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The Great Brain #3
Me and My Little Brain
This third book in the series is a great combination of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Terrible Two series, and is perfect for fans of Roald Dahl.
Tom a.k.a. the Great Brain, is off to boarding school. Now his little brother, J.D., is free to follow in Tom's ingenious, conniving, and profitable footsteps. All of J.D.'s attempts at turning a profit fail miserably, and he soon realizes that he just doesn't have that crafty Great Brain knack. But when his younger brother is kidnapped, J.D. finds that his little brain may not be so ordinary after all . . .
Tom a.k.a. the Great Brain, is off to boarding school. Now his little brother, J.D., is free to follow in Tom's ingenious, conniving, and profitable footsteps. All of J.D.'s attempts at turning a profit fail miserably, and he soon realizes that he just doesn't have that crafty Great Brain knack. But when his younger brother is kidnapped, J.D. finds that his little brain may not be so ordinary after all . . .
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1971
63 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
John D. Fitzgerald
41 books163 followersOFFICIAL WEBSITE REFERENCED REPORTS:
John Dennis Fitzgerald was born in Price, Utah, on February 3, 1906, to Thomas and Minnie Melsen Fitzgerald. His father had a pharmacy degree but engaged in a number of business ventures and served on the Price Town Council for four years. John graduated from Carbon High School and at the age of eighteen and left Utah to pursue a career as a jazz drummer. He worked in a variety of occupations during his life, including newspaper reporter for the World-Tribune in New York City, foreign correspondent for United Press, advertising and purchasing agent, and bank auditor. He also served on Wendell Willkie's staff when Willkie was running for president.
At the time his first book, Papa Married a Mormon (1955), was published, he was living in Los Angeles and working as a steel buyer. Fitzgerald had collaborated with his sister, Belle Fitzgerald Empey, to write this book. Her name was not included as coauthor of the book because it was written in the first person. Papa Married a Mormon was very popular and was reprinted in several foreign-language editions, including Chinese. Twice chosen as a Book-of-the-Month Club selection, it was also serialized in McCall's Magazine. A sequel, Mamma's Boarding House, appeared in 1958.
Fitzgerald moved to Denver in 1960 where he tried for a short time to make his living as a full-time writer. He later reported that "I quit my job and went to a mountain cabin to make my living writing. I had to sell my jack and a tire to get back to Denver. When I got there I sold my typewriter and swore I would never write again." His wife later bought him another typewriter and he eventually resumed writing.
He had a very successful writing career, publishing more than 500 magazine articles, as well as poetry and songs and two books on writing, The Professional Story Writer and His Art (1963) and Structuring Your Novel: From Basic Idea to Finished Manuscript (1972).
His most successful and widely read novels are the juvenile books in the Great Brain Series. They were loosely based on the adventures of his brother Thomas N. Fitzgerald. Books in this series include: The Great Brain (1967), More Adventures of the Great Brain (1969), Me and My Little Brain (1971), The Great Brain at the Academy (1972), The Great Brain Reforms (1973), The Return of the Great Brain (1974), and The Great Brain Does It Again (1976).
The Great Brain Series has led to one of the most asked questions in Utah literature: "Where is Adenville, Utah?" Adenville is a fictional town created by Fitzgerald, but most readers believe that the geographical setting loosely fits that of a small town in southern Utah.
Fitzgerald and his wife, Joan, moved to Titusville, Florida, in about 1972 where he continued his writing career. He died there May 20, 1988, at the age of 82.
John Dennis Fitzgerald was born in Price, Utah, on February 3, 1906, to Thomas and Minnie Melsen Fitzgerald. His father had a pharmacy degree but engaged in a number of business ventures and served on the Price Town Council for four years. John graduated from Carbon High School and at the age of eighteen and left Utah to pursue a career as a jazz drummer. He worked in a variety of occupations during his life, including newspaper reporter for the World-Tribune in New York City, foreign correspondent for United Press, advertising and purchasing agent, and bank auditor. He also served on Wendell Willkie's staff when Willkie was running for president.
