Gr 5–8—Rachel Robinson is every teacher's dream student. As she's wrapping up the seventh grade, teachers are trying to lure her into participating in extracurricular activities for gifted students, and as a result, away from her friends. But Rachel's mind is focused on one thing: Charles, her older brother. He's back at home after being kicked out of boarding school and his mission in life is to torture and bully his family. Rachel's friends think Charles is cute, but true to her no-nonsense nature, Rachel can't understand what they see in him. Charles focuses most of his cruelty on Rachel and their older sister, Jessica, a shy high school senior, who is battling a painful case of cystic acne. He also gnashes his brutish teeth at his trying parents and at his cousin, Tarren, a divorced, single mother who is having an affair with a married man. Judy Blume is a master at creating complex characters that tweens enjoy. In this novel (1993), Rachel's personal growth and eventual acceptance of her family is never forced and sends the message that life is messy, but everything's going to be fine. Mandy Siegfried's narration enhances Blume's talent for writing dialogue. Her girlish pitch provides an authentic performance. This companion novel to Just As Long As We're Together (1986, both Orchard) is an excellent choice for libraries where the author is popular.—Annica Stivers, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA
From the New York Times bestselling author of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret and the upcoming adult novel In the Unlikely Event comes a tale of family, friendship, and pre-teen life like only JUDY BLUME can deliver. The companion to Just As Long As We're Together.
CAN YOU BE too perfect?
From the outside, Rachel looks like the perfect daughter in the perfect family. She's a straight-A student, a gifted musician, and a good friend. But Rachel feels as if it's all falling apart. Her brother, Charles, was just kicked out of boarding school and is now at home, wreaking havoc. Her sister, Jessica, has problems of her own, which Rachel thinks it's her job to help solve. And Rachel herself is considering adding drama club, community service, and class president to her already crowded roster of activities. Rachel's best friends, Stephanie and Alison, urge Rachel to lighten up and enjoy the end of seventh grade. Easy for them to say. Not so easy for Rachel. Not even when Jeremy Dragon, the coolest boy in ninth grade, notices her. Is it possible that perfection isn't the key to an exciting life?
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
"A master." - SLJ
From the New York Times bestselling author of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret and the upcoming adult novel In the Unlikely Event comes a tale of family, friendship, and pre-teen life like only JUDY BLUME can deliver. The companion to Just As Long As We're Together.
CAN YOU BE too perfect?
From the outside, Rachel looks like the perfect daughter in the perfect family. She's a straight-A student, a gifted musician, and a good friend. But Rachel feels as if it's all falling apart. Her brother, Charles, was just kicked out of boarding school and is now at home, wreaking havoc. Her sister, Jessica, has problems of her own, which Rachel thinks it's her job to help solve. And Rachel herself is considering adding drama club, community service, and class president to her already crowded roster of activities. Rachel's best friends, Stephanie and Alison, urge Rachel to lighten up and enjoy the end of seventh grade. Easy for them to say. Not so easy for Rachel. Not even when Jeremy Dragon, the coolest boy in ninth grade, notices her. Is it possible that perfection isn't the key to an exciting life?
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
"A master." - SLJ
Editorial Reviews
Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940172222092 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Penguin Random House |
| Publication date: | 04/27/2021 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
| Age Range: | 10 - 13 Years |
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