Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia

by Barbara O'Connor

Will a spelling bee be the answer to all of Bird’s problems?

All her life, all Bird has ever wanted is to be noticed in her small town and to get to Disney World. As it turns out, Bird just might have a chance to realize at least one of her goals because of a state spelling bee, and she might get to make a friend along the way – a boy named Harlem Tate who has just moved to Freedom. Harlem seems like a kindred spirit – someone like Bird, whom people don’t usually take the time to find the good in. (Unless it’s someone like Miss Delphine, who always makes Bird feel special.) But as much as Bird tries to get his attention, Harlem is not easily won over. Then Harlem agrees to be her partner in the spelling bee, and if they study hard enough, the two might just win everything Bird’s always wanted.

In Barbara O’Connor’s funny new novel, a spunky young girl discovers that sometimes all it takes to feel famous is a little recognition from true friends.  Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia is a 2004 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Genres: Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Friendship, Juvenile, Young Adult, Audiobook

112 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Barbara O'Connor's awards include the Parents Choice Gold and Silver Award, American Library Association Notable Books, IRA Notable Books for a Global Society, School Library Journal Best Books, and Kirkus Best Books. Her books have been nominated for children's choice awards in 38 states and voted as a state favorite by children in South Carolina, Indiana, Kansas, and South Dakota.

Barbara was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She draws on her Southern roots to write award-winning books for children in grades 3 to 6.

She currently lives in Asheville, NC. Her latest book is Wish, a middle grade novel published by FSG.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/barbar...

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written book by Barbara O'Connor that even adults can enjoy and appreciate. I read it before giving it to three above grade level readers (Levels O/P/R), and I was hesitant at first because of the realism of life on the poorer side of town (tattoo parlor, can collecting, cigarettes). But, you know what? Kids know about these things and are curious about these issues. Books are a great way to get them to start thinking and visualizing other walks of life. Most chapter books don't go there, but O'Connor goes there. Most chapter books focus on bullying and fitting in around being different--in a kind of humorous way--at school, but this book goes further and brings in several social issues, as well as a deeply rooted, more hurtful side of bullying that a lot of books fail to capture. Moreover, the resolution is not a sugar coated, fairytale ending. It keeps with the realistic tones of the book and leaves readers with a sense that more needs to be done in order to fix these social problems.

[Holly Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love spelling bees and Barbara O'Connor books, so how could I not love this one? Sixth-grader Bird is a bit of an outcast, but because of the encouragement of her caring neighbor, Ms. Delphine, she tries to make a friend out the new boy, Harlem. Harlem is picked on, poor, and sullen-faced, but Bird is determined to be nice to him. When she realizes Harlem can spell really well, she asks him to be her partner for the school spelling bee. After much practice and the making of a true friendship, (SPOILER ALERT)she doesn't understand why he misses the winning word when she knows he can spell it. After the problem is solved, Harlem doesn't forget Bird, thankfully, and always saves her a spot.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. But Bird was just a tad to overbearing.

[Hemavathy DM Suppiah-Devi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bird realises that true friendship is worth all the fame and glory in the world. And that she is a true friend.

[Judi Paradis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bird is a girl with no friends, except a kind neighbor, Miss Delphine. However, when a new boy named Harlem moves to town Bird convinces him to be her partner in the school spelling bee and changes both their lives. This book is funny and full of great characters--with many unexpected twists and turns.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm on a Barbara O'Connor kick! This is the second title of hers that I've read recently - this one on audio. I'm thinking that the southern setting is a theme of hers, which really came through nicely on the audio version. A great little story - perfect for third, fourth, fifth graders.

[Susie Tweed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching story about finding what you are good at, being honest with yourself and being open to others. Bird and Harlem are both trying to find out how they fit in. When they parter up for the spelling bee, they learn a lot about each other and themselves.

[Shanley Mahsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another winner for author Barbara O'Connor. The short story is about an unpopular but stubborn sixth grader who learns to be a good friend while facing disappointments that interfere with achieving her lofty goal.

[Natalie Scanaliato · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️
0/5🌶️

👓”And I swear, if a feeling was a thing you could see, you would’ve seen nothing but happy all over that room that day.”👓

🛼This book was SO CUTE. It’s a story of the beauty of friendship and found family. It subverts certain expectations while simultaneously reminding us of our youth.

As a 22 year old woman reading this book, I definitely related to Bird (Burdette). When I was in sixth grade, I too was extroverted, loud, and assertive. I found myself cracking up at how “decisive” Bird was, and cracking up even harder at how often she changed her mind over and over again.

The relationships between Bird and Miss Delphine as well as between Bird and Harlem are just AMAZING — they’re honestly the best part of the book for me.

