the wheel. Uncle Ted would come out of the house and yell at the kids causing them to run and scatter. He would always sock Jimmy in the arm leaving behind a bruise every time. Carolyn and Jimmy would be stuck wiping all the fingerprints off of the car before he would leave. Carolyn couldn't figure out why Uncle Ted was always so mean to Jimmy. It was as if he had a secret hate for him. One Thursday evening in the park Uncle Ted challenged Jimmy to a race for a chance to drive the car. It wasn't man against boy running, but a race with man and car against Jimmy. And then it happened. Uncle Ted hit Jimmy with his fancy blue car, unaware that Carolyn saw the whole thing from high up in a tree. The story goes that Jimmy fell out of the swing and bumped his head. It put him in a coma for a while and when he woke up he wasn't the same. He now wears diapers and drools. Carolyn knew she had to watch over Jimmy and protect him from Uncle Ted. One day, Carolyn finds Jimmy home alone with Uncle Ted who had been giving him alcohol to calm him down from one of his fits. It is now Carolyn's mission to find out why Uncle Ted is so mean and to figure out a way to tell what really happened to Jimmy. Hartry draws readers into Carolyn's world. The unfolding of events is filled with suspense and emotion. Readers will eagerly turn the pages to see what Carolyn does to protect her friend and family. Although the content is sensitize this is a middle grade friendly read.

[Elizabeth Coates · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a librarian-to-be, I try to sometimes read kids books as well as adult books. I chose this book for 2 reasons:
1) It was the CLA book of the year in 2010
2) As a Canadian I like to support Canadian authors and this book in particular is actually set in the area of Toronto in which I live!

This was a great story. It's set in the 1950s and the main character is a brave little girl who tries to protect best friend from her abusive and creepy Uncle Ted. Jimmy is brain-damaged from "falling off the swings". Only, Carolyn knows what really happened and it is up to her to keep Jimmy safe.

The novel highlights the importance of family and friendship and the main character is a strong independent young woman. Sometimes reading kids books as an adult can be a bit of a chore but I loved this one. I am looking forward to seeing what Hartry publishes next!

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with rating this book, but like another reviewer mentioned, I had to come back to the uneasy feeling I got by the end of the story that comes from the suggestion that it's ok to hide being abused from those you love. Besides that, I felt no sympathy for the character you're meant to have sympathy for in the end, even after his backstory was revealed. All that is still no excuse for his behaviour throughout the story. Also, I wasn't sure I bought into the claim that the costly surgery would make Jimmy better in the end, and that's where the last ray of hope lies... A quick and easy read, but I think it would be pretty dark for a grade 4-6 audience! And I'm not sure I can agree with the messages that come out at the end.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is impossible to put down. you grow a relationship with the characters.

[Suzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Jury is out" on my opinion of the content of the book.
I will, however speak on the cover art.
Although compelling, I find that the cover does not seem to fit the style of the story.
The novel is set in the 1950's.
The cover looks more for a YA audience and does not really seem to fit the era of the story. (Even though, screws and art forms were likely available in the 50's).
In fact, the cover put me off a bit. It was when I read the first couple of pages that I was encouraged to read the rest of it.

[Stephanie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in a stream of consciousness style, this book was impossible to put down for fear of breaking your connection with Carolyn’s story. This story is a good reminder of the kindness and the cruelty of the average person as well as the capacity of children to take in the problems of the adults around them.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was removed from circulation in the library because it was not checked out enough, which surprised me. I felt it moved relatively quickly, with a couple of slower spots here and there. Some of the language was a tad problematic in regard to Jimmy, but there’s no R-slur, which makes me feel less bad about allowing children to read it.

[Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exceptional book.

[Pippin Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watching Jimmy is the touching story of Carolyn, a girl who holds a secret. After witnessing Jimmy, her good friend and neighbour, receive a brain injury after “falling off a swing”, Carolyn does everything in her power to protect him from that day forth. Her weeks are measured by Ted-days, the day she spends babysitting Jimmy after school, the day Uncle Ted comes for his weekly visit.
Nancy Hartry tells a believable tale of the hardships many families faced in 1950’s post war Canada, especially the hardships of single mothers. The story is told from the perspective of Carolyn, who spends most of her time, when not in school, with Jimmy. Carolyn accepts Jimmy for what he is, knowing that the old Jimmy is in there somewhere, but due to a lack of funds, is not able to receive the treatment he needs that may cure his brain injury. Carolyn’s character evolves as she attempts to overcome the misery and abuse she sees around her, and with the support from people she meets, is finally able to face those foes. This all comes to a head when Carolyn is asked to give a Remembrance Day speech and ultimately is not able to keep the truth of the hardship and irony, she sees around her, down. She unknowingly tells the truth to those who are attending the ceremony, sharing the horrors of what she has seen, and what is unfair in the world around her. Although a little difficult to relate to the 1950’s era when families were still affected by the traumas of war, and owning a car or television was a luxury, the story has appeal in its telling of the courageous internal battle that Carolyn fought, and was able to overcome.

