Otherwise Known as Shelia the Great

Otherwise Known as Shelia the Great

By Judy Blume

Scholastic

Copyright 1972

pp. 138

Otherwise Known as Shelia the Great

Realistic Fiction

     Shelia, a ten year old girl who lives in the city, is going to vacation in the country for the whole summer break with her family. At first, Shelia is disappointed because she had wanted to go to Disneyland instead. Eventually, she warms up to the idea because she will not have to share a bedroom with her twelve year old sister, Libby. That is until she meets Jennifer, a dog that comes with the house her family is renting. The reader soon finds out that Sheila is afraid of dogs, along with many other things such as swimming, spiders, noises, and the dark.

     Shelia meets a new friend, Mouse who is also a ten year old girl, while she is in the country. Shelia does not want to appear uncool, so she begins telling Mouse many half-truths about herself. Mouse soon realizes Shelia’s nonchalant attitude is a front she puts on when she is afraid of something. Mouse tries to make Shelia realize that is okay to admit one can not do something or if one is afraid of something. Shelia is not to sure about that, but she and Mouse become fast friends anyway.

     The author incorporates many subtle life lessons throughout the book. I believe this book would help many upper elementary students to realize the importance of these lessons in a humorous way. One lesson I connected with was when Shelia had her first sleepover and the girls made a slam book. Each of the girls at the sleepover thought it would be great fun to make the slam books and find out what each other girl at the party really thought, but did not have the courage to say out loud. As an adult, I knew this would be trouble, but it is a lesson to be learned, one I have had to watch my own daughters contend with. 

     The book helps to the reader to understand the power of friendship and the ability to laugh at oneself every now and then. Realizing that no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes or is unsure about his or her world is a life lesson every student should learn. Judy Blume has done just that in this timeless tale.