Here's to You, Rachel Robinson

by Judy Blume

The sequel to Just as Long as We’re Together, this novel focuses on Rachel Robinson (obviously). Rachel is the perfect one: perfect grades, a perfectly organized, and perfectly involved in extracurricular activities.

Well, as you may have guessed, Rachel’s life is not perfect. In fact, her family life is far from perfect. And there’s a new wrinkle: Rachel’s troublesome brother, Charles, has been kicked out of boarding school. So, now he’s home to make trouble. Meanwhile, Rachel is being presented with more and more opportunities at school. What more can this girl handle?

This is a nice look at the stress of being a perfectionist in an imperfect family (and world). Once again, Blume gets it right. And it was nice to see another side of Rachel Robinson.

4/10/11