Point of View

Philip Hall Likes Me, I Reckon Maybe, by Bette Greene, is told in the first person narrative by the story's protagonist. Eleven-year-old Beth Lambert tells the story of one year of her life—beginning in September at the start of a school year through the next August, when she wins a blue ribbon at the annual County Fair. More important than her winnings, is the self-confidence she develops and leadership skills that emerge during the year.

The majority of Beth's thoughts and emotions are focused on the cutest boy in school, Philip Hall. Her thoughts reveal all the uncertainty and confusion she has about her feelings for him. Beth's intelligence and self-awareness shine through in revealing thoughts such as her speculation that she is only the number two student to Philip's number one status because of her emotional attachment to him.

In the year-long account...