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Crazy Lady!: A Newbery Honor Young Adult Novel About Standing Up for Outcasts and Fighting Prejudice
Increasingly alienated from his widowed father, Vernon joins his friends in ridiculing the neighborhood outcasts'Maxine, an alcoholic prone to outrageous behavior, and Ronald, her retarded son. But when a social service agency tries to put Ronald into a special home, Vernon fights against the move.
192 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
September 20, 2023
I suddenly realized what situation I was in. I was walking up the street beside Maxine. There was no way I wanted to be there. I tried to think of an excuse. (PG 25)
Newbery Honor Book-1993
I am slowly making my way through the Newbery's, runner-ups or winners. There are LOTS of them. Many have been straight duds but this one was actually a fun one and super quick to get through. The story started out weird but it eventually turned into a boy learning that people have problems and you can't fix them or their problems. Vernon started out as an unlikable character but slowly I started to like the kid. He turned into somebody his parents would be proud of.
Newbery Honor Book-1993
I am slowly making my way through the Newbery's, runner-ups or winners. There are LOTS of them. Many have been straight duds but this one was actually a fun one and super quick to get through. The story started out weird but it eventually turned into a boy learning that people have problems and you can't fix them or their problems. Vernon started out as an unlikable character but slowly I started to like the kid. He turned into somebody his parents would be proud of.
September 23, 2012
A good, fast, enjoyable children's book.
The Good:
--believable characters & character development
--doesn't talk down to its audience or gloss over people's faults
--doesn't bash working-class people; makes them behave the way people behave in real life
The Bad:
--wasn't sure whether the narrator was supposed to be a kid's voice or an adult's, especially since the narrator mentions that the story's action took place in 1981 (the book was written in the 90s)
The Ugly:
--the ending.
The ending was a disappointment. I wanted to know what happened afterward; the author hints at it, but I wanted to know more. I wanted an epilogue or something.
It was interesting reading the kids' reviews on Amazon. Some of the kids mentioned the cussing and didn't like it, and I have to wonder how sheltered these kids are. Kids do cuss on occasion, especially kids growing up in rough areas. I thought that and most of the dialogue was spot-on. The kids were also troubled by Maxine's drinking. Again, I can only wonder if these kids have never been around alcoholics...ever. I'd love to go back in time and give this book to my students who lived in the third ward in Houston. I bet they wouldn't find the situations described in the book strange at all.
It reminded me a little bit of the Langston Hughes short story, "Thank You, Ma'am" which my kids from the ghetto LOVED. They really connected with that story. If I ever teach again, especially middle school, I'll let the kids read this.
The Good:
--believable characters & character development
--doesn't talk down to its audience or gloss over people's faults
--doesn't bash working-class people; makes them behave the way people behave in real life
The Bad:
--wasn't sure whether the narrator was supposed to be a kid's voice or an adult's, especially since the narrator mentions that the story's action took place in 1981 (the book was written in the 90s)
The Ugly:
--the ending.
The ending was a disappointment. I wanted to know what happened afterward; the author hints at it, but I wanted to know more. I wanted an epilogue or something.
It was interesting reading the kids' reviews on Amazon. Some of the kids mentioned the cussing and didn't like it, and I have to wonder how sheltered these kids are. Kids do cuss on occasion, especially kids growing up in rough areas. I thought that and most of the dialogue was spot-on. The kids were also troubled by Maxine's drinking. Again, I can only wonder if these kids have never been around alcoholics...ever. I'd love to go back in time and give this book to my students who lived in the third ward in Houston. I bet they wouldn't find the situations described in the book strange at all.
It reminded me a little bit of the Langston Hughes short story, "Thank You, Ma'am" which my kids from the ghetto LOVED. They really connected with that story. If I ever teach again, especially middle school, I'll let the kids read this.
July 9, 2008
I am reading books from the ALA’s most challenged list. I checked off all the books I have already read (although I plan to go back and read some) and now I am working through the part of the list I am interested in reading. I went through the list in my school library and grabbed this one. I finished it this morning and sobbed through the last two chapters.
I cannot for the life of me figure out why this one would be challenged. All I can discover is it is challenged for “offensive language”. Cause you know, no 11 or 12 year old has ever heard damn, which is about the worst thing I could find.
Vernon Dibbs is one of 5 children being raised by their father after their mother’s death. The Dibbs family lives in a rundown neighborhood in Baltimore. In their neighborhood is a duplex in habited by a retired teacher and an alchoholic with a retarded son. As the story goes on Vernon is tutored by the retired teacher and to repay her helps out the mother and son.
This intense story shows great character development, and insight into types of people many kids may never know. I plan to recommend this book to several of my students.
I cannot for the life of me figure out why this one would be challenged. All I can discover is it is challenged for “offensive language”. Cause you know, no 11 or 12 year old has ever heard damn, which is about the worst thing I could find.
Vernon Dibbs is one of 5 children being raised by their father after their mother’s death. The Dibbs family lives in a rundown neighborhood in Baltimore. In their neighborhood is a duplex in habited by a retired teacher and an alchoholic with a retarded son. As the story goes on Vernon is tutored by the retired teacher and to repay her helps out the mother and son.
This intense story shows great character development, and insight into types of people many kids may never know. I plan to recommend this book to several of my students.
