Kids into books: Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great

Author: Judy Blume

Illustrator: Colin Thomas

Publisher: Macmillan, $13.95

Age group: 6 – 12 years


'Did you remember to bring home a quart of milk?'

Oh oh! I knew I forgot something.

'Sheila ... did you bring home the milk?' Mom called again.

'No ... I forgot.'

I went into the living room then. My mother was reading a book. The record player was on and my sister Libby was twirling around in her pink toe slippers. she is thirteen and thinks she's a great ballerina. I could hold my nose for the way Libby dances, but I'd get into big trouble if I did.

My mother said, 'You better go back down and get the milk, Sheila.'

I flopped into the big chair that tilts back and said, 'I can't, Mom. I'm dead. I just walked up the stairs.'

'Don't tell me the elevator is out of order!' Mom said.

'No.'

'Then why did you walk up ten flights of stairs?'

'I don't know,' I said. 'I just felt like it.'