At the time his first book, Papa Married a Mormon (1955), was published, he was living in Los Angeles and working as a steel buyer. Fitzgerald had collaborated with his sister, Belle Fitzgerald Empey, to write this book. Her name was not included as coauthor of the book because it was written in the first person. Papa Married a Mormon was very popular and was reprinted in several foreign-language editions, including Chinese. Twice chosen as a Book-of-the-Month Club selection, it was also serialized in McCall's Magazine. A sequel, Mamma's Boarding House, appeared in 1958.
Fitzgerald moved to Denver in 1960 where he tried for a short time to make his living as a full-time writer. He later reported that "I quit my job and went to a mountain cabin to make my living writing. I had to sell my jack and a tire to get back to Denver. When I got there I sold my typewriter and swore I would never write again." His wife later bought him another typewriter and he eventually resumed writing.
He had a very successful writing career, publishing more than 500 magazine articles, as well as poetry and songs and two books on writing, The Professional Story Writer and His Art (1963) and Structuring Your Novel: From Basic Idea to Finished Manuscript (1972).
His most successful and widely read novels are the juvenile books in the Great Brain Series. They were loosely based on the adventures of his brother Thomas N. Fitzgerald. Books in this series include: The Great Brain (1967), More Adventures of the Great Brain (1969), Me and My Little Brain (1971), The Great Brain at the Academy (1972), The Great Brain Reforms (1973), The Return of the Great Brain (1974), and The Great Brain Does It Again (1976).
The Great Brain Series has led to one of the most asked questions in Utah literature: "Where is Adenville, Utah?" Adenville is a fictional town created by Fitzgerald, but most readers believe that the geographical setting loosely fits that of a small town in southern Utah.
Fitzgerald and his wife, Joan, moved to Titusville, Florida, in about 1972 where he continued his writing career. He died there May 20, 1988, at the age of 82.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
March 30, 2024
Unlike the prior two, for some reason I had forgotten most of the vignette tales that comprise this book. But I enjoyed it. Probably the best message so far ... that if you be yourself, you'll always succeed and (more importantly) be happy.
I didn't think the narration was quite as strong in this one as in the first two.
I didn't think the narration was quite as strong in this one as in the first two.
December 31, 2010
Me and My Little Brain is another fun selection I recently read for the Battle of the Books competition! This is the third book in the popular Great Brain series and, never having read any of the Great Brain books, I didn't know quite what to expect when I picked this one up. A clever little chapter book, Me and My Little Brain tells the story of J.D. who, now that his big brother Tom (otherwise known as the Great Brain) is away attending boarding school, has high hopes for becoming the newest neighborhood "wheeler-dealer". J.D.'s bound and determined to find a way to convince other neighborhood kids to do his chores for him, and he's hell-bent on bamboozling extra money by renting out his brother's bike. But, in his attempt to live up to his big brother's legacy as a swindler, J.D. begins to realize the importance of being his own person and finding what it is that he is good at.
This book was a wonderful, light read. It's such a cute story filled with amusing scenarios, and the sibling rivalry theme is one that transcends the ages. Despite the fact that this book takes place in the late 1800s, it would be easily relate-able for all kids trying to live up to an older sibling's notoriety! I think the message emphasizing the importance of being your own person is a terrific one for elementary kids to hear. Definitely a great book to share with your kids!
This book was a wonderful, light read. It's such a cute story filled with amusing scenarios, and the sibling rivalry theme is one that transcends the ages. Despite the fact that this book takes place in the late 1800s, it would be easily relate-able for all kids trying to live up to an older sibling's notoriety! I think the message emphasizing the importance of being your own person is a terrific one for elementary kids to hear. Definitely a great book to share with your kids!
August 4, 2023
John D Fitzgerald 3/88 Dell Yearling 1971 Bantam Doublday
Illustrated by Mercer Mayer
Fitzgerald does it again. Totally fun read for kids AND adults. With 8 chapters and 137 pages, a quick read. Black and white illustrations by famous artist Mercer Mayer fit fairly well with overall atmosphere of the story line.