January 8, 2016
Crazy lady is a book by Jane Leslie Conly about a boy named Vernon in 1981. Vernon doesn't do very well at school and if he gets another F he will fail his grade. Vernon gets a tutor from the help of Maxine, she gets him a retired teacher named Ms. Annie. Throughout the year that Ms. Annie is helping him, he becomes good friends with Maxine's son Ronald. Vernon helps Ronald have a sale to get money for new shoes and go to the Olympics. Vernon also helps Ronald in his Olympic events, and after the Olympic events Ronald has to pack up to go to his Aunt and Uncle's for awhile.
Personally I thought this book was good. It has characters that are different, which helps it make a good book. With all of their personalities but become friends make it seem so realistic. Not knowing in the beginning who they are or what they are like makes the book even better. In most of our neighborhoods, we know who almost everyone is, but in their neighborhood no one knows who most of their neighbors are.
Personally I thought this book was good. It has characters that are different, which helps it make a good book. With all of their personalities but become friends make it seem so realistic. Not knowing in the beginning who they are or what they are like makes the book even better. In most of our neighborhoods, we know who almost everyone is, but in their neighborhood no one knows who most of their neighbors are.
August 5, 2014
I loved this book. I can see how some narrow minded people might hate it, because it does require a heart. Vernon is a great character and I think he is easy to relate to. He really isn't exceptional at anything and even at the end of the book, after months of tutoring, he still only gets a B- in English, and he is very happy about it.
The characters are easy to love. I think it is great that the author portrays Maxine as she does, especially when she is drunk. To those who have an alcoholic in their lives, they need to know how hard it is to stop drinking excessively and how, oftentimes, it is not a choice.
I love that the book does not end with the happy ending that Vernon would like, but an ending that we all know is the right one. I would love if every Middle School child had access to this book.
The characters are easy to love. I think it is great that the author portrays Maxine as she does, especially when she is drunk. To those who have an alcoholic in their lives, they need to know how hard it is to stop drinking excessively and how, oftentimes, it is not a choice.
I love that the book does not end with the happy ending that Vernon would like, but an ending that we all know is the right one. I would love if every Middle School child had access to this book.
January 8, 2016
Crazy Lady, by Jane Leslie Conly is a story about Maxine, a mean and crazy mother of Ronald, who has special needs but is very smart. The last main character is Vernon and he becomes friends with Ronald and Maxine to try and make things better. The setting takes place in a small neighborhood called Tenley Heights, located in Baltimore and it also takes place during the day time. The conflict of the story is when the boys are making fun of Maxine and Ronald and Maxine says mean and hurtful things back. The climax of the story is when Vern buys new shoes and clothes for Ronald because he participates in the special olympics. In the end, Maxine gets taken to jail and Ronald gets adopted by his grandparents.
My them for this book is when friendship comes to failure try to work it out instead of fighting about it.
My them for this book is when friendship comes to failure try to work it out instead of fighting about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2014
Told from the presepective of Vernon, a city kid trapped in a family that is coping with his mothers' death, this is the story of a boy who learns to view everything around him differently. Vernon struggles in school, and all his siblings are too busy keeping the family together to help him. For a while, he gets into small-time mischief (shoplifting, vandalism, harassing the alcoholic and her disabled son down the street). Then he's forced to have an actual conversation with the alcoholic, who remembers his mother, and before he knows it he's been introduced to a former schoolteacher who now tutors him in exchange for helping out the family he used to harass. The boy's voice rings true: when he talks I absolutely picture a smart mouthed early teen living in the city decades ago, cracking jokes and getting in trouble. The picture of poverty and alcoholism rings true as well, though there is nothing graphic or shocking that occurs (other than swearing). He slowly befriends the disabled son and cares less and less about what the guys will think as he gets the whole community's help in getting Ronald to the special Olympics. Unfortunately, when the mother can't control her drinking, Ronald is sent to a better home, forcing Vernon to confront his emotions about being abandoned by his mother after her death, and finds that his father is there for him, as he has been all along. If ever a book was made for a child and adult to discuss, here it is. There are lots of issues Vernon is dealing with and things that he learns that will make young readers think, and though the settings and people of inner-city poverty were realistic (though dated!) it is deliberately written in a way that isn't shocking to young sensibilities. It was a candidate for removal because of bad language and bad choices Vernon makes at the beginning, but definitely still holds a lot of value.
September 25, 2010
There are several elements of the book that could be considered controversial. The language would be a primary aspect since profanity is used throughout the text. In addition, the character with special needs is often referred to as being “retarded.” Another potentially controversial element is the role of the alcoholic mother, Maxine. Her drunken incidents are frequently intertwined with the plot.
I would select this book for a middle or high school library. While it does have language that some would find offensive, the main character learns a valuable life lesson. It presents a realistic struggle of a middle school aged boy dealing with the challenges of self-esteem, academic failure, and social insecurity. Crazy Lady! portrays a changed perspective of and appreciation for individuals with special needs.
I would select this book for a middle or high school library. While it does have language that some would find offensive, the main character learns a valuable life lesson. It presents a realistic struggle of a middle school aged boy dealing with the challenges of self-esteem, academic failure, and social insecurity. Crazy Lady! portrays a changed perspective of and appreciation for individuals with special needs.
June 19, 2019
I would probably give this book two and a half stars.
