Me and Rupert Goody

This book tells the story about a young girl Jennalee who lives in rural area in the Smoky Mountains. Jennalee has a large family that can be hectic at time. To escape from the that she spends the majority of her time at the local General store and considers the owner Uncle Beau to be her best friend. Jennalee likes knowing what is going to happen, likes the schedule and routine she has. Then a bi-racial young man (Rupert) enters the life's of her and Uncle Beau, this man claims to be Uncle Beau's son. Jennalees is immensely jealous of Rupert often saying and doing things that fly over Rupert's head as he is mildly retarded. The book shows tolerance and acceptance.

Me and Rupert Goody is the second chapter book to be recognized by The Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award for quality literature depicting characters with mental retardation or developmental disabilities. This book follows Jennalee through her meeting, jealousy of, and finally acceptance of Rupert Goody a man with a developmental disability. Me and Rupert Gooody is a well written book that entertains as well as teaches and is also a great read.

This quality children's novel seems vaguely reminiscent of "Missing May" by Cynthia Rylant, or perhaps "Belle Prater's Boy" by Ruth White. Nevertheless, it finds its own niche, and with surprisingly simple language and short text, manages to offer a genuinely emotional experience.

A story that's touching and true to life, laced with Southern expressions that are a delight to the ear and the mind. Jennalee's real family is her Uncle Beau, who runs a general store and welcomes her to it as a refuge from her chaotic family. When she must suddenly share Uncle Beau with the son he didn't know he had, all of them have a lot of adjusting to do. What I admire most about this book, besides its language, is the care O'Connor uses in her portrait of Uncle Beau--especially her description of his remarkable pilgrimage to find and thank all the strangers who helped in the raising of his son.

Growing up in the south, I am always a bit cautious of literature set in the south. However, Me and Rupert Goody was a fun read that adults will enjoy reading to children.