Will a spelling bee be the answer to all of BirdÕs problems?

All her life, all Bird has ever wanted is to be noticed in her small town and to get to Disney World. As it turns out, Bird just might have a chance to realize at least one of her goals because of a state spelling bee, and she might get to make a friend along the wayÑa boy named Harlem Tate who has just moved to Freedom. Harlem seems like a kindred spiritÑsomeone like Bird, whom people donÕt usually take the time to find the good in. (Unless itÕs someone like Miss Delphine, who always makes Bird feel special.) But as much as Bird tries to get his attention, Harlem is not easily won over. Then Harlem agrees to be her partner in the spelling bee, and if they study hard enough, the two might just win everything BirdÕs always wanted.

In Barbara OÕConnorÕs funny new novel, a spunky young girl discovers that sometimes all it takes to feel famous is a little recognition from true friends.

Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia is a 2004 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.