Illustrated by Mercer Mayer
Fitzgerald does it again. Totally fun read for kids AND adults. With 8 chapters and 137 pages, a quick read. Black and white illustrations by famous artist Mercer Mayer fit fairly well with overall atmosphere of the story line.
September 9, 2012
Just finished reading #2 in The Great Brain series. Wonderful book! This one takes off right after John Fitzgerald's two brothers leave for boarding school in late 19th century Salt Lake City. John becomes the only child at home and immediately tries to take over the town Great Brain mantle of his brother Tom. He has rather disastrous results, of course.
Again, Fitzgerald really cannot do any wrong with his writing in this series. Even as a 43-year-old, I'm impressed by the stark perfection of his writing. Deftly gentle humor, superb portrayal of family and childhood, pathos and adventure, all elegantly baked into one delicious story.
By the way, I forgot to mention that Mercer Mayer did all the illustrations for this version of the series (I'm not certain, but I think this was the first version published). The look and characters he created dovetail perfectly with Fitzgerald's voice.
Again, Fitzgerald really cannot do any wrong with his writing in this series. Even as a 43-year-old, I'm impressed by the stark perfection of his writing. Deftly gentle humor, superb portrayal of family and childhood, pathos and adventure, all elegantly baked into one delicious story.
By the way, I forgot to mention that Mercer Mayer did all the illustrations for this version of the series (I'm not certain, but I think this was the first version published). The look and characters he created dovetail perfectly with Fitzgerald's voice.
October 27, 2020
I bought used copies of these books when my kids were growing up, and I think the kids read them until they disintegrated. So I never got my turn. Thankfully I’m making up for it now. This is the third book in the series, and the most exciting so far. A killer and his gang come to town after breaking out of prison, looking for revenge against JD’s father, who was on the jury that convicted them. The leader of the gang, a truly vicious man, kidnaps JD’s brother and threatens to kill him if his demands are not met. JD’s uncle Mark has a desperate plan, but JD thinks his brother will be killed anyway. So he comes up with something better. I was so caught up in the book that I couldn’t put it down until the last page.
April 12, 2016
Probably my least favorite of the Great Brain series but still far and away a 5 star book.
It's probably my least favorite because there are 3 main plot points that spread multiple chapters (John taking over after Tom goes to school, Frankie Pennyworth, Cal Roberts) and I really like the usual format of the series with a contained story starting and finishing each chapter.
Still, I do love this book and have read it dozens of times and will continue to re-read it.
If you haven't read this series just know that I give it my highest possible recommendation. It's a kids book but is equally enjoyable for 8 year olds and 80 year olds.
It's probably my least favorite because there are 3 main plot points that spread multiple chapters (John taking over after Tom goes to school, Frankie Pennyworth, Cal Roberts) and I really like the usual format of the series with a contained story starting and finishing each chapter.
Still, I do love this book and have read it dozens of times and will continue to re-read it.
If you haven't read this series just know that I give it my highest possible recommendation. It's a kids book but is equally enjoyable for 8 year olds and 80 year olds.
October 21, 2022
Great series and good book. Cracking good fun and a bit of suspense too. In this one, Tom, the Great Brain, is off at boarding school. John tries and fails to live up to his brother's reputation. But John learns that he has value as his is. When his family adopt a child orphaned in a tragic accident, John learns that he might not be as clever as Tom but he can still be the best big brother. I love this series. It's a lot of fun. It doesn't infantilise children and doesn't try to protect them from the world. Kids should enjoy it.
August 5, 2023
Charlie would rate it a 5 for thrill. I thought it was a little intense for a young audience (think assassination attempt, hostages, etc.). And I found it important to talk through how Native Americans were described.
June 6, 2017
A little darker than the first two but still so good. Full review here: http://www.sunlitpages.com/2017/05/th...
October 24, 2017
Goodness children's books used to be grim.
November 11, 2019
This was so cute!
November 24, 2024
Tom is off to school and JD is on his own. Pleasant and heartwarming.
Read
February 23, 2022this story is about a kid that is 10 in the 1930's and he try's to be like his older brother (that is the great brain) and try's swindling people and ends up swindling himself.