There is some interesting material throughout that appeals to the part inside all of us that has known the bitterness of rejection based on outer appearances or elements that we cannot control. Jane Leslie Conly's examination of these feelings, as well as the tender moments between Maxine and her son Ronald that pop up at times during the book, is what makes this a good story. The climactic scene is also nice, but I won't give away what that's about.
There is some interesting material throughout that appeals to the part inside all of us that has known the bitterness of rejection based on outer appearances or elements that we cannot control. Jane Leslie Conly's examination of these feelings, as well as the tender moments between Maxine and her son Ronald that pop up at times during the book, is what makes this a good story. The climactic scene is also nice, but I won't give away what that's about.
April 29, 2011
I thought that this was a good book that some children may be able to identify with. An boy ignored by his busy family and younger siblings, befriends the so-called crazy lady down the street. A touching story that is sure to be liked.
January 19, 2014
Great story, very emotional. Great to read to students in upper grades. The change of heart and point of view is good for all ages to see.
September 27, 2014
NOTE - I am reading this along with my daughter who is entering 6th grade. My notes below are streams of consciousness as I read so I can show her the kind of thinking I do as I read.
Ch 1- Mom dies, no one left to believe in him. (Nice opening-flashback to discussion with "Miss Annie")
Ch 2 - Junior High. Learns he is not good enough for baseball (which he thought he was). Nothing to do anymore, everything is for elementary kids.
Ch 3 - Insert Maxine aka Crazy Lady. She has a disabled son, lives in "that" part of town in the "worst house". Seems she may be unstable as well. Vernon feels sorry for her a bit, but contributes to picking on her. Wonder where Ronald's (Maxine's son) father is.
Ch 4 - Failed English and French. C in Math, D in Science. (Dyslexic?). Short chapter - might be a set up chapter for something bigger. The last sentence leads me to think so - "And then something happened you would never believe, not on your life."
Ch 5 - TURNING POINT - Vernon accidentally sticks up for Maxine in the grocery store. Then he is embarrassed to have helped, and ultimately be seen with her by his friends. Offers to get her potatoes too, and drop them at her house. At her house, Maxine asks about his Mom, and said that his Mom had given Ronald a coat one winter just because. She said anything she could do to help just let her know. Vernon said how he was failing English, Maxine said she would ask someone she knew if she could help.
Maxine seems calmer, nicer, in this chapter than previously portrayed. Interesting dichotomy in the character.
Ch 6 - Enter Miss Annie - new tutor. Lives on the nice side of Maxine's duplex. Another lady the boys had picked on as in "la la land". Vernon finds out she taught elementary school for 40 years. Her house is immaculate. To pay for tutoring, Miss Annie asks Vernon to clean up Maxine's yard. Vernon is still struggling with what his friends will think, versus doing the right thing.
Ch 7 -Yard cleaning. Vernon surprised again at the 'niceness' of Maxine and Ronald, yet embarrassed (or remorseful?) by what they wear outside (crazy mix matched coats, hats and different colored mittens and gloves - because you can buy mismatched gloves for 5 cents at the good will). I think Vernon's ideas are starting to change about people who are different than he is. Maybe that we're really all the same inside?
Ch 8 - "You see, when you first saw Ronald, he looked like an ugly animal that got on this earth somehow and really shouldn't have...But what I figured out was, a lot of Ronald's problem was fear. He was scared of everything and everybody and being scared made him gawky and pop=eyed and crazy looking. Because sitting there watching Lassie, he forgot about me. Then he wasn't so bad-looking after all. In fact, he looked pretty much like a regular teenage - not good-looking, but not awful, either." WOW. This whole passage made me pause. Bottom of p42 through top of p43. Vernon is definitely learning about differences, circumstances etc. He learns about Ronald's father (never married Maxine - not part of picture). Starting to see both Maxine and Ronald in a new way. What is he going to do when his friends find out? (Friends know about Miss Annie and getting tutored - some pick on him, some supportive - doesn't seem to bother him).
Ch 9 - Vernon's family discovers he's been helping Maxine. Feels embarrassed then estranged from family. Ends up talking with Dad. Can tell Dad is proud of him for helping Maxine. Find out more of Maxine's back story (working, Ronald's Dad, her drinking). When sober, sharp as a tack. Not sober often. Probably the dichotomy I saw.
ch 10- Vernon is starting to Learn the real valuable things in life. he listens to his family talking about what they are saving for after he just got back from seeing Ronald who is just missing his mom who is in jail for đrunk and disorderly. both Ronald and Vernon missing their minds
ch 11- Vernon volunteers to take Ronald to special Olympics in June. no one pressures him but he feels obligated. he do rd worry about them though.
ch12- Vernon tells family about Ronald. decide as a family to make a carnival like when mom was alive to raise money for new sneakers for Ronald. Vernon still worried about what friends will think. find out that friend Jerry has a disabled brother. doesn't want friends to know. Jerry and Vernon common. Vernon and Ronald common. learning how people hide things like crazy. .
ch 13- the carnival was a hit but I suspected that Maxine wouldn't take kindly to it. she said she didn't want charity. .. no shock. felt bad for Vernon. he tried do hard. I wonder how he feels right now
Ch 1- Mom dies, no one left to believe in him. (Nice opening-flashback to discussion with "Miss Annie")
Ch 2 - Junior High. Learns he is not good enough for baseball (which he thought he was). Nothing to do anymore, everything is for elementary kids.
