Me and Rupert Goody

Farrar Straus & Giroux, 1999
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-4668-1174-4
Ages 8-12

Me and Rupert Goody

Available in ebook

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, this story shows that there is love enough to go around.

Signed books are available from Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe in Asheville, NC.

Downloadable Resources

Awards and Distinctions

Me and Rupert Goody won the Dolly Gray Award, which recognizes high quality fictional children’s books with positive portrayals of individuals with developmental disabilities.

State Awards

Reviews

School Library Journal
School Library Journal
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Jennalee is an amazingly realistic and multi-dimensional.
Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly
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...A journey readers won't want to miss.
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
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O'Connor lovingly limns the Smoky Mountain community, insular but not narrow-minded, that calmly accepts Rupert....
Horn Book
Horn Book
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A sibling rivalry story of a different sort, this gracefully written novel deals with the basic needs for connection and understanding.
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