Me and Rupert Goody

by Barbara O'Connor

Learning to share love

Things at Jennalee's house are just plain crazy, which is why she loves her predictable days helping Uncle Beau (who isn't really her uncle) at his general store. But then Rupert Goody shows up, claiming to be Uncle Beau's son. Jennalee can't believe it, because Rupert is black and Uncle Beau is white. But Uncle Beau tells her it is true and incorporates Rupert into his life, ruining Jennalee's routine.

Although Rupert is slow, he is kind-hearted and tries hard to please. When more unforeseen events -- this time frightening ones -- further interrupt life at the store, Jennalee comes to see that Rupert Goody, odd though he may be, is certainly not the worst unexpected thing that could come along, and that he belongs with Uncle Beau as much as she does. With a vividly depicted setting, emotional truth, and a distinctly Southern voice, Barbara O'Connor shows that there is love enough to go around.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

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

[destiny ♡ howling libraries · Rating 1 out of 5]

Assigned reading for MLIS 7421: Multicultural Youth Literature.

Wow, I hated this so much. Jennalee's narrative voice made me want to scream. The writing relies so heavily on this over-the-top "country bumpkin" way of speaking, and Jennalee is downright cruel to everyone she meets, whether it's her siblings, Uncle Beau, or Rupert. Sure, she finally comes around in the end, but it's the biggest chore to trudge through her thought processes.

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

I didn't like Jennalee, but then I wasn't meant to. I could however relate to her, and empathised with her feeling left-out-ness and jealousy. I liked Rupert, and I liked Uncle Beau, and I felt sorry for them both. In the end, I liked everyone.

[Jan Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this children's book although the language is sort of crude for kids to read. The characters pop right out of the book and seem so real. You can feel their pain, jealousy, and love as the story unfolds.

[Mary E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slice of Southern life, but it's complicated.

[Lillian Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartfelt middle-grade novel that captures the bittersweet essence of childhood friendships and the complexities of growing up. The story follows a girl named Ruby, who is grappling with the challenges of her family life and the struggles of fitting in.
O'Connor masterfully portrays Ruby’s voice, making her relatable and authentic as she navigates her emotions and experiences. The character of Rupert adds a layer of depth to the narrative; he is both a friend and a source of conflict, embodying the insecurities and joys of childhood relationships. Their adventures together are painted with humor and tenderness, showcasing the power of friendship during difficult times.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mature theme and random swearing aside, this southern mountain tale has a feisty girl possessive of her elder friend and a wise man letting her learn to love and accept.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting drama about a girl who is forgotten in her family but makes a new family with a lonely store owner. Her reality shifts again as a man who claims to be the store owner's son surfaces. She is forced to examine her own prejudices and motives as the climax of this novella ensues. Good for sixth grade and up.

[Jane Schoenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading a lot of Barbara O'Connor's books lately, whose voice I really like. Have to say, this might be my favorite. Complex and real characters, meaningful story...all the right stuff!

[Reader Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

High on local color.

[Joe Bolin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I may have read too many Barbara O'Connor books in a row to be objective, but Me and Rupert Goody lacked the fully-developed characters I've enjoyed in her other books. Although I was able to understand and appreciate the motivation behind the characters as they built their own family, I was disappointed in the pacing of the book. At 106 pages, it moves very quickly and not always smoothly. Key events happen at unexpected times and have very little effect on the momentum of the story. I also was surprise at the number of curse words, which made it difficult as a read aloud (I know...my fault for selecting it). Overall, I think this book is clearly an early effort by an author who has developed into one of my favorites.