Ch 3 - Insert Maxine aka Crazy Lady. She has a disabled son, lives in "that" part of town in the "worst house". Seems she may be unstable as well. Vernon feels sorry for her a bit, but contributes to picking on her. Wonder where Ronald's (Maxine's son) father is.
Ch 4 - Failed English and French. C in Math, D in Science. (Dyslexic?). Short chapter - might be a set up chapter for something bigger. The last sentence leads me to think so - "And then something happened you would never believe, not on your life."
Ch 5 - TURNING POINT - Vernon accidentally sticks up for Maxine in the grocery store. Then he is embarrassed to have helped, and ultimately be seen with her by his friends. Offers to get her potatoes too, and drop them at her house. At her house, Maxine asks about his Mom, and said that his Mom had given Ronald a coat one winter just because. She said anything she could do to help just let her know. Vernon said how he was failing English, Maxine said she would ask someone she knew if she could help.
Maxine seems calmer, nicer, in this chapter than previously portrayed. Interesting dichotomy in the character.
Ch 6 - Enter Miss Annie - new tutor. Lives on the nice side of Maxine's duplex. Another lady the boys had picked on as in "la la land". Vernon finds out she taught elementary school for 40 years. Her house is immaculate. To pay for tutoring, Miss Annie asks Vernon to clean up Maxine's yard. Vernon is still struggling with what his friends will think, versus doing the right thing.
Ch 7 -Yard cleaning. Vernon surprised again at the 'niceness' of Maxine and Ronald, yet embarrassed (or remorseful?) by what they wear outside (crazy mix matched coats, hats and different colored mittens and gloves - because you can buy mismatched gloves for 5 cents at the good will). I think Vernon's ideas are starting to change about people who are different than he is. Maybe that we're really all the same inside?
Ch 8 - "You see, when you first saw Ronald, he looked like an ugly animal that got on this earth somehow and really shouldn't have...But what I figured out was, a lot of Ronald's problem was fear. He was scared of everything and everybody and being scared made him gawky and pop=eyed and crazy looking. Because sitting there watching Lassie, he forgot about me. Then he wasn't so bad-looking after all. In fact, he looked pretty much like a regular teenage - not good-looking, but not awful, either." WOW. This whole passage made me pause. Bottom of p42 through top of p43. Vernon is definitely learning about differences, circumstances etc. He learns about Ronald's father (never married Maxine - not part of picture). Starting to see both Maxine and Ronald in a new way. What is he going to do when his friends find out? (Friends know about Miss Annie and getting tutored - some pick on him, some supportive - doesn't seem to bother him).
Ch 9 - Vernon's family discovers he's been helping Maxine. Feels embarrassed then estranged from family. Ends up talking with Dad. Can tell Dad is proud of him for helping Maxine. Find out more of Maxine's back story (working, Ronald's Dad, her drinking). When sober, sharp as a tack. Not sober often. Probably the dichotomy I saw.
ch 10- Vernon is starting to Learn the real valuable things in life. he listens to his family talking about what they are saving for after he just got back from seeing Ronald who is just missing his mom who is in jail for đrunk and disorderly. both Ronald and Vernon missing their minds
ch 11- Vernon volunteers to take Ronald to special Olympics in June. no one pressures him but he feels obligated. he do rd worry about them though.
ch12- Vernon tells family about Ronald. decide as a family to make a carnival like when mom was alive to raise money for new sneakers for Ronald. Vernon still worried about what friends will think. find out that friend Jerry has a disabled brother. doesn't want friends to know. Jerry and Vernon common. Vernon and Ronald common. learning how people hide things like crazy. .
ch 13- the carnival was a hit but I suspected that Maxine wouldn't take kindly to it. she said she didn't want charity. .. no shock. felt bad for Vernon. he tried do hard. I wonder how he feels right now
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2015
CRAZY LADY BY jane Leslie Conly is truly a realistic down-to -earth and fascinating story. It unfolds so many issues relating to social and psychological area of the young and old.This book reveals a hidden pathto all readers while bringing out a simple themetic arena. The book at first clearly reveals the complex problems of a youngster and the challenges brought forward to his familly due to his mother's death. Then the narrator, Vernon Dibbs is exposed to Miss.Annie who introduces Ronald and Maxine also known as the "crazy lady". The story is about how Vernon,(a representative of all the people who call themselves common and who neglect and tend to insult the uncommon), goes through an understanding of the innocence and desperation of these social seperated people. He experiences how Maxine despite the fact that she has no way of financial support she still fights back to take care of Ronald.Thus, Vernon,gradually learns to help them secure their future and we find out surprisingly how Vernon feels considerate and raises money to help Ronald bringing a tear to the readers' eyes!The readers also experience astounding change and wish for Ronald's best.The climax of the story appaers to be in at the end of the story where Vernon runs behind Ronald's car and when he opens his eyes he finds his father dispalying the difficulty of seperation and feeling isolated and also the value of a father's love and compassion brought out effectively by the author...Thererfore this book portrays an excellence seen rarely among books and I adore this book equally because of it succeds in making its readers view the society and the people in it, in a very different angle..
