In the end, Jamie's mother also chose a path toward better decisions. And honestly, the events that happened in What Janie Saw could have been told in the last book. What Jamie Saw is a moving, visceral dramatization of violence in the home, told not from the point of view of a victim, but as witnessed by a nine-year-old boy. This family’s situation could happen anywhere. Jamie's mother catches the baby and immediately decides to remove her children from the situation only leaving with their basic survival needs, such as a few clothes, pillows, blankets, a few toys, and baby things. In the startling and disturbing opening scene, Jamie watches while his mom's boyfriend picks up Jamie's baby sister and throws her across the room. Remarkable book, compelling and important. In What Jamie Saw, Carolyn Coman tells a realistic story of one family’s struggles in the aftermath of domestic violence and trauma. Little Nin could have been killed, but her mom catches her in time. I would recommend this book to anyone going through something similar to Jamie. EMBED (for wordpress.com hosted blogs and archive.org item tags) Want more? In the middle of the night, Jamie saw Van, his mother's boyfriend, reach into his baby's sister's crib and throw the infant across the room "like a football". But if Van comes looking for him, he fears everything in his life will tailspin down to a point of no return. In the startling and disturbing opening scene, Jamie watches while his mom's boyfriend picks up Jamie's baby sister and throws her across the room. It packs a punch in a mere 126 pages and it addresses a social issue that is compelling and necessary to discuss, ie the impact that adult decisions have upon their small children. But she tied the knot with her husband Christopher … What Jamie Lee Curtis Said The First Time She Saw Her Future Husband - Flipboard Perfect example of all show and no tell, as it should be. What Jamie Saw by Coman, Carolyn and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. Having fled to a family friend's hillside trailer after his mother's boyfriend tried to throw his baby sister against a wall, nine-year-old Jamie finds … Jamie’s mom packs up a bag and takes Jamie and Nin to her friend Earl’s house to get away from Van. No spoilers, but I felt that the ending could have been a bit more conclusive. “When Jamie saw him throw the baby, saw Van throw the little baby, saw Van throw his little sister Nin, then they moved.”Nin’s okay–Jamie knows that because his mom was there to catch her. The impact of observed violence perpetrated against loved ones is profound and destructive, and altogether too common. I was very disappointed in this book. thethings.com - Jamie Lee Curtis is such a presence on her own, fans may have forgotten she was even married. This article about a 1990s novel is a stub. "What Jamie Saw" is a short chapter book written by Carolyn Coman. It was very vague in the sense of what he probably actually went through with Van, but it still hurt my heart. It was a small trailer but big enough for the family of 3. Luckily, it only took about 45 minutes to read, so not a lot of time lost here. This comprehensive lesson plan includes 30 daily lessons, 180 multiple choice questions, 20 essay questions, 20 fun activities, and more - everything you need to teach What Jamie Saw! I also chose to read it for my English 356 class. She has two children and lives in New Hampshire. Having fled with his mother and baby sister to a family friend's hillside trailer, nine-year-old Jamie Beauville lives an existence full of uncertainty and fear. A mother and her two children in a crisis of domestic violence, as seen through the little boy's eyes. Jamie had grown used to uncertainty, but now everything was different. What Jamie Saw (Newbery Honor Book) by Carolyn Coman and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. People say kids are resilient--I've heard it a hundred times (and have even said it a few times myself), but are they really or are they shaped by the environment around them? And the end wasn't, well, interesting. The book begins immediately with Patty’s boyfriend, Van, getting annoyed by Nin’s crying and throwing her across the room. It was very vague in the sense of what he probably actually went through with Van, but it still hurt my heart. This is one of the latter. If you enjoy detailed descriptions that take you to a different time and place, you won’t find that in this book. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was the fact that as far as a child is concerned, it kind of missed the point with my 11 year old. It didn't need its own printing. What Jamie Saw audiobook, by Carolyn Coman... “When Jamie saw him throw the baby, saw Van throw the little baby, saw Van throw his little sister Nin, then they moved.” Nin’s okay–Jamie knows that because his mom was there to catch her. Refresh and try again. The impact of observed violence perpetrated against loved ones is profound and destructive, and altogether too common. It has a redeeming ending but not a fairytale one where all is fine. Jamie’s mom packs up a bag and takes Jamie and Nin to her friend Earl’s house to get away from Van. If you enjoy detailed descriptions that take you to a different time and place, you won’t find that in this book. It's really relatable to many children. After spending a few days with Earl, Earl takes Jamie’s family to go look at a trailer that Earl owned near. To see what your friends thought of this book. Judge for yourself, as it got awards so obviously I am out of the norm here, but for me, I wouldn't bother. His mother miraculously catches Nin, and then begins to direct him to come by her side. What Janie Saw is a short story that bridges the gap between Janie's trek to Colorado and the events leading up to the final book. During the process of trying to figure out their new life, Jamie confronts his fears, learns valuable lessons about life and people, and learns about himself. The siren in Jamie's head is slowly jarring him awake. What Jamie Saw is a moving, visceral dramatization of violence in the home, told not from the point of view of a victim, but as witnessed by a nine-year-old boy. After spending a few days with Earl, Earl takes Jamie’s family to go look at a trailer that Earl owned nearby. That night they leave. Start by marking “What Jamie Saw” as Want to Read: Error rating book. For the end of this year I've been focusing on re-reading some of my childhood favorites as an adult. I honestly don't remember hearing about this book, which won a Newbery Honor Award in 1996. I think that the book might help them realize that they are not the only one going. And then Jamie and his mom and Nin moved into Earl’s little trailer that loos like a silver toaster up in the hills in the middle of nowhere. A compelling, honest story about surviving domestic abuse, told through the eyes of 9-year-old Jamie. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published Luckily, Patty was there to catch the baby but Jamie saw the whole ordeal. Deftly handled for a young middle grade audience (other than the one swear word, which absolutely fit the situation but probably would have been cut or changed if the book was written today). I realize it's a children's book, but felt it could have been a bit more disturbing. A compelling, honest story about surviving domestic abuse, told through the eyes of 9-year-old Jamie. His mother, his sister, and he leave Van and go find a new place, a safe place, a place of their own. He was not sure of the whole concept of the book and failed the AR test on it. The impact of observed violence perpetrated against loved ones is profound and destructive, and altogether too common. So begins one of the most compelling novels for young readers published in recent memory. Further suggestions might be found on the article's talk page. I have used it in an Elementary classroom, but be ready to discuss heavy topics like abuse. Trailer Parks in YA and Middle Grade Fiction, 33 Sweeping Multigenerational Family Dramas. Take our free What Jamie Saw quiz below, with 25 multiple choice questions that help you test your knowledge. what jamie saw This is a very good book. I don't really know why I started reading it, but after the first sentence -. But it was not good. I had it on my to read list for a very long time and was excited to find out my new local library had it on the shelves. Jamie's mother chose to subject her children in an unsafe situation. He'd left home after his mother's boyfriend Van tried to throw Nin against a … What Jamie Saw is a heart-rending story of familial determination to escape abuse on their terms while learning to manage uncertainty and the ability to trust. I also chose to read it for my English 356 class. March 1st 1997 The strength of the book is the ease with which young readers who have faced similar situations to Jamie's will identify with (and hopefully find comfort from) his story. Take the free quiz now! What Jamie Saw is a heartbreaking tale about a third grader named Jamie and his life after his mother decides to leave his abusive step-father. Directions: Click on the correct answer. This book follows the main character, Jamie, who is a young boy, and his perspective of this particular time of his life. Throughout the book, one can feel Jamie's anxiousness as a child who has experienced domestic abuse and poverty. Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Nominee (1997), National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature (1996). From a third person point-of-view, we learn about the main character, nine year old Jamie, his abusive step-father, Van, his mother, Patty, and Jami. Throughout the book, one can feel Jamie's anxiousness as a child who has experienced domestic abuse and poverty. But luckily, Patty catches Nin before she hits the floor and becomes seriously injured. Jamie is the eight-year-old protagonist of the book, What Jamie Saw. What Jamie Saw (Book) : Coman, Carolyn : Having fled to a family friend's hillside trailer after his mother's boyfriend tried to throw his baby sister against a wall, nine-year-old Jamie finds himself living an existence full of uncertainty and fear. Jamie’s mom lets him stay home from school for a week and then Jamie’s teacher comes to visit them at the trailer to check in on Jamie and get him to come back to school. Perfectly captures the confusion, raw terror, and tiny sliver of hope children experience in abusive situations. I had it on my to read list for a very long time and was excited to find out my new local library had it on the shelves. A beautifully written account of a child living through domestic violence told from his perspective. Jamie and his mother and little sister moved that night when the accident happened. Quick read and full of goodness on every page. What Jamie Saw is a moving, visceral dramatization of violence in the home, told not from the point of view of a victim, but as witnessed by a nine-year-old boy. “When Jamie saw him throw the baby, saw Van throw the little baby, saw Van throw his little sister Nin, then they moved.”Nin’s okay–Jamie knows that because his mom was there to catch her. And (no spoilers here) I get that it's horrible to throw a baby. “When Jamie saw him throw the baby, saw Van throw the little baby, saw Van throw his little sister Nin, then they moved.” Nin’s okay–Jamie knows that because his mom was there to catch her. What Jamie saw Item Preview > remove-circle Share or Embed This Item. If you crave action-packed adventure with a typical plot line, then this might not be the book for you. I chose to read this book because the title sounded interesting. What Jamie Saw is a 1995 novel by Carolyn Coman. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Good description and minimal dialogue does make for a dark but necessary story. This book pulled on my heart strings a little because people go through situations like Jamir did all the time. Buy What Jamie Saw at Walmart.com Anyway. What Jamie Saw is about a third-grade boy, Jamie, his mother, Patty, and his baby sister, Nin. What Jamie saw. Questions 1-5 of 25: Some haven't held up, but some really have. Free 2-day shipping on qualified orders over $35. I think that the book might help them realize that they are not the only one going through something like living in a camper with just you, your sister and mom. What Jamie Saw received a 1996 John Newbery Honor Award from the American Library Association and was also named a National Book Award Finalist. What Jamie Saw is a moving, visceral dramatization of violence in the home, told not from the point of view of a victim, but as witnessed by a nine-year-old boy. It is well written and thankfully doesn’t spend too much time on the actual abuse. We know they live in New Hampshire. After this happened Jamies life was never the same because he dreamed about the accident in his sleep or even when he would be sitting around. by Puffin. Because of the subject matter I’d recommend this book to those readers mature enough to handle it, maybe 12 and older. What Jamie Saw is about a third-grade boy, Jamie, his mother, Patty, and his baby sister, Nin. In this book, Jamie and his mother witness Nin, Jamie’s baby sister, fly through the air as Patty’s (now) ex-boyfriend, Van, throws her. In 1996 the novel won a Newbery Honor[1] and was among the finalists for the National Book Award.[2]. There is really no climax in the story as the story is really just about how Jamie’s mom picks up the pieces to try to make a better life for her family. Jamie. In the end he was not sure of what the book was really about. But it was not good. The impact of observed violence perpetrated against loved ones is profound and destructive, and altogether too common. The book begins immediately with Patty’s boyfriend, Van, getting annoyed by Nin’s crying and throwing her across the room. Jamie will do anything to protect Nin. “When Jamie saw him throw the baby, saw Van throw the little baby, saw Van throw his little sister Nin, then they moved.” Nin’s okay–Jamie knows that because his mom was there to catch her. Carolyn Coman (born 1951 in Evanston near Chicago) is a writer of children's books living in South Hampton, New Hampshire. I would recommend this book to anyone going through something similar to Jamie. Beautiful writing and touching (though very short) story that truly puts you inside the main character’s mind. This book pulled on my heart strings a little because people go through situations like Jamir did all the time. And (no spoilers here) I get that it's horrible to throw a baby. He opens his eyes just in time to see his baby sister thrown across the room. EMBED. “When Jamie saw him throw the baby, saw Van throw the little baby, saw Van throw his little sister Nin, then they moved.”Nin’s okay–Jamie knows that because his mom was there to catch her. I chose to read this book because the title sounded interesting. This is the story of What Jamie Saw, by Carolyn Coman. There’s not much action for