March 9, 2009
This gets merely a "like" because a) the Great Brain himself does not appear and so it's not a great jumping on point for new readers and b) the last 3-4 chapters are all one extended story -- nothing wrong with that but tough for little brains to keep track of. That said, it's the first one in my re-reading that made me have to stop because I was crying (page 135). As part of a trilogy, that point hits a home run.
In this third entry of the series, Tom is away at boarding school and John D. unexpectedly becomes an older brother when his family adopts an orphaned kid named Frankie Pennyworth.
In this third entry of the series, Tom is away at boarding school and John D. unexpectedly becomes an older brother when his family adopts an orphaned kid named Frankie Pennyworth.
May 5, 2021
My 9 year old son thoroughly enjoys these books. I read them aloud nightly and he has picked them up and read ahead on more than one occasion because he just can't wait to see how the story unfolds. Tonight my boy was full of commentary as usual and said this author is "just one of the best!" Can't remember how he phrased it but it was along the lines of the author being able to show a kid acting and thinking in the stupidest way and still show that kid in a way you can respect and admire. I've really enjoyed all of the characters in these books.
June 3, 2010
Fun stories written in a older style. The repetition of "my little brain" got a bit annoying after a few stories.
November 29, 2021
One of my favorite children's books, my favorite from The Great Brain series, in spite of the absence of the Great Brain himself.
November 27, 2015
You could hear a pin drop when we read this book aloud. We love the Great Brain series!
July 14, 2015
My ten, eight, and seven-year olds loved this.
March 17, 2025
This series has got us hooked!
We have had the first book n the series in our library for years. I had reservations reading it with my boys because of a chapter with a kid trying to kill himself. Now that my sons are older, I thought we should try it. (That chapter, by the way, we found somewhat entertaining, with the plan, thankfully & amusingly, not turning out the way the kids intended for it to go). Book one didn't sit well with me at the beginning as it appeared to be glorifying swindling and trusting in man's greedy and self-serving devices, but the last chapters redeemed it. It was a very good ending. The books that follow keep getting better and more enjoyable. Packed with moral lessons without appearing preachy. In this particular book, for example, JD prays to God and acknowledges that God gave him the idea to save the day! With Tom off to the academy, we see JD's transformation as he is thrust into being his own person. It was a good presentation for my boys to find their own identity rather than just copying so and so even if that person's interests, not to mention morals, run contrary to what they know is right. Me and My Little Brain (the title was even a lesson on grammar- lol) turned out to be an exciting, edge-of-your-seat adventure! It was hard to put the book down every night!
We have had the first book n the series in our library for years. I had reservations reading it with my boys because of a chapter with a kid trying to kill himself. Now that my sons are older, I thought we should try it. (That chapter, by the way, we found somewhat entertaining, with the plan, thankfully & amusingly, not turning out the way the kids intended for it to go). Book one didn't sit well with me at the beginning as it appeared to be glorifying swindling and trusting in man's greedy and self-serving devices, but the last chapters redeemed it. It was a very good ending. The books that follow keep getting better and more enjoyable. Packed with moral lessons without appearing preachy. In this particular book, for example, JD prays to God and acknowledges that God gave him the idea to save the day! With Tom off to the academy, we see JD's transformation as he is thrust into being his own person. It was a good presentation for my boys to find their own identity rather than just copying so and so even if that person's interests, not to mention morals, run contrary to what they know is right. Me and My Little Brain (the title was even a lesson on grammar- lol) turned out to be an exciting, edge-of-your-seat adventure! It was hard to put the book down every night!
August 17, 2019
This is a reread; I loved “The Great Brain” series as a kid, and I picked this one up at a used book sale. I remembered very little about this particular entry in the series, so it was almost like reading it for the first time. Some parts have not, shall we say, aged well (namely: anything involving “Indians”), but generally it holds up. I’d COMPLETELY forgotten that this one involved high-stakes life-and-death danger, so it was way more exciting than I was expecting!
I never wanted to put it aside, so it earns its five stars. I’m hoping I can collect the rest of the series in future used book sales. (I like a challenge.)