Read
January 8, 2016Crazy lady by Jane Leslie Conly, is about a lady named Maxine and her son Ronald. Maxine is a really stressed out woman that thinks alcohol can get rid of stress so she drinks a lot and with her son Ronald being mentally handicapped she has a lot to worry about. They lived in a small town called Tenley Heights in the late 1980s but there is a group of bullies that like to pick on Ronald and Maxine but one of the kids in that group named Vernon helped Maxine out one day by getting her a sack of potatoes and that's when it all changes. When Vernon found out that Ronald was mentally disabled he started to babysit him and then he had a fundraiser for him to get shoes for the special olympics and once he raised enough money he bout Ronald the shoes. Ronald went to the special olympics he had to move to South Carolina. And Vernon never saw him again.
I thought that this book was a really memorable story that I won't forget. It was a really touching story and I thought that it was very kind of Vernon to step up and be so nice to Ronald and Maxine after he figures out what they are going through. In my opinion they couldn't have made the story much better. At the end of the book after Ronald goes to the special olympics and leaves I thought that part was really sad because Ronald and Vernon had a really good bond together after time. My favorite part of the book was probably when Vernon was doing the coin trick for Ronald. But overall I thought the story was a really happy story and I am glad I chose to read this book.
I thought that this book was a really memorable story that I won't forget. It was a really touching story and I thought that it was very kind of Vernon to step up and be so nice to Ronald and Maxine after he figures out what they are going through. In my opinion they couldn't have made the story much better. At the end of the book after Ronald goes to the special olympics and leaves I thought that part was really sad because Ronald and Vernon had a really good bond together after time. My favorite part of the book was probably when Vernon was doing the coin trick for Ronald. But overall I thought the story was a really happy story and I am glad I chose to read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 16, 2009Crazy Lady by Jane Leslie Conly
1994 Newberry Honour Book
Rating: 7/10. Maybe I am just burning out on juvenile fiction, but that's how I felt at the time.
Basically, this is a book about not judging others. The main charactor, Vernon, has recently lost his mother, and feels lost in a family of five kids. He is not as smart as his older brother, or as resourceful as his older sister, or as cute as his younger siblings. When his grades get dangerously low in English, he gets tutoring to avoid repeating the 7th grade. Since he can't pay his tutor with money, he pays her by doing favours for the "Crazy lady" (Maxine) in his neighborhood. He ends up getting close to Maxine's mentally retarded son, Ronald, and sets up a neighborhood carnival to send him to the Special Olympics. In the end, however, Maxine (who is an alcoholic) knows that Social Services are going to take Ronald away from her, so she gives over custody to relatives in North Carolina. Vernon has to deal with his sense of guilt and loss.
Why challenged? My guess? Language (including swearing and blaspheming), alcoholism, the behaviour of the kids towards Maxine and Ronald (at least in the beginning of the book), Maxine's behavour in church, all of her outbursts when drunk.
Research says: "She said the book was pornography."
Approximately five times in the book words such as "damn," "hell," and "bitch" are used.
This work often is challenged for "offensive language." (several soruces)
using God's name in vain
1994 Newberry Honour Book
Rating: 7/10. Maybe I am just burning out on juvenile fiction, but that's how I felt at the time.
Basically, this is a book about not judging others. The main charactor, Vernon, has recently lost his mother, and feels lost in a family of five kids. He is not as smart as his older brother, or as resourceful as his older sister, or as cute as his younger siblings. When his grades get dangerously low in English, he gets tutoring to avoid repeating the 7th grade. Since he can't pay his tutor with money, he pays her by doing favours for the "Crazy lady" (Maxine) in his neighborhood. He ends up getting close to Maxine's mentally retarded son, Ronald, and sets up a neighborhood carnival to send him to the Special Olympics. In the end, however, Maxine (who is an alcoholic) knows that Social Services are going to take Ronald away from her, so she gives over custody to relatives in North Carolina. Vernon has to deal with his sense of guilt and loss.
Why challenged? My guess? Language (including swearing and blaspheming), alcoholism, the behaviour of the kids towards Maxine and Ronald (at least in the beginning of the book), Maxine's behavour in church, all of her outbursts when drunk.
Research says: "She said the book was pornography."
Approximately five times in the book words such as "damn," "hell," and "bitch" are used.
This work often is challenged for "offensive language." (several soruces)
using God's name in vain
October 29, 2011
Format/Length: Chapter book; 180 pages
Award(s)/Distinction(s):
Newbery Honor Book Notable Children's Books of 1994
1994 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)
1994 Young Adult Editors' Choices (BL)
1994 Books for the Teen Age (NY Public Library)
Young Adult Choices for 1995 (IRA)
Theme(s): Family relationships, Friendship, Meeting challenges, Survival, and Abandonment
Review:
Interesting story, but I did not get into the plot that much because the voice of the narrator. I also did not enjoy the ending- it left things unknown for me. The story is about a boy named Vernon. Vernon and his other siblings are being raised by their father since their mother's death. Vernon feels lost in his family. When his grades were seriously low, he ended up getting tutored by a neighbor who is a retired teacher. To pay her for her help, he ends up lending a hand to the "Crazy Lady" Maxine and her mentally ill son Ronald. Maxine is known for her drinking and her outrageous behaviors, which is why Vernon and his friends used to make fun of this lady. Through helping Maxine, Vernon becomes close with Ronald. The conflict of this story is whether or not Social Services is going to take Ronald away from Maxine. To avoid this situation, Maxine signs over custody of her son to relatives in North Carolina, leaving Vernon to deal with some difficult feelings.
