Come Sing, Jimmy Jo

Jimmy Jo is the stage name his mamma has given James Johnson, a mountain boy who's been living on a rocky farm with his Grandma until he joins the family singing group on the "Country Time" TV show in Tidewater, Virginia. Suddenly, the shy 11-year-old has fans, long lost relatives coming out of the woodwork, a tough sixth-grade teacher, and a chance to see his ambitious mother's shallow vanity close-up. Written by Newbery Medal-winning children's writer Katherine Paterson (BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA), this is one of those stories that starts slow and builds. It is helped immeasurably by the gentle voice of narrator Linda Stephens, who even supplies James's singing with a pure alto that will make readers a fan of Jimmy Jo's music-- and Stephens's voice. M.C. (c) AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine

January 2, 1995
James (stage-named Jimmy Jo) has a rough time handling his fame when he starts to perform with his country-western singing family. Ages 10-up.