Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great
#2 of 5 in Fudge Series
on Goodreads (41,613)
What’s inside...
The story follows Sheila Tubman as she faces her fears and learns about true friendship during one summer in Tarrytown. Sheila hides her insecurities and pretends to be brave, but throughout the book, she confronts her fears, including swimming, dogs, and spiders. The book portrays her journey of self-discovery and the realization that it's okay to not be perfect. Sheila hates swimming, dogs, ghosts, and thunderstorms, and will do anything to avoid them, except admit that she's scared. Her new friend Mouse Ellis, yo-yo champion of Tarrytown, thinks she's chicken. But Sheila is determined to show everyone that she can be Sheila the Great. A new cover edition of book two in this hugely successful series from the bestselling author and household name Judy Blume.
Discussion points
What are some fears Sheila has and how does she try to overcome them?
Sheila often pretends to be something she's not. Can you think of a time when you did the same? How did it make you feel?
Friendship is a big theme in the book. What do you think makes a good friend?
How did Sheila change from the beginning of the book to the end?
Why do you think Sheila felt the need to appear perfect to others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own fears and relate to Sheila’s experiences. Discuss the importance of being true to oneself and the value of honest friendships. Use examples from the book and real life to illustrate these points. Highlight Sheila's growth throughout the story to motivate your child to embrace personal change and development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: Sheila, the protagonist, confronts her fears such as swimming and dogs throughout the story, demonstrating courage and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears, whether it's trying out a new activity or dealing with a challenging situation, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones.
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: Sheila eventually learns the value of being honest rather than pretending to be something she's not. This is shown when she opens up about her fears and insecurities to her friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of honesty in building trust and forming genuine relationships with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Sheila develops empathy as she starts to understand and appreciate the perspectives and challenges of those around her.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to consider the feelings of others before acting, fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment at home or school.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Throughout the book, Sheila adjusts to new situations and changes, learning to adapt and find her place in different settings.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the skills of adaptability and resilience, crucial for navigating life’s various challenges effectively.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery
Explanation: Sheila's summer experiences lead her to a journey of self-discovery, helping her recognize her strengths and weaknesses.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore their own identities and develop a stronger sense of self-awareness and confidence.