Come Sing, Jimmy Jo by Katherine Paterson
"Come Sing, Jimmy Jo" by Katherine Paterson is a poignant novel set in the Appalachian region of Virginia, depicting the life of an eleven-year-old boy named James Johnson. The story centers around James's deep bond with his family, particularly his grandmother, as they share a passion for country music. As a member of a family music group known as "the Family," James grapples with the pressures of public performance, especially after being thrust into the spotlight under a new persona, "Jimmy Jo." This transition presents him with challenges such as adapting to city life, facing peer relationships at school, and dealing with the complexities of family identity, including the sudden claim of a stranger as his real father.
Throughout the narrative, James's journey of self-discovery is supported by key figures, such as his grandmother, a friend named Eleazor Jones, and family members. Their love and encouragement help him navigate feelings of fear and uncertainty. The book explores universal themes of identity, belonging, and the significance of both familial and platonic relationships, while also authentically reflecting the cultural heritage of its Appalachian setting. "Come Sing, Jimmy Jo" offers readers insights into the importance of music, family ties, and the journey toward self-acceptance, making it a relatable and enduring tale for young readers.
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Subject Terms
Come Sing, Jimmy Jo by Katherine Paterson
First published: 1985
Type of work: Domestic realism
Themes: Coming-of-age, emotions, and family
Time of work: The 1980’s
Recommended Ages: 10-13
Locale: Appalachian Virginia
Principal Characters:
James Johnson , the youngest member and star of the Johnson family of country-western singersGrandma , who, through her love and support, persuades James that he has “the gift” for bringing happiness to others with his musicJerry Lee , the loving, understanding man who James believes is his fatherOlive , James’s ambitious mother, who seeks success and acceptance
The Story
Set in the mountains of Appalachian Virginia, Come Sing, Jimmy Jo is a sensitive and authentic portrayal of a family bound together by a shared love of country music. Singing and playing the guitar was as natural as breathing for James Johnson and his family of country-western singers. The Family, as they were called, began singing when James’s grandparents took their two young sons, Jerry Lee and Earl, on tour to country fairs and gospel meetings. When Grandma lost her voice, she was replaced in the Family by Olive, Jerry Lee’s young, ambitious wife. Eleven-year-old James lived with Grandma in the little house on the mountain. Singing and “picking” together was a special bond shared by James and his grandmother. Not a day passed without James’s playing and singing on the front porch while Grandma coached and encouraged him or joined him in a favorite song. It was expected that someday James would join the Family in singing the music that was so much a part of their heritage. James, however, wanted only to sing for his beloved Grandma.
When James was discovered by the Family manager, it was decided that he should become a member of the group. James was terrified by the prospect of performing in public. It was Grandma who persuaded James that he had “the gift” and an obligation to share the happiness that his music could bring. James reluctantly agreed to perform with the Family. After the first few moments, the music helped him rise above his fear of performing as he concentrated on singing only for Grandma, who was at home watching him on the television. He began to enjoy the experience as the fans cheered for him. He was not prepared, however, for the outpouring of affection from the fans who rushed onto the stage to greet him.
As James continued to perform with the Family, he faced numerous challenges to maintaining his identity. First, his name was changed because his mother believed that the fans would relate better to “Jimmy Jo” than to James, and to make him seem cuter, she told fans that he was nine years old instead of eleven. Second, he had to leave Grandma and their mountain home to live and attend school in the city. James was fearful that if his classmates discovered he had been singing on television, they would make fun of him, but James was befriended at school by Eleazor Jones, the class rebel, who protected his secret identity. The third challenge that James faced was the stranger who suddenly appeared and claimed to be his real father. As James struggled to meet these challenges, it was his grandmother, Jerry Lee, and his friend, Eleazor Jones, who offered him the support and understanding to work through his problems to a satisfying solution.
Context
Having characters outside the immediate family help young protagonists build self-esteem and grow toward maturity seems to be a recent trend in some realistic fiction. Gilly in Paterson’s The Great Gilly Hopkins (1978) and James in Come Sing, Jimmy Jo both are aided in their search for self-discovery by characters who are not related to them but who give them unconditional love and understanding. To a certain degree the character Jess in Paterson’s Bridge to Terabithia (1977) also experiences self-discovery as a result of his friendship with Leslie. The idea that a protagonist may discover self-knowledge with the help of characters who are not his or her parents seems to add authenticity to today’s realistic fiction. Even though the characters may reject help from others, as did Gilly, who was rude and cruel to Trotter, her foster mother, and James, who felt betrayed by Jerry Lee and Grandma, they eventually come to understand that the love they experience is freely given and not bound by traditional family ties.
In Come Sing, Jimmy Jo, Paterson has created a story with a specific regional setting and characters who represent a particular cultural heritage. The language the characters speak, the descriptions of the characters’ actions and appearance, and their love of old-time country music are authentic to the region. The story, however, extends beyond its regional characteristics to help the reader discover certain universal themes, and in so doing, the young reader of Come Sing, Jimmy Jo may derive a new understanding of self and others. The universal quality of this book should ensure its lasting favor with children.