Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great

Sheila is brutally disappointed when she arrives at the Tarrytown house. How does this foreshadow other plot events?

Libby and Sheila have very different attitudes when it comes to boys. Why might their opinions be so different? What factors may influence this?

Why does Judy Blume include the story about Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman in the novel? Compare and contrast Sheila and Ichabod Crane. Use specific examples from the book.

Mouse and Sheila are very different characters, but they still become fast friends. What does their relationship reveal about the broader themes of the story?

Sheila agrees to learn how to swim to be able to save herself from drowning. How does this relate to the fear of embarrassment she’s attached to learning to swim? Why does Sheila finally agree to learn how to swim?

How does Sheila experiment with her identity throughout the summer? When she daydreams about her life, what do these daydreams reveal about her deepest wants and desires?

During the sleepover, Sheila and her friends go from fighting to working together when Libby yells at them. Why? What does this tell the reader about friendship and teamwork?

When Sheila is embarrassed or afraid, she becomes angry and defensive. Why? What does this tell the reader about her character?