Award(s)/Distinction(s):
Newbery Honor Book Notable Children's Books of 1994
1994 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)
1994 Young Adult Editors' Choices (BL)
1994 Books for the Teen Age (NY Public Library)
Young Adult Choices for 1995 (IRA)
Theme(s): Family relationships, Friendship, Meeting challenges, Survival, and Abandonment
Review:
Interesting story, but I did not get into the plot that much because the voice of the narrator. I also did not enjoy the ending- it left things unknown for me. The story is about a boy named Vernon. Vernon and his other siblings are being raised by their father since their mother's death. Vernon feels lost in his family. When his grades were seriously low, he ended up getting tutored by a neighbor who is a retired teacher. To pay her for her help, he ends up lending a hand to the "Crazy Lady" Maxine and her mentally ill son Ronald. Maxine is known for her drinking and her outrageous behaviors, which is why Vernon and his friends used to make fun of this lady. Through helping Maxine, Vernon becomes close with Ronald. The conflict of this story is whether or not Social Services is going to take Ronald away from Maxine. To avoid this situation, Maxine signs over custody of her son to relatives in North Carolina, leaving Vernon to deal with some difficult feelings.
Read
January 8, 2016Crazy Lady is a story about Vernon, a boy who wants to do better in school, Ronald, a boy with special needs who is afraid of anyone and everything, and Maxine, Ronald’s mother who is an alcoholic. It takes place in a little neighborhood outside of a big city. It all begins when Vernon meets Maxine on the street and she finds out he is failing in school. Maxine has Vernon tutored by her neighbor, Miss Annie, a retired school teacher. Vernon meets Ronald after a tutoring session with Miss Annie. They become really good friends and when Ronalds Teacher Says he should go to the Special Olympics, the whole neighborhood sets up a street fair. It was going so well and they had raised a lot of money but then Maxine shows up drunk and ruins what was left of the fair. In the end Maxine gets in trouble with the police and she decides that Ronald will live with her relatives on their farm instead of with her. Vernon didn’t think that Ronald should leave and when he did Vernon was devastated.
I liked the book but it was really slow in some parts. I am not sure if I would recommend it to anyone because I feel like they might not finish it, and to understand the story you would need to finish the book. And I really don't like the ending, I think Ronald should have stayed in town and just lived with Vernon instead of leaving.
I liked the book but it was really slow in some parts. I am not sure if I would recommend it to anyone because I feel like they might not finish it, and to understand the story you would need to finish the book. And I really don't like the ending, I think Ronald should have stayed in town and just lived with Vernon instead of leaving.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2015
I thought that the book was okay but not great.
It is about a boy who doesn't do too well in school and thinks he's stupid. There's this crazy lady who gets drunk and disorderly all the time and drags her severely mentally disabled kid around with her everywhere she goes. Well, he gets to know her a little better and through her gets a tutor to help him with school. Through the tutor he is able to get to know the crazy lady and her son better.
Turns out he ends up really learning to love the son and be a true friend to him and even understand the mother a little bit. She's a crappy mother, but he learns to see the good in her.
A couple things though. I think the idea is great, and I like the characters, but it's not done well. I feel like I should have felt touched by the idea, but the writing isn't done well enough for me to really feel for anyone. Also, the book ends quite abruptly. I think it was meant to be powerful, but it really just felt abrupt.
The author is the daughter of Robert C. O'Brian, who was an excellent writer and very good at really giving characters depth and personality. Jane Leslie Conly tried, you can tell, but she didn't really succeed as well as her father.
It is about a boy who doesn't do too well in school and thinks he's stupid. There's this crazy lady who gets drunk and disorderly all the time and drags her severely mentally disabled kid around with her everywhere she goes. Well, he gets to know her a little better and through her gets a tutor to help him with school. Through the tutor he is able to get to know the crazy lady and her son better.
Turns out he ends up really learning to love the son and be a true friend to him and even understand the mother a little bit. She's a crappy mother, but he learns to see the good in her.
A couple things though. I think the idea is great, and I like the characters, but it's not done well. I feel like I should have felt touched by the idea, but the writing isn't done well enough for me to really feel for anyone. Also, the book ends quite abruptly. I think it was meant to be powerful, but it really just felt abrupt.
The author is the daughter of Robert C. O'Brian, who was an excellent writer and very good at really giving characters depth and personality. Jane Leslie Conly tried, you can tell, but she didn't really succeed as well as her father.
December 3, 2012
While I lived in Sioux City, there was a lady who had three kids, she was alone, she didn't have a wife. They lived in a shabby house. Her kids were always dirty. There was two boys and one girl. She worked all day, and all night. Everyone said that she was an unfit mother. I remember one day when I was at the park across the street she was sitting on a bench watching her children play. Someone came up and told her that she needs to go back from where she came from. Also that her children were mistakes, and that she has not right to be a mother. She got up walked away, and told the lady, "You have no right to say anything because your husband cheated on you." The lady just stood there. The lady name was Laura. She was my mom's friend. I had heard them talking about her husband cheating on her but never said anything to anyone about it.