the remainder of the book but the reader is able to see how both Jamie and his mother were affected by the traumatic event. Little Nin could have been killed, but her mom catches her in time. And then Jamie and his mom and Nin moved into Earl’s little trailer that loos like a silver toaster up in the hills in the middle of nowhere. A Newbery Honor Book and National Book Award finalist. This book was a short read and was interesting enough but didn't have enough substance for me to want to revisit it ever. I get that it was written from the point of view of a 3rd grader and thus the tension was seen through his eyes and therefore had more importance than it might have seemed more important to him than to me. Then Jamie's mom gathers both children and as much of their clothing and other belongings as she can carry, loads them into the car, and drives away, leaving the abusive jerk for goo. Still completely impactful and handles such a brutal topic so well. I get that it was written from the point of view of a 3rd grader and thus the tension was seen through his eyes and therefore had more importance than it might have seemed more important to him than to me. Jamie was a little boy that saw his step-dad throw his little sister because she was crying. Having fled with his mother and baby sister to a family friend's hillside trailer, nine-year-old Jamie Beauville lives an existence full of uncertainty and fear. In What Jamie Saw, Carolyn Coman tells a realistic story of one family’s struggles in the aftermath of domestic violence and trauma. Good junior fiction. This is a short but intense story about abuse and poverty. 9781886910027 - What Jamie Saw Newbery Honor Book by Carolyn Coman - AbeBooks (mostly because my reading challenge goal was a bit ambitious, and YA books are a lot faster to read. He lived with his mother, Patty, and baby sister, Nin. This 1996 Newbery Honor book was also a finalist for the National Book Award. “When Jamie saw him throw the baby, saw Van throw the little baby, saw Van throw his little sister Nin, then they moved.”Nin’s okay–Jamie knows that because his mom was there to catch her. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. There are a lot of promising ideas, and a flowing style that readers of all ages will find accessible and interesting. What Jamie Saw Overview Carolyn Coman This Study Guide consists of approximately 34 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of What Jamie Saw. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=What_Jamie_Saw&oldid=908461654, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 29 July 2019, at 21:37. Fortunately, his mother steps up in time to catch the little baby. He witnessed his mom's boyfriend try to hurt his baby sister and now he's dealing with the anxiety of that moment and that environment. Sometimes we forget that the lives of others don't go as smoothly as our own. No_Favorite. "What Jamie Saw" by Carolyn Coman is a story about a boy, Jamie, who wakes up and witnesses his six month old by sister's father throwing her from her crib. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Why not focus on some serious family drama? A novel for children with the theme of domestic abuse. I don't like the cover art, so probably would have passed it up. From a third person point-of-view, we learn about the main character, nine year old Jamie, his abusive step-father, Van, his mother, Patty, and Jamie’s baby sister, Nin. There’s no mention of dates, but it could be happening now. What Jamie Saw Summary One night, a little boy named Jamie awakens to see the man who lives with them, Van, take his baby sister, Nin, and throw her across the room. Determine which chapters, themes and styles you already know and what you need to study for your upcoming essay, midterm, or final exam. Then Jamie's mom gathers both children and as much of their clothing and other belongings as she can carry, loads them into the car, and drives away, leaving the abusive jerk for good. One night, a little boy named Jamie awakens to see the man who lives with them, Van, take his baby sister, Nin, and throw her across the room. After a particularly violent night, Patty decides to move out immediately with Jamie and Nin. I know this book is listed as middle grade/YA but is it really appropriate to have in a classroom bookshelf for middle school? Jaime and his mother face many struggles, and their relationship is threatened several times by emotional outbursts resulting from anger and frustration. In What Jamie Saw, Jamie, his mother, and his baby sister, Nin, move into a trailer after Nin's father attempts to hurl Nin across the room. Written almost like a long poem. Earl warns Patty about how cold it will be in the trailer but they decide to stay in the trailer anyway. Full disclosure.) She has two children and lives in New Hampshire. Loved it. This was my first Carolyn Coman book. But it just fell flat, as not that horrible and not that scary. 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