A review by livlosiewicz
Here's to You, Rachel Robinson by Judy Blume

funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

 Pros: 
  • This book is a really fantastic portrayal of generalized anxiety in teens: the way she worries and what brings the worries on, the way the anxiety manifests physically, the family dynamics that contribute to these types of symptoms. I suspect that a lot of high-achieving middle schoolers would really see themselves in Rachel, and I love that what goes on beneath the surface of the “child prodigy” was addressed
  • Overall, this is a sweet book with some interesting themes. In addition to family dynamics and (sort of) mental health, I also appreciated the focus on Jessica’s acne

 Cons:
  • I was so excited about how in depth the anxiety and the problematic family dynamics (e.g. mom and dad put WAY too much on Rachel and then say “we don’t want you worrying about this” as if that makes it better, also the way that Charles is treated and blamed for everything) went in the beginning of the book, but I was disappointed with the resolution. I’m sure this is also partially because therapy was so taboo in these days, but the problematic family dynamic is never called out, Rachel’s anxiety is never named or diagnosed or even talked about with anyone, and I was confused about where the resolution with Charles came from. I think the series might have benefitted from a third book to help us see some of this too

Recommendation: I recommend to high-achieving middle-grade readers or middle grade readers with anxiety. At this point, this book is old- it probably takes place in the 90s or early 2000s, and while it could feel a little outdated (mostly the lack of cell phones), I found it to be engaging and sweet, and a nice follow-up to Just As Long As We’re Together. Avoid if this isn’t the genre you’re looking for or if you want a book that follows plot more than characters.