In the book "Crazy Lady" by Jane Leslie Conly. People think that she isn't a good mother, and should have her child taken away from her. People called her nasty things as she walked down the street. She always had something to say back to them. Something more rude. Someone could tell that she needed help, so they did get her help. The ending of the book was surprising and you would have never have thought it would end that way.
In the book "Crazy Lady" by Jane Leslie Conly. People think that she isn't a good mother, and should have her child taken away from her. People called her nasty things as she walked down the street. She always had something to say back to them. Something more rude. Someone could tell that she needed help, so they did get her help. The ending of the book was surprising and you would have never have thought it would end that way.
February 1, 2024
Since Vernon's mom died, it seems like his family is falling apart. His father withdraws, and his older siblings ignore him while they try to hold things together. Vernon has always struggled in school. Now with his mother’s death, he’s having a terrible time and might be held back a grade in school again. Then, Vernon starts working with Miss Annie, an elderly, retired school teacher. She helps him with his English homework in exchange for Vernon's help with Maxine and her mentally disabled son, Ronald. Everyone knows Maxine because of her frequent, public alcoholic outbursts so Vernon hides his association with Maxine and Ronald. Gradually, Vernon becomes friends with Ronald. Then, he finds himself volunteering to help Ronald at Special Olympics and organizes a neighborhood carnival to raise money for Ronald's running shoes. After that, it doesn't matter who knows, because Vernon cares for Ronald and Maxine as if they were family.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
May 7, 2017
Vernon Dibbs and his neighborhood friends enjoy agitating Maxine, well known for her angry outbursts and heavy drinking. Maxine’s eccentric behavior has earned her the name “Crazy Lady.” In spite of Maxine’s problems, she proves to be a devoted mother to her mentally disabled son, Ronald. Vernon wants nothing to do with either of them, until he is forced to help Maxine care for Ronald in exchange from receiving English tutoring from Maxine’s neighbor, Miss Annie. As he spends time with Maxine and Ronald, Vernon realizes that they are not as bad as the neighbors make them out to be. Vernon forges a friendship with Ronald and organizes a neighborhood fundraiser to help send Ronald to the Special Olympics. When Maxine’s drinking starts to get out of hand, Vernon worries that Ronald may have to leave the neighborhood forever.
This is an easy chapter book but some of the sentences were a bit choppy. Otherwise, I thought it was a unique view on a kid becoming friends with another kid who has a disability.
This is an easy chapter book but some of the sentences were a bit choppy. Otherwise, I thought it was a unique view on a kid becoming friends with another kid who has a disability.
November 14, 2012
"Mom could make you feel special even if you had a face like a garbage-can lid. She hugged you on the outside and the inside, too. I'm the one in the family who was bad in school. I tried, but when the report cards came out, it was always the same: mine was the worst. I failed third grade and barely slid by the next year. Mom never blamed me. She said, "Some kids, like Tony, find it easy to learn, and that's good. But he ones I admire most are the ones who keep on trying, even when it's hard. The ones who hag in there even when they don't end up on top. those children are very special.""
"The truth is, I'd talk and Ronald would listen, but by now I knew his face so well it was almost like he could talk. He had a thousand expressions, and his arms and legs moved or relaxed according to how he felt. He was always glad to see me, and I felt the same. There was something steady about him, once he was used to you. Just being with him could calm you down."
"The truth is, I'd talk and Ronald would listen, but by now I knew his face so well it was almost like he could talk. He had a thousand expressions, and his arms and legs moved or relaxed according to how he felt. He was always glad to see me, and I felt the same. There was something steady about him, once he was used to you. Just being with him could calm you down."
January 8, 2016
The author of the book is Jane Leslie Conly, The main characters are Maxine she is alcoholic that drinks a lot, Vernon who doesn't judge people for who they are and is in middle school and Ronald who is special needs. Maxine and ronald weren't really friends in the beginning.
The setting is in A neighborhood called Tinley heights in Baltimore.
Maxine and Ronald live in Tinley Heights as well.
The conflict is Accepting people for who they are. A big part of the story is when Ronald Maxine’s son ran in a race for the Special olympics. This is also when Vernon and Maxine became better friends.Vernon and his dad and their neighborhood had a carnival help raise some money to help out. At the end Ronalds grandparents had to take him to live with them because Maxine got arrested.
I didn't really like this book it was to slow to me, The end was pretty good but I overall didn't really like the book.
The setting is in A neighborhood called Tinley heights in Baltimore.
Maxine and Ronald live in Tinley Heights as well.
The conflict is Accepting people for who they are. A big part of the story is when Ronald Maxine’s son ran in a race for the Special olympics. This is also when Vernon and Maxine became better friends.Vernon and his dad and their neighborhood had a carnival help raise some money to help out. At the end Ronalds grandparents had to take him to live with them because Maxine got arrested.
I didn't really like this book it was to slow to me, The end was pretty good but I overall didn't really like the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2016
The main characters of the story are Maxine, roger , Vernon . The setting of the story is Vernon don't like Maxine and him and his friends pick on Maxine which is a older lady. It happened during the day and it happened at Maxine's house and on the sidewalk. The conflict of the story is Vernon don't like Maxine so him and his friends pick on her. Venon started to spend time with Maxine and Roger at Maxine's house. The end of the story Maxine stopped drinking and started being nice.
