Me and Caleb

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This book may have been targeted originally to the young reader, but Me and Caleb by Franklyn E. Meyer is a short novel almost guaranteed to make an older booklover feel good.

The appeal of Me and Caleb stems from a 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.

Covering about a year, the boys’ escapades are usually amusing, sometimes downright funny, and occasionally rather sad.  But they are totally relatable—especially to those of us who grew up in similar surroundings. 

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

The story is told in the first person by Bud, although the narrative 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 verge on poetry.

Meyer’s book won the 1962 Charles W. Follett Award for children’s literature.  Today’s youth likely won’t relate to these stories.  But if you grew up 50 or 60 years ago, and want an easy comfortable stroll through a simple and happy time, spend a little while with Me and Caleb.

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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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