Come Sing, Jimmy Jo

This poignant chapter book follows eleven-year-old James Johnson, a quiet West Virginia boy whose life is upended when his family's bluegrass band discovers his extraordinary singing talent. Forced to adopt the stage name "Jimmy Jo" and become the group's featured performer, James grapples with the sudden spotlight, a changing identity, and the profound strain his success places on his family, particularly his mother's growing jealousy. Katherine Paterson masterfully explores themes of family love, ambition, and the emotional complexities of growing up in the public eye. It's a powerful story about finding your voice while navigating challenging family dynamics.