Bette Greene (1934–2020)

Even though Philip Hall Likes Me. I Reckon Maybe. was a Newbery Honor Book back in 1975 (when I was a kid), for some reason, I had never heard of it until recently. I probably never would have found it on my own if I hadn't been introduced to Bette Greene through her wonderful young adult novel, Summer of My German Soldier. After reading that and its sequel I decided to check out Ms. Greene's other works. I'm so glad I did, because my exploration led me to this wonderful little gem of a show more children's book. It is a very light-hearted story that is quite different in tone from Ms. Green's young adult books, and in my opinion, showcases her versatility as an author.

Beth Lambert, the main protagonist and first-person narrator of the story, is cute as a button, smart as a whip with lots of imagination, spunky, determined, and oh, so funny. She had me almost constantly chuckling, if not laughing out loud through the entire book. I just loved reading about all of her adventures, or misadventures, as the case may be. The main focus of Beth's narration is her relationship with her best friend, Philip Hall, “the cutest boy in school.” I was positively tickled by how Philip goes from being “the sweetest boy ever,” to doing or saying something dumb which turns him into, “a dirty, rotten polecat.” Then does or says something nice that gets him back in Beth's good graces. These two also have a friendly rivalry going, each trying to one up the other to be the best or smartest at everything, as well as a bit of a battle of the sexes. It was like reading a love/hate romance between two twelve-year-olds, and it was absolutely adorable and hilarious. However, interspersed between their intellectual and verbal duels are some very sweet, tender moments that are full of heart.

There are lots of other characters too, including Beth's family who are very loving and supportive, her girl's club, The Pretty Pennies, and Philip's boy's club, The Tiger Hunters. Whether she was trying to catch turkey thieves, getting a new puppy only to find out she's allergic to it, standing up for what's right, rescuing Philip from the mountain, or raising a calf for 4-H, Beth was always in fine form. Philip Hall Likes Me. I Reckon Maybe. was a fast-paced and throughly fun read. It had just one mild profanity and other than that was a completely “clean” book that I would highly recommend to kids, parents, teachers or anyone who likes to read a good children's story. Although there doesn't appear to be an official series designation, Philip Hall Likes Me. I Reckon Maybe. is the first of three books about Beth and Philip. The other two are Get on out of Here, Philip Hall and I've Already Forgotten Your Name, Philip Hall!. With yet another winner, Bette Greene is solidifying her place on my favorite authors list, and I can't wait to read the other two books in the series. show less

Minutes before the train pulled into the station in Jenkinsville, Arkansas, Patty Bergen knew something exciting was going to happen. But she never could have imagined that her summer would be so memorable. German prisoners of war have arrived to make their new home in the prison camp in Jenkinsville. To the rest of her town, these prisoners are only Nazis. But to Patty, a young Jewish girl with a turbulent home life, one boy in particular becomes an unlikely friend. Anton relates to Patty show more in ways that her mother and father never can. But when their forbidden relationship is discovered, will Patty risk her family and town for the understanding and love of one boy? show less

This is book is very well-written and I felt like I was really there with Patty. The story is heartbreaking because Patty is so desperate for any sign of affection from her parents, and they don't really love her. This book affected me the way Vera by Elizabeth von Arnim did—I'm very glad I read it but it makes me want to cry knowing there are actual people who are treated the way Patty and (and Lucy in Vera) are treated.

Summer of my German Soldier by Bette Green is a short book telling the story of Patty Bergen, a young Jewish-American girl living in Aransas during World War II. The summer that she was twelve German prisoners of war are brought to a camp near her small town of Jenkinsville.

Patty meets one of these prisoners when they are brought to her father’s store, and realizes that this young man is nothing like the fearful Nazi’s she has heard of, in fact, he was very nice to her. Being treated show more nicely is something Patty doesn’t have a lot of experience with as her self-absorbed mother is highly critical of her and her father is a short tempered, abusive man. Patty spends most of her young life trying to please her parents and get them to like her. When this young German escapes, Patty offers him food, shelter and clothing. While harbouring him, their friendship develops and Anton realizes he must move on, if only to keep Patty safe from the authorities. But it appears that she is doomed to be found out and finds herself having to face consequences that would break a weaker person.

The book, while detailing the friendship between Patty and Anton, really is much more about Patty developing her self-esteem and making plans for her future. Coming to the realization that nothing is ever going to change in her relationship with her parents, Patty must learn how to get through the next few years until she is old enough to move forward and establish her independence.

I found Summer of My German Soldier to be both heart-breaking and thought provoking. This is not a light story with a happy ending, but it is realistic and, thankfully, the reader is left with some hope for Patty’s future. show less