Reviews

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great by Judy Blume

ladyzbyrd's review against another edition

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Another great read about growing up - and again, from a parent’s perspective, still 100% relatable, so be ready to laugh. 

beesreadingnook's review

2.0

Reread this for fun and realized how problematic it was… at least, how problematic the main character Sheila is. Sheila is rude, mean, and annoying. The first time she meets her “best friend” Mouse she says that she hopes her scabby legs aren’t contagious. She calls her other friend fat straight off the bat, and there’s even a part where they all have a sleepover and write what they really think about each other and it’s all just insults. She destroys Bobby’s models in his room, kicks his closet and leaves a mark on it, and constantly lies about everything. I’m giving the book two stars because I do like Judy Blume’s writing but I really can’t stand Sheila and a majority of the other characters in this book.

Also, what the fuck was up with her swim instructor kissing her when she passed the swim test?? I’m assuming that it means he kissed her on the cheek (hopefully) but it doesn’t specify. And honestly in my opinion it’s sort of weird regardless for a seventeen year old male to be kissing a ten year old girl on the cheek.

This is why I hate rereading favorites from my childhood, because there’s always problematic aspects that I just never picked up on before and it ruins the story for me.

kricketa's review against another edition

3.0

When I was digging "Henry Huggins" out of the basement, this one came along for the ride. It did not age super well- there is a lot of fatphobia and Sheila's friends are horrifyingly mean to each other. But I like that Sheila learns to face her fears in a way that isn't preachy.

sc104906's review against another edition

3.0

Sheila Tubman and her family go away for the summer to Tarrytown. Sheila is forced to stay in a boy's room and live with the owner's dog (she hates dogs). While Sheila has a serious time being honest, especially when she is afraid, she truly works on growing up throughout the novel.

Sheila befriends Mouse, a local girl looking to make more girl friends. Sheila truly learns the ups and downs of being friends with others. Also, Sheila's mother forces her to take swimming lessons (she is super afraid of the water). Hopefully, Sheila will learn how to swim by the end of the summer, or Marty her swim instructor, won't get paid.

notlikethebeer's review against another edition

3.0

Eh. I love Sheila, but this has not aged so well!

a_manning11's review against another edition

2.0

Well written and maybe a little too honest, but it really didn't age well. The body shaming in the book, which is dealt with by the characters' realization "the truth hurts" is unacceptable.

kleigh67's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

garleighc's review against another edition

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

dja777's review against another edition

2.0

My least favorite Judy Blume book. I just find the main character too unpleasant.

hjswinford's review against another edition

3.0

I enjoyed Sheila's absolute certainty that she knows everything and is afraid of nothing. It was a fun read. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.