Me and Caleb

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The appeal of Me and Caleb stems from author Franklyn E. Meyer’s realistic depiction of the lives of Bud, a 12-year-old boy, and his precocious 8-year-old brother Caleb. The boys, their older sister, their parents and grandparents reflect typical family relations and roles in the 1950s and 60s.

Meyer’s book won the 1962 Charles W. Follett Award for children’s literature.  Today’s youth won’t relate to these stories.  But if you grew up 50-60 years ago, Me and Caleb strikes a warm pleasant chord.

The boys’ escapades—covering about a year—are usually amusing, sometimes downright funny, and occasionally rather sad.  But they are totally relatable—especially to the older reader. 

The book is told in the first person by Bud, but it usually doesn’t sound like the musings of a young boy.  The writing is that of an adult.  On occasion, he creates images—such as walking through the woods on a cold autumn morning—that sound like poetry.

Whether it’s acquisition of the family pet, “hand-fishing” with Gramps, or playing pranks on Halloween, the stories may spur recollections of your own adventures.

All-in-all, Me and Caleb is an easy comfortable walk through a simple and happy time.

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Quotes

“You’re a real big jerk, you know that?” said Caleb after a pause.  “You just love to pick on little kids, don’t you?”   “Not all little kids, Caleb.  Just the big-mouthed ones.”   “I think I’d rather have an idiot for a brother than you,” said Caleb.   “No, you wouldn’t.  I have one, and it’s even worse.”   We looked at each other hard for a minute.  It was always about this time of the afternoon that we got into a fight.   “Well,” said Caleb, “we might as well get it over with.”   “Yeah,” I agreed.  “I guess so.”  But neither of us moved.   It was too hot.

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