Philip Hall Likes Me, I Reckon Maybe facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Bette Greene |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Young adult fiction |
| Publisher | The Dial Press |
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Publication date
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1974 |
| Media type | |
| Awards | Newbery Honor (1975) |
| Followed by | Get On Out of Here, Philip Hall |
Philip Hall Likes Me, I Reckon Maybe is a fun and thoughtful children's book by Bette Greene. It came out in 1974 and won a special award called the Newbery Honor in 1975. This book is the first in a series about a girl named Beth Lambert and her friend Philip Hall. The other books in the series are Get On Out of Here, Philip Hall and I've Already Forgotten Your Name, Philip Hall.
The story takes place in the countryside of Arkansas during the late 1900s. It follows the adventures of eleven-year-old Beth Lambert. She is often the second-best at almost everything at school, whether it's math or sports. But Beth doesn't really mind. That's because the only person who is better than her is Philip Hall. As the story goes on, Beth starts to wonder if she's letting Philip win on purpose. She thinks maybe she does this so he will stay her friend.
Contents
What is Philip Hall Likes Me About?
Meet Beth Lambert
Beth Lambert is the main character of the story. She is a smart and lively eleven-year-old girl. Beth lives in a small, rural town in Arkansas. She is very competitive and always tries her best. However, she often finds herself in second place.
Beth is good at many things, like schoolwork and games. But Philip Hall always seems to be just a little bit better. This makes Beth think a lot about friendship and competition. She wonders if being "second best" is okay.
The Friendship with Philip Hall
Philip Hall is Beth's best friend and her biggest rival. He is often the one who beats her in school and sports. Their friendship is a big part of the book. They spend a lot of time together.
Philip and Beth challenge each other. This helps them both grow and learn. Their relationship shows how friends can be competitive but still care deeply for each other.
Exploring Important Ideas
The book explores several important ideas for young readers. One main idea is about self-worth. Beth learns to value herself for who she is, not just for winning. She starts to understand that being second best doesn't mean she isn't good enough.
Another key idea is about friendship. Beth thinks about what makes a good friend. She wonders if she should always try to win, or if friendship is more important. The story teaches that true friends support each other.
Competition and Growth
Competition is a big theme in the book. Beth and Philip are always competing. This competition helps Beth think about her own actions. She realizes that sometimes she holds back. She does this to keep Philip feeling good about himself.
Through these challenges, Beth learns to be more confident. She also learns to be honest with herself. The story shows how competition can be healthy. It can help people grow and understand themselves better.
Awards and Recognition
Philip Hall Likes Me, I Reckon Maybe received a Newbery Honor in 1975. The Newbery Honor is a very important award for children's books. It is given to books that are considered outstanding.
This award shows that the book was highly praised. It was recognized for its strong story and characters. Winning a Newbery Honor helped the book become well-known. It also encouraged more young readers to discover Beth's story.
About the Author
Bette Greene was an American writer. She was known for her books for young people. Her stories often dealt with important themes. She wrote about growing up and facing challenges.
Greene's books are known for their realistic characters. She often wrote about life in the South. Her stories help young readers understand different experiences. Philip Hall Likes Me, I Reckon Maybe is one of her most famous works.
The Series Continues
This book is the first part of a series. The next books continue Beth and Philip's story. They explore how their friendship changes as they get older.
The sequels are:
- Get On Out of Here, Philip Hall
- I've Already Forgotten Your Name, Philip Hall
These books let readers follow Beth's journey. They see her grow from a young girl into a teenager. The series shows how friendships evolve over time.
