Kids into books: Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great

This week's title: Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great

Author: Judy Blume

Illustrator: Colin Thomas

Publisher: Macmillan, $13.95

Age group: 6 – 12 years


Sometimes I wish Henry didn't spend so much time thinking.

'Hi, Henry,' Peter said. 'Thanks for waiting.'

'Any time, Peter,' Henry told him.

'Excuse me, please,' I said, stepping out of the elevator. I held my nose. 'I can't ride up with that dog. He stinks!'

My heart was beating so loud I was sure Henry and Peter could hear it. And I know Turtle, the dog, was laughing at me. He stuck out his tongue and licked the corner of his mouth. I'll bet he could taste me already! I walked down the hall with my head held high, saying, 'P.U.'

Henry called, 'Ten flights up is a long walk, Sheila.'

'I don't mind,' I called back.

Henry was right. Ten flights up is a long walk. By the time I got to my floor I was huffing and puffing so hard I had to sit down on the landing and rest. Little drips of sweat ran from my face down to my neck.