Awards:
YRCA 2012, Junior Division nominee.
Book of the Year for Children Medal, English Award, 2010.
Canadian Library Association Book of the Year for Children Award 2010

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Library Thing in exchange for an honest review.

This little book was a surprise. I knew it was coming, but I didn’t expect it to be so big for its size. By that I mean, this book may be small but it is jam-packed – in such a nice way.

Nancy Hartry grabbed my attention right away with how she began this tale. She set the scene in chapter one, then hit with a gut-wrenching punch in chapter two. Even so, this interesting – yet painful – story that’s easy to read, easy to follow, easy to understand, is hard to put down until the end. And once there it evokes a satisfied sigh and leaves the reader thinking it all over.

Carolyn and Jimmy were best friends. When Jimmy got hurt, Uncle Ted’s story was that he fell off the swing. What nobody knows is that Carolyn saw the whole thing, but who can she tell? And what good would it do?

This story is set in 1958, after World War II, during a time of struggle and recovery in Canada, a historical time that will change the nation. Nancy Hartry writes in a way that illuminates that era without the reader realizing there is a history lesson being presented.

This book is well worth the read. It is very believable and captures the reader for a step back in time to learn what life in Canada was like then, and what it means to be courageous, dedicated, and truthful.

Watching Jimmy by Nancy Hartry was a finalist for the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People, and the Ontario Library Association’s Golden Oak Award.

If you enjoy historical fiction you will certainly appreciate Watching Jimmy by Nancy Hartry.

[Michael Papineau-Couture · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 1958, a young girl witnesses an event that no one else was supposed to see. Her friend Jimmy is injured and afterwards isn't quite the same as a result of brain damage. She's left to watch out for him as Uncle Ted, the man responsible for Jimmy's state, works his plans. All the while, Carolyn fends for herself as her mother works all hours at the plant. Finding her voice, in more ways than one, Carolyn stands up for what she feels is right.

I was completely drawn in by the story. The main character of Carolyn is left in such difficult circumstances that watching her succeed where others might have faltered was uplifting. The story's setting of Canada in the late 50’s was also interesting as a backdrop. What I find interesting about this novel is it is catalogued in the TEEN HARDCOVER section at EPL when it was nominated for the Junior Division of YRCA (grades 4-6) indicating ages 9-12. I personally feel it straddles the two categories, but does lean more toward the beginnings of teen. There are some deep concepts here. While important to discuss, these concepts may either be too complex or be uninteresting for children. Regardless, I found the story to be highly engaging and emotionally charged. Watching Jimmy won the CLABYC 2010 (CLA Book of the Year for Children) and was nominated for Junior Division YRCA for 2012.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a heartbreaking story that was ultimately hopeful. I ended up reading a lot of books about the mentally ill, and this was another one. The difference with Watching Jimmy is that Jimmy is ill because of abuse, and Carolyn witnessed the incident during which Jimmy was injured. After that, Carolyn takes on Jimmy as her responsibility, almost as a penance for witnessing his abuse at the hands of his uncle. I liked the family dynamics, although there may have been too many complex family ties for such a short novel. But the characters were good, and Carolyn is the kind of girl that I would have wanted to be a young age.
The history is mostly background, and while it affects the story is not overwhelming. This reads more like contemporary realistic fiction, and I think that many readers will be able to identify with Carolyn. There are some tough topics in this book, so younger or more sensitive readers may need some guidance on the way through.
Child Abuse. Drinking. Teenage pregnancy. Sexual innuendo.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Carolyn and Jimmy are the same age and pretty much related, but not really. They live side-by-side in a duplex and Jimmy's mom babysits Carolyn while her mom works. Uncle Ted, Jimmy's uncle, comes to visit every Thursday but it's not a day that Carolyn looks forward to. Uncle Ted isn't what he appears to be. Uncle Ted says that Jimmy's head got hurt when he fell off a swing, but Caroly saw it all. She saw Uncle Ted driving horribly erratically so that Jimmy was thrown from Uncle Ted's car. That's what caused the pressure on Jimmy's brain so that he's not who he was before. Now Jimmy has to wear a diaper and is mentally handicapped and Aunt Jean, Jimmy's mom, can't afford to have the surgery it would take to fix Jimmy's head.

