Jodie Jones collects words. She takes phrases from library books, from her English classes, from any books she finds. Clyde, Becca’s father, shares words with Jodie. So does her father, and Moses, her older brother’s friend. However, despite her literacy, and despite her particular observation skills, Jodie is failing. It seems the constant detentions and demands for homework and participation mean nothing to Jodie. Neither do her friends’ protestations or the sneers of tormentor. It seems Jodie Jones’ mother’s fury dominates everything at home, from their cleaner, to their eating, their friends, music practice, to the sounds they make and what they look like. Jodie Jones, her father and Champ, are hostage to her mother. In fact, even with Dr Kumar, Jodie Jones’ psychiatrist, Mrs Jones’ fury simmers. It seems her family are disappointing and unappreciative. Then again, Jodie Jones has a secret. It goes beyond the hand signals used to signal Jodie Jones’ mother’s rage level. It goes beyond her disgust at Jodie Jones’ father, that has him camped out, albeit with a suitcase, in his office. What’s more, it goes beyond her dismissal of the death of Jodie Jones’ beloved grandmother during Covid. Finally, it goes beyond the control she exerts over them all, from monitoring their phones, to stealing things they love. It seems Jodie Jones is waiting and watching…. There’s something that goes back to a traumatic incident on London Bridge, after which everything changed. Bookwagon is utterly spellbound by this outstanding book for older, teen readers. We love Emma Shevah’s writing. Thereafter, we highly recommend My Name is Jodie Jones.
