Being Jimmy Baxter, Year 6 English and HPE

UNIT COMING SOON

Authors: Fiona Lloyd

Publisher: Penguin Books Australia 

Synopsis: It’s not eggsactly easy being Jimmy Baxter 'cause: The real Jimmy's hiding inside; Ned Kelly’s giving him the evil eye; Mum’s stopped going to work and stays in bed; There’s no eggs in the fridge — or anything else; AND there’s new jobs, bad-at-school brains and a whole lot of trouble called Duke. But then . . . there’s Mac. A gently funny yet powerful coming-of-age middle grade novel about surviving the odds, unlikely friendships and the magical music of Elvis.  (Publisher synopsis)

Themes: Friendship, trust, mental health, resilience, connection

Cross-curriculum links: Health and PE 

Why PETAA chose this book for a curriculum unit: This book approaches the topics of mental health, domestic violence and alcohol abuse with sensitivity and optimism. The story, told through Jimmy’s eyes, provides an insight into a sadly common reality faced by many young Australians and their families. While dark in theme, the book offers a positive message of real-life survival and the importance of friendship to help you through the bad times.

In the classroom this book would be a valuable resource for exploring the ways that people deal with adversity and setbacks. Set in a small rural town, the book also demonstrates the important role that community and connection play in supporting mental and physical health, for people of all ages.