Here's to you, Rachel Robinson -- Judy Blume

Judy does sibling rivalry.

Of course, Here's to you, Rachel Robinson isn't only about sibling rivalry.  It continues the story that began in Just as Long as We're Together, but from Rachel's viewpoint.  Her relationship with Stephanie and Allison continues to be strained due to their differences in maturity level and personality and school is beginning to be a source of stress as well -- not the actual coursework, of course, Rachel being Rachel, but the extra-curricular activities.  It feels like everyone wants a piece of her.

And then there's Charles.  Her older brother is home, expelled from boarding school, and it seems he's home for good.  Judy Blume does sibling rivalry just as well as she does every other aspect of family life and adolescence:

Still, they said he was lucky because he hadn't been wearing a helmet and he could have been killed.  I am somewhat ashamed to admit this, but at the time I'd let that thought run through my mind.  He could have been killed.  Then I'd pushed it away.  I don't want Charles to die.  Dying is too final.  My parents would blame themselves and never get over it.  Besides, he's my brother.  I'm supposed to care about him.

More and more, I wish I'd read more of Judy Blume's dramatic books when I was younger.  I adored the Peter Hatcher books, and I (of course) read Forever about 57 times, but I really regret skipping these.  I would have loved them in fourth grade.