Jimi & Me
By Jaime Adoff
About the book:
After his father is murdered, Keith and his mom are forced
to move from Brooklyn, New York to Hollow Falls, Ohio. He’s the only one at
school with an Afro, a wardrobe out of the ‘60’s and a zealous appreciation of
Jimi Hendrix, the greatest guitarist who ever lived. Through the storm of his
tragic loss, Keith begins to see a few rays of happiness- especially when the
beautiful Veronica, long blond hair falling everywhere, looks his way.
About this guide:
This guide includes
discussion questions and projects intended to extend the use of the novel into
classrooms, book clubs, and literature circles. It should promote discussion on
the themes of the novel including loss, racism, betrayal, family relationships,
friendship and forgiveness.
About the author:
Jaime Adoff is the author of two critically acclaimed books
for young adults: The Song Shoots Out of My Mouth and Names Will Never
Hurt Me. He is the son of late Newbery Award-winning author Virginia
Hamilton and renowned poet Arnold Adoff.
Discussion Guide Questions:
- Discuss Keith’s relationship with his father. How does
what he learns about his father change the way he feels about him? Would you
have a similar reaction?
- What do you think perpetuates racist behavior like that
of Powers and Coles? Would this happen in any location? Is it a lack of
education and ignorance? Stupidity only? Can these attitudes ever be
eradicated completely? How?
- What do you think it would be like to be in such a
completely foreign environment as Keith is in Hollow Springs? Should Keith do
anything to fit in more or is it futile anyway?
- Keith’s mom calls his dad a monster after she learns the
truth and does not want to mark or honor his life anymore. Do you think this
is a fair reaction or not?
- Why do you think the author, Jaime Adoff, writes in this
spare, elegant format for his novel? What does this add to the story? What can
you learn about your own writing by studying it?
- Discuss Keith’s friendship with Veronica. How does she
show herself to be a true friend? Do you think their friendship will grow
into something else? Why or why not?
- Compare Aunt Berny and Keith’s mom. How do they react
differently to the news about Keith’s dad? Who do you think Keith will be more
like when he’s an adult- the ever-optimistic Aunt Berny or his mom? What can
he learn from both of these women? What do you think would have happened to
Keith and his mom if Aunt Berny were not in the picture?
- Keith is influenced greatly by the music and lyrics of
the great guitar player Jimi Hendrix. Whose music influences you most and why?
Is there a current artist who you believe will have such a lasting impact on
the music industry? Support your answer.
- Jaime Adoff’s writing is full of imagery and lyrical
phrases. For example: “My heart getting caught in a car door. / Slammed
shut/all ripped up/and I can’t/get it free.” Find and share your favorite
lines from the novel. Why did you choose this section?
- Compare the lives of Jimi and Keith. Who had the better
relationship with their father? Who knew him best? Did he love one more than
the other? Which son? Use examples from the book to support your position.
Projects:
Research the life and work of Jimi Hendrix. Listen to his
music, read his lyrics and write a brief journal about what you learned.
Keith suffers from panic disorder in the novel. Research
this debilitating disorder and the treatments that are available for it.
Create a piece of collage inspired by the book- use images
from magazines, newspapers, the internet or create your own. Layer color, words,
and images until there is no blank space on a standard sheet of paper, then
mount on a larger colored piece.
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