This was a very short book, just 150 pages, and not one I particuarly enjoyed reading, although I can't really pinpoint a specific reason as to why. It will also go to the junior high library because of content that will be too hard to understand for my readers at the middle school level.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd never heard of this book before I spotted it on LibraryThing's Early Reviewers giveaways. I threw my name in for a shot and ended up winning a copy. Unfortunately, it took me a lot longer to actually get to reading the book than it should have. The book tells the story of what happened to Jimmy while he was under the care of his uncle. The story is told by his neighbor and best friend. I liked that this is just a small portrait of a life, or a set of lives. Nothing big and out there happens, except I suppose Carolyn's speech is a bit far-fetched. Overall, though, I thought this was a thoughtful and moving read. It's little dark at the end, so maybe not suited for elementary readers, but would work for middle schoolers.

I received this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

start: i've been asked to read and determine if this is more of a kids' book or a teens' book.

finish: quick read about a poor canadian girl who is strong-willed, talented and smart, an outcast at her school, and determined to keep Jimmy, her best friend, safe from his uncle after an "accident" which left him severely brain-damaged. could be for middle school or upper elementary, doesn't go into great detail about the accident, just as the girl doesn't go into great detail when she talks. short book, but potent. didn't understand all the Canadian references, but still managed to get through the story ok.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the spunky Carolyn prepares for her Veteran's Day speech at school, she helps the woman next door she calls Aunt Jean with her disabled son Jimmy. Carolyn dreads "Ted Day" when Uncle Ted comes to visit Jimmy and Aunt Jean, because Ted is a bully and Carolyn knows the truth about what Ted has done to Jimmy. It's up to Carolyn to protect Jimmy, but does she have the courage to stand up to Uncle Ted? (Note to educators: This book is nominated for the 2011-2012 Young Readers Choice Award. It should be previewed before a read aloud, as it contains an attempt rape, physical abuse, and some tough language like "bastard.")

[Saleena Longmuir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Watching Jimmy is the story of Carolyn, who lives in the 50s, and next door to Jimmy. He has suffers a traumatic brain injury, and everyone has been told it was a playground accident. Carolyn is the sole witness to the lie, which is that Jimmy was abused and horribly injured. She struggles with this lie, as well as with how to protect her good friend Jimmy in an era when reporting abuse isn't easy. This is a quick but tough read, and though it's set in Canada, it will find resonance with anyone who has seen or heard of abuse.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a short little book, this one was gripping. Set in post war Canada, a young girl struggles with the truth about what really happened to her best friend who has suffered a brain injury. What rang true the most for me is how differently kids related to adults during what were also MY childhood years, than they do now. Very strong female protagonist who takes the burden of protecting her friend on her own young shoulders

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

More a YA book than a J grade 6 and up

1958- postwar
Carolyn- feisty,smart, strong character
two single mothers raising their children

CLA award winner 2010

A twelve-year-old girl,Carolyn, sees her next-door neighbour and friend, Jimmy, bullied and hurt by his uncle Ted. She keeps this a secret until she just cannot keep it a secret any more.
So many issues are dealt with in this book- intense but well done- promising ending for the two families

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book. It is dark and a little heavy (revolving as it does around a boy who has brain damage due to child abuse), but the writing is excellent and the story is simply great. There is some question about the age appropriateness for 4-6th grades, and I am definitely not the expert there, but my opinion is that it is. It may not be the best 4th grade read-aloud, but it is definitely worth reading for the Battle of the Books. Heck, this is worth reading for everybody.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jimmy "fell off a swing" and now suffers from brain damage. His friend and neighbor, Carolyn, relates what really happened and how her life is impacted by this drastic change in her best friend.

I think kids will have a hard time with the setting of the story (1950's, Canada) because it sounds too much like realistic fiction where you expect it to be contemporary, not historical.

[Melissa Kidd · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a short story and easy to get through. I generally don't prefer small stories because I love detail and character growth, but this small book had its charm. The story was too the point and had a nice ending. I believe it is categorized as a children's book and if so it is definitely an intense read. Not bad.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watching Jimmy is a children's novel for older children. It takes place in the 1950's post World War II in Canada. And it deals with some harsh subjects including poverty; child abuse; health care. It's a very moving story and pertains to the world we live in today.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true family history this book left me thinking about the world and how people relate to one another for a long time after putting it down. I loved the way this is told, through the voice of a girl. Thank you Nancy!

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an odd, but engaging book involving an abusive adult, financially struggling single moms in 1958 Canada, and the strength of a young girl whose best friend is now brain-damaged-and she knows the truth of why.

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot packed into this little book. Powerful emotions, suspense, and a sort of brooding tension. It opens with tragedy and the reader knows the worse may very well be coming--it hangs like a pall over the book. Very well written.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really sticking with me. It's a difficult topic, but handled well, and I couldn't help but cheering our hero on!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jimmy is hurt by his uncle and suffers brain damage, although nobody knows this except for the main character. Her determination to keep Jimmy safe and struggle with to tell or not.