I never wanted to put it aside, so it earns its five stars. I’m hoping I can collect the rest of the series in future used book sales. (I like a challenge.)
February 23, 2023
JD is finally free of his conniving older brother, Tom, but instead of enjoying that freedom, he decides to emulate his wheeling and dealing older brother, which ends up getting him into trouble as he discovers that he doesn't have the brain for it. Finally content to be himself, his life is thrown for a loop when he gets a younger brother, and through a series of events to help protect him, he learns that maybe his brain isn't so little after all.
Cute story, funny and filled with little adventures and lessons. It takes place in a small town in southern Utah in the early 1900's, which was loosely based on the author's own experiences growing up in a small Utah town.
Cute story, funny and filled with little adventures and lessons. It takes place in a small town in southern Utah in the early 1900's, which was loosely based on the author's own experiences growing up in a small Utah town.
May 20, 2019
This may be my favourite of the Great Brain series. JD really comes into his own while Tom is away at school. Turns out he’s not a good swindler, but he’s no slouch when dealing with the horrible Cal Roberts. Fitzgerald’s introduction of Frankie’s character masterfully finds humour in tragedy and overall the book continues to show powerful values without being preachy. Basically, my kids and I laughed out way through another Great Brain. I only wish there were more.
July 25, 2020
I didn’t love this book as much as the first in the series. Family life in the Wild West ruggedness and the sweet community spirit of the early 20th century is still as charming and engaging as ever, but the anecdotes don’t flow as well. The slow start does pick up action and adventure towards the end as a violent outlaw takes a child hostage, and 9 year old J.D.’s “little brain” will be put to the test.
September 9, 2020
Never read this one before. I thought it might be a drag because the Great Brain isn't present except in spirit (he's off at the Catholic Academy in Salt Lake City) but it was actually great. I got to see the origins of Frankie at last. Loved the story at the end with the outlaw.
November 10, 2020
Our favorite in the series so far!
JD aspires to have a brain as big as his older brother Tom. With Tom now away at school, JD comes up with a few schemes to try to out-scheme the brilliantly clever Tom, only to find that his ideas don’t always pan out so well.
Things really change when four year old Frankie arrives at the Fitzgerald home. Frankie was definitely my favorite character in this book.
This installment was full of suspense and adventure! Can’t wait for the next one!
JD aspires to have a brain as big as his older brother Tom. With Tom now away at school, JD comes up with a few schemes to try to out-scheme the brilliantly clever Tom, only to find that his ideas don’t always pan out so well.
Things really change when four year old Frankie arrives at the Fitzgerald home. Frankie was definitely my favorite character in this book.
This installment was full of suspense and adventure! Can’t wait for the next one!
October 26, 2021
This is probably my favorite Great Brain book. It is the most wholesome out of all of them, where as instead of just being about a swindler and his adventures its a story of a boy coming to love his adopted brother. At the end of the book, J.D writes the tension and the stress of Frankie being held hostage extremely well. No matter how many times I read it I still get stressed when Frankie goes missing.
March 29, 2018
2 1/2, quite the adventure story. The reason I'm rating it low is because this book was in the JR chapter books and so I read it out loud to my girls but it sure talked a lot about outlaws and a 4 year old hostage and killing and said things like "slash your throat". Those are things made of nightmares for my already nervous 8 year old.
March 16, 2025
I liked the ending, but some content was a little too Wild West callous and violent to just hand over to young kids. Maybe it would be okay read together so you could talk about it. For example, a prospector “blowing himself to smithereens” with dynamite because he hadn’t found gold or a four-year-old watching his family die in a rockslide, plus your typical childhood bully.
July 12, 2025
4.3
I didn't expect to end up liking the whole Frankie thing, and I didn't think I also loved the last story (I think, it's hard to remember which chapters which and which book it's from) about the killer, especially the resolution.
I didn't expect to end up liking the whole Frankie thing, and I didn't think I also loved the last story (I think, it's hard to remember which chapters which and which book it's from) about the killer, especially the resolution.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews