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. ( )

This was a powerful story about some very tough events, terrible family dynamics, secrets, abuse, and difficult decisions. Great strong central female character. I thought the story was strong and well told, but I felt like the ending was too perfect, too easy, and I actually felt the tie-in with Tommy Douglas was kind of "tagged-on", I'm sorry, but for me it lacked authenticity. An imperfect book, but a deep and broad story with many strong elements and touching many pertinent issues. Definitely worth reading for youngsters. ( )

I received this book through the Early Reviewers program. This is a fast moving, enjoyable book which would appeal to young readers ages 12 to 14 or so. It is about a young girl who knows what really happened to her friend, Jimmy but is afraid to tell the truth. Carolyn helps her friend and his mother as much as she can. The story is set in Canada just after WWII and this contributes much to the story. There is some mild cursing but I did not feel that it was gratuitous and actually found it appropriate to the tale. While I generally do not read books geared to an audience this young, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the heroine in particular. I will be passing it along to my 12 year old daughter. ( )

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. ( )

Winner of the Canadian Library Association's Book of the Year for Children award in 2010, a nominee in 2012 for the Young Reader's Choice Awards, Watching Jimmy is a fantastic tale of unconditional love, protection, friendship, and sacrifice.

Carolyn is a young girl who's mother is rarely home. As a result, she spends much of her time at her neighbors house, and develops a friendship with Jimmy. Unfortunately, that means she must contend with "Uncle Ted", a man who comes by their house every week on "Ted Day". Ted is a bad man, he drinks, he's violent, and he takes advantage of Jimmy's mom. Carolyn is aware of this, but it seems no one else is.

Ted decides one particular "Ted Day" that he has had enough of Jimmy's attitude, and decides to teach him a lesson. This lesson ends up causing Jimmy irreparable brain damage.

Watching Jimmy becomes Carolyn's life. She knows the truth about Ted, and she struggles with the decision to tell her mother, Jimmy's mom, or anyone at all without jeopardizing Jimmy's safety.

With blunt, believable dialogue, fast-paced story-line, and terrific heart, Nancy Harty weaves a tale that speaks to the heart. ( )