Go Ask Ozzie: A Rotten Richie Story

Rotten Richie #3

by Patricia Polacco

In this companion story to My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother , beloved storyteller Patricia Polacco tells a lively and warmhearted tale of comic sibling tension and brotherly love based on her own childhood.

There’s nothing worse than a rotten redheaded older brother who is the most embarrassing brother in the Elwood school district in Oakland, California. Even three years older, Richie makes Patricia’s life miserable, and there is nowhere to hide in their small town. Richie is gross—tangled hair, sloppy room, and messy clothes. And he doesn’t even care—not one bit! And now that they’re both in middle school, Richie does everything he can to mortify Patricia in front of her friends. Ozzie at the lunch counter says there will come a time when the two siblings will be friends, but that can’t be right…can it?

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Historical, Nonfiction, Biography

56 pages, Hardcover

First published October 19, 2021

About the author

Patricia Polacco is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator with around seventy beloved and award-winning books to her credit, including The Keeping Quilt, Pink and Say, The Blessing Cup, Chicken Sunday, and Thank You, Mr. Falker. She resides in Michigan.

Reviews

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I liked them better than the very few books for preschoolers that this author has written, I didn’t enjoy the first two Richie books as much as I’ve liked most other books by this author. I always look forward to new books by Patricia Polacco (I’ve read them all) but I wasn’t feeling as enthusiastic about this book as I would have been if it had different subject matter. I loved this third Richie book though! I loved their sister-brother relationship in this one. I loved learning about Ozzie. What a great guy! I recognize the neighborhoods from back then. Even though this story takes place across the bay I added it to my San Francisco shelf. It’s definitely San Francisco Bay Area. Sometimes I miss the way the areas were back then. Great places to grow up, mostly safer, a lot more affordable, and often a more neighborly feel in many areas. I’m glad Ozzie is featured in this book. Such kind and wise people deserve to be memorialized and that way they can be helpful to others, including readers who never had the pleasure of knowing them.

There were some negatives though, for today’s kids, unless looked as a historical work. The author says this event took place almost 65 years ago, and it shows. Girls having to wait for boys to ask them to dance at school dances. The vernacular from that era. I also didn’t like how Patricia didn’t like one boy and then did (from dip to dreamboat) when he got his braces off and got contact lenses.

I was still waiting for the hardcover edition but I’m no longer feeling safe going inside libraries, even just to pick up materials, unless it’s really necessary, so I checked and I was able to immediately borrow an e-copy so I read that.

I’m greatly looking forward to Polacco’s next book. I hope that there are many more.

[Lisa Yee Swope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you love me? (Do you love me) Now that I can dance...
Dances of the 50s and 60s are amazing. And you've gotta learn them somewhere... for me it was with the B3s of Vicki's Tap Pups (really!); in this semiautobiographical installment to the Rotten Richie stories, Patricia learns from (gasp!) her very own older brother, who turns from a teenaged boy who never showers to a clean and coiffed and employed person of virtue once the right girl gets in the picture. Everyone needs a chance to shine.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Rotten Richie story that continues to share about Patricia's relationship with her brother, Richie. Readers see how middle school challenges Patricia as she now is in the same school as her brother. She complains to friends and to the local pharmacy owner, Ozzie. This story revolves around Ozzie and his advice and calm presence. Polacco captures his love and calm spirit as he guides Patricia and helps her see the many ways her brother cares for her.

[Cyndee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - my brother and I are 2 years apart. Ozzie was right; the love/hate relationship has turned into love and admiration the older we get ♥

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book memoir is for older elementary readers. Favorite Michigan author Patricia Polacco writes about a time during her first year of middle school in Oakland CA. Tricia was embarrassed by her older brother Richie. A kindly man named Ozzie presided over a lunch counter near her home and school, and listened to the problems of the people who frequented his shop. Tricia's complaints about Richie were also told to Ozzie, and he gave her sage advice.
Today's readers will learn about the social scene and dance moves of the 196o's. They also will relate to the sibling dynamics and the kindly Ozzie.
Tie-in with ELA units on character change over time, memoir, setting.

[Mary Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story. Wish I had room to own all her books.I am never disappointed!

[Emylly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to find the right audience for this one. It’s too long with too many historical references (wallflowers, soda fountains, etc) unknown to little children today. Older kids would be able to relate to the sibling rivalry and finding out that you have more in common with your rotten brother than you think but often aren’t interested in long picture books at their age. It’s autobiographical so I can’t argue with her feelings but I wish it addressed more of her growth to see through the “dud with braces and glasses” as a dreamboat than just his superficial appearance. But Ozzie was a magical person who helped her family and shaped her to be the writer and illustrator she is today. Polacco brilliantly unfolds her childhood as a wonderful story of growth and seeing people for more of what they are.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book memoir is a time-capsule of the Fifties when girls wore frilly dresses (with petticoats!), boys preened pompadours, land-line phones could be tied up for hours, and a house in Oakland could be bought with a single offer. The age-old sibling rivalry rings true, though, even if the fairytale ending is as over-the-top as the final dance throw. Nonetheless, Polacco is quite the storyteller, and her delightful artwork is always engaging.

[Asho · Rating 3 out of 5]

F (4) chose this book off the display shelf at the library. It's an interesting book because it's illustrated as a children's picture book but the autobiographical story is from the perspective of a young teenager and thus as far as content goes this book would be better for a 10-12 year-old. It didn't fully hold F's interest, but I thought it was fun to read!

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on Polacco's own life, she tells the story of how she would get advice from Ozzie, who owned the local soda shop growing up, especially about her older brother Richie. A nice story about important adults in our lives and learning to appreciate siblings, accompanied by Polacco's beautiful artwork.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story about a relationship between a younger sister and older brother and how that relationship evolves. Both the illustrations and the storyline were amazing! Definitely going to check out the other titles in the Rotten Richie series.

[Kriste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful! And thanks to my 22 yr old daughter for letting me read it to her <3

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I’ve been transported back in time. Polacco uses lingo from the 60s and does such a fantastic job describing the soda counter.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every neighbourhood and family needs an Ozzie.
A story deeply embedded in its historical setting, which could limit its appeal. But, embarrassing big brothers are universal.

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended by a Kids Club student. Fun continuation of the Rotten Redheaded Brother story.

[Melisa Sevall]

Dialogue, elaborating on a story, character development, point of view