Jam Sessions by Jerry Harwood | Review
Jam Sessions: Sometimes in Middle School, the best you can do is survive
A book blog tour from Digital Reads.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Shalini G. for providing me the information for this tour.
Jam Sessions by Jerry Harwood Published by Independent Genres: Family Life, Fiction, Humorous, Middle-Grade, Self-Esteem, Teen
Format: Audiobook, eBook, Paperback
Pages: 214
Add to GoodreadsMeet Phillip. His mom relocates him to a new school in the middle of the school year.
Things do not go well. Phillip lands himself a trip to the dean of student’s office when he tries to forge his mother’s signature. Maybe if he spelled her name correctly it would have gone better.
Phillip also finds himself having more and more anxiety. And the song some bullies are singing is certainly not helping:
Phillip Willip, Puddin and Pie.Got a bad grade and made him cry.There is one class Phillip has that is going well. It is with Mr. Filter, who starts each day with a writing prompt. These “jam sessions” allow students to be creative and enjoy writing. Phillip writes about being a basketball on a soccer field. Another day he writes about receiving two dragon eggs in the mail, one for himself and one for a particularly cute girl.
But will Phillip ever be able to make his real life go as well as his Jam Sessions?
Source: Digital Reads Book Tours, Received from the author or publisher for review.
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Purchase links
Barnes & Noble iTunes Waterstones The Book Depository
Jam Sessions Available For Classrooms
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My thoughts on Jam Sessions by Jerry Harwood
Jam sessions in this story mean writing sessions, not music. I love the idea of students starting their day pouring their thoughts into a journal. It’s much easier to write your feelings than speak them aloud, especially for middle-grade students.
This can be an effective tool for dealing with anxiety. Our main character, Phillip, has an over-abundance of anxiety. After he and his mother flee an abusive relationship in the middle of the night, they must start over. He has to deal with a new school, catching up academically, and facing the school bully’s wrath. That’s enough to stress most adults, let alone a pre-teen.
Phillip learns the importance of friends, family, and teachers in coping with his problems. He’s fortunate to have all these people rooting for him to succeed.
This story is a must-read for adolescents and their parents. It offers many helpful tips in navigating the treacherous waters of teen anxiety. I would like to see this book in every school and public library.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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Jam Sessions by Jerry Harwood
About Jerry Harwood
Jerry Harwood was born in Ooltewah, TN. His mother was an elementary school teacher and he spent his afternoons reading books in her classroom or the nearby library.
He has experimented with other occupations: camp director, program director at a counseling center, college professor and middle school teacher.
Jerry has backpacked Europe, taught in a Ukrainian University, worked in Rwanda after the genocide, is a first responder, sort-of remodeled a VW Thing, and has a love for Cherry Coke Zero that is only surpassed by his love for his wife, six children, and grandson.
Jerry attended college at UT Chattanooga where he was in university honors and majored in Latin and classical literature. He has two master’s degrees, nearing completion on a third. He lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he is an active member of the Chattanooga Writer’s Guild, the Atlanta Writer’s Club, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
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Purchase the book online from a local book store.
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Similar reviews:
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[…] Jam Sessions by Jerry Harwood […]
Great review Gina. I really liked this one and know it will be a good read for my grandson as he gets older.
Wow Gina. Brilliant review. Thank you so much for being part of this tour. Loved it.