I think that crazy lady is a good book and at moments I started laughing when I was reading it cuz it's funny in spots. They made the story interesting. I would recommend this book to my friends but it would depend on what type of books they like. On a scale of 1-10 I would give it a 6 or 7. For people that like books with lots of funny stuff in it I would share this with and recommend it to them.
I think that crazy lady is a good book and at moments I started laughing when I was reading it cuz it's funny in spots. They made the story interesting. I would recommend this book to my friends but it would depend on what type of books they like. On a scale of 1-10 I would give it a 6 or 7. For people that like books with lots of funny stuff in it I would share this with and recommend it to them.
December 16, 2013
This book is about a young boy who grudgingly befriends an alcoholic mother and her mentally disabled son, Ronald. The story is pretty endearing and through the young boys good works he turns a lot of things around for Ronald. It was a pretty good read, but tended to ramble on to things not really concerning the main story (like the conflict in the young boy's family which isn't really developed). The ending is good though and I really liked it. The author of this book interestingly enough is the same author that wrote the Rats of Nimh books and this particular book is a Newbery Honor book. The title and cover for this book are not great though. The artwork looks strange and the title is kind of a turn off. Too simple I think. Maybe "Maxine and Ronald" would be better. I think it is meant to shock a bit but it doesn't really work for a kid's book.
November 16, 2015
This is a great book that everyone can enjoy that contains a great plot and great character development.This book is about a boy named Vernon that dousn't do so good in school and he lives with his four siblings and his single dad,but down the street there is a single mom named Maxine or named by kids "Crazy Lady" that is a drunk that lives with her son named Ronald that is retarded.Over time Vernon and Ronald become friends that leads to a strong friendship.Vernon has even started a block party to get money so he can get Ronald tennis should so he can be in the Special Olympics.I would recommend this book to everyone because it has moments were it would make yoh laugh and moments that would make you sad which is really cool for a book like this.Also because the story and the plot are really good and I hope everyone has a chance to read this.
January 26, 2016
Crazy Lady by Jane Leslie Conly is a story about Vernon a boy who doesn't judge people for who there flaws and just sees them as themselves. Also there an old lady named Maxine, who isn't afraid to say what everyone else can't and her son Ronald who is shy and timid by other people besides Maxine and Vernon. They all live in a neighborhood called Tently Heights, and that is in Baltimore. This story takes place mostly in the day time. The conflict in the story was that people were being mean to Roland and Maxine, also Maxine wasn't being a good mother for Ronald. The climax in the story is when Ronald runs in the Special Olympics and got new clothes and shoes for the Special Olympics. In the end, Ronald got taken away by his grandparents because his mother Maxine went to jail. I recommend this book because it teaches you that your actions have consequences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 8, 2016The main characters in this story are are Vernon, a teenage boy, Ronald, a special needs boy, and Maxine who is the mother Ronald. They all live in a small city on the out scurts of Baltimore, Maryland. The time period of this book is the 1980’s. Vernon is struggling in school so he finds a tutor, but this tutor doesn't just ask Vernon to do homework she asks him to help Maxine and Ronald around the house! At first Vernon wasn't very fond of it but after awhile Ronald warmed up to him. The climax of this book was when Vernon met Ronald for the first time.By the end of the book Ronald and Vernon have developed a great friendship. So Vernon decides to take Ronald to the Special Olympics and Ronald had the time of his life. I recommend this book because of the unique characters and the ending of this book.
May 11, 2009
This is best for fifth and sixth grade. It is about a boy who lives in the inner city who befriends an alcoholic woman and her retarded son. The boy gets involved with the family through a tutor. As he is getting help in English, he helps the woman and her son with small tasks, eventually working with the son at the Special Olympics.
Although the book is fairly realistic, I didn't feel that it offered anything unusual or special to adolescent literature. I think it is a well written book (and truthful), but there are many others of equal honesty that are much better, in my opinion. For example, books by Walter Dean Myers have this level of realism but are better pieces of literature.
Although the book is fairly realistic, I didn't feel that it offered anything unusual or special to adolescent literature. I think it is a well written book (and truthful), but there are many others of equal honesty that are much better, in my opinion. For example, books by Walter Dean Myers have this level of realism but are better pieces of literature.
August 14, 2011
This was a good read. Vernon Dibbs has had a tough time - his mother has died, he struggles in school and his family has trouble making ends meet. All in all the last thing Vernon needs is to find himself helping out the local crazy family. And that of course is what happens. To know more, read Crazy Lady!
I know that this book was not written for me, but I would think that many tweens would like this, they might be able to relate to Vernon and Iknow they would want to see how it ends.
I will be on a Habitat for Humanity trip with the author of this book so I am reading a couple of her books. It will be interesting to meet Ms Conly after reading some of her novels. I am looking forward to the trip, connecting with this author and the other folks.
I know that this book was not written for me, but I would think that many tweens would like this, they might be able to relate to Vernon and Iknow they would want to see how it ends.
I will be on a Habitat for Humanity trip with the author of this book so I am reading a couple of her books. It will be interesting to meet Ms Conly after reading some of her novels. I am looking forward to the trip, connecting with this author and the other folks.
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