Something to Sing About Book

Jamie Jo’s fear of bees has been not much more than an annoyance for the Morgan family — that is until the summer their church explodes. While trying to make sense of this event, Jamie Jo deals with overcoming other struggles: she fears reaching out to a new girl in the neighborhood, she worries about taking on the responsibility of a puppy, and she doesn’t know why her older brother’s return to town has caused tension in the family. She has to deal with all of this without going outside (where the bees live) alone!

Readers will be captivated by Jamie Jo’s humor, wit, and small-town charm as she begins to see her world and her faith in a new way.

Children's Literature

Ten year old Jamie Jo is deathly afraid of bees. She will not venture outside alone or without a fly swatter. In fact, her mother is now known as the Bee Slayer. Jamie Jo even refuses to play with classmates during recess. Instead, she sits safely with the teacher on the sidelines. However, a combination of events over the summer helps her to come to terms with her insecurities. Her mother is "fired" from the church choir, a new girl moves in across the street, and Jamie Jo acquires a puppy. She also learns that other people are insecure at times. The hateful lady next door turns out to be a nice lady who is just lonely, and Jamie Jo realizes that her new friend Rafi also has fears and insecurities. Jamie Jo is surprised as she thought she was the only one with insecurities. An accidental explosion at the church makes everyone reexamine the petty differences that keep them apart. The new school year begins with a happier, more secure and more mature Jamie Jo. Reviewer: Shirley Nelson