Based on what we know about Bird’s family from her perspective, she feels they find her a nuisance. However, the warmth and support that Miss Delphine provides for Bird is just SO heartwarming. As for Harlem, he’s just SO SWEET. The kindness, loyalty, and patience he shows Bird just makes my heart swell with joy!!🛼

[Gael Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Barbara O’Connor book, one of her first, I think, and because of that, slimmer but very much to the point! Is fame all that important? Aren’t we all infamous for something in some way? Bird is another unforgettable character, feisty and funny in her own way. Miss Delphine literally takes her under her wing and nudges her to think—never providing the answer but telling her she has the solution if she just takes the time to think. I loved the spelling bee, which is the little thread that pulls this plot along. And I totally know Harlem! I’ve had a number of versions of him in my years of teaching. Finding the key to break a kid like Harlem wide open were always the experiences that I’ve cherished over the years! Bird is my hero! I’d love to call my friend!

[Angela Galgon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this this book! I first read it about 20 years ago when it was first released. I loved it then and I love it now. It was one of the few happy books on my shelf, meaning Bird had an optimistic, nothing is going to stop me, attitude that I simply loved. I decided to reread it this year and it didn't disappoint.

Bird has a great sense of optimism and determination that makes her a likable character. Her confidence in herself and her ability to not let other people's opinions hold her back is so refreshing. She decides to befriend the one kid no one really knows, but everyone lives to talk about. The reader is reminded that sometimes we need to keep an open mind and give everyone a chance.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plain, funny, real characters from middle-to-low income households. At its heart, this book is about caretaking and community. It features an adult daughter caring for a dad who's had a stroke, a girl trying to befriend a boy everyone rejects, and a dad in poverty trying to somehow provide for a son. The conversations and reactions are touchingly normal. It only gets four stars because the plot spends a lot of time on a particular event, and then characters abruptly stop investing in it. I thought, Wait, what about this thing that was so important last chapter?! Still--a lovely book.

[Cindy Bravo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Birdie and the circle of friends she gathered around her loosely in the beginning and solidified by the end of the book. Barbara O'Connor's voice is authentic and her characters, quirky, imperfect and utterly human. As Harlem and Birdie study for the school spelling bee a special friendship grows, not only between the two youngsters, but among their adult friends, Ms. Delphine, Ray and Mr. Moody. I wished the story had continued and finished the book knowing that all looked right for the future.

[Kathy Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story about 2 underdogs/overlooked and made fun of kids in school who become friends. Other people in their lives have issues going on as well, and by the end of the book, the whole circle of people with have a sweet savor with this sweet and wonderful friendship as the hub of it all. I thought this was a wonderfully sweet and applicable story for kids AND adults alike.

[A'Lyssa Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had absolutely no idea what this book was going to be about, but I was pleasantly surprised by how heartwarming it turned out to be. The ending was certainly different than we thought it would be, but it we were satisfied with how everyone ended up. There were many unexpected twists which kept us interested and invested. A great story about the power of friendship I would recommend to anyone

[DeadlyDoom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope for Fame and Glory In my Goodreads review!
Loved this book, I really shows the southern accent.
It is funny, interesting, and shows how friends stick together! (Joe when I mean stick together I don't mean with glue, so please don't do that again to Thomas.)

Hope this review made you laugh.

[Nicole Harman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! Fun read even for an adult. I have a soft spot for Georgia and this book was just so enjoyable. Written from a child's perspective, and reading as an adult, made me feel like a kid again experiencing along side of main character, Bird.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, but sweet middle grade book about Bird, a 6th grader who's only friend is the lady next door. Then Harlem, who's a bit of a loner, moves to town and becomes her spelling partner. It's a good story about friendship and persistence and not judging a book (or a person) by its cover.

[Beth Lorow · Rating 4 out of 5]

O'Connor captures friendships and relationships so beautifully. This was our third book of hers, and the common thread seems to be kids finding friendships with each other and other caring adults in the midst of challenging life circumstances. I think O'Connors' books inspire empathy and kindness.

[P.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrator of this book is a 6th grade girl, so the vocabulary is written from her perspective. It is a touching story that even an adult can relate to and I highly recommend it for any middle-elementary student to read. This book will be donated to St. Joseph’s School in Chehalis, WA.

[Hope Alden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute children’s book about making friends with the new kid and working toward your goals. Sometimes your goals don’t always end up working out how you thought but can still be rewarding regardless. Would recommend for kids :)

[Mary E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

funny; spunky; life goals

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that sound like old time southern life! Very cute!

[Mariah Oleszkowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A girl makes her first friend who turns out all he needs is glasses. It's so sweet and kind and heartwarming. Makes you remember what it's like to make a friend and then be a true friend.

[Dusty Cox-Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute little read

[Angelina Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young girl learns to think less about herself, and more about others. A good moral for YA audiences, but not a memorable read (imo)

[aj! · Rating 4 out of 5]

the og cover is the reason i never picked this book up as a kid

[Estefany · Rating 4 out of 5]

shut up this is so cute!!!!!

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully written children’s book and I was so surprised I enjoyed it at my big age 🤗

[Mac Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so cute!! It happened to be very nostalgic to me as a child of the Deep South, and it warmed my heart to read!