Discussion Guide for

Here’s to You, Rachel Robinson

By Judy Blume

1. The conflict of a novel sets up the plot. It’s often explained as a problem to be solved. How is the conflict of this novel established on the first page? Explain how the main conflict creates minor conflicts. The antagonist in a novel is often the character that is hostile to others. Who is the antagonist in this novel?

2. Charles, Rachel’s older brother, has been expelled from his boarding school in Vermont. Why was he sent away to school? How does Charles seem proud to be expelled? Discuss how he treats his sisters when he comes home from school.

3. Talk about the way Mr. and Mrs. Robinson approach problems within their family. What discussions are completely off-limits? Review the nicknames Charles gives his family in chapter seventeen. How are these labels honest, but hurtful?

4. What is the difference between a biography and an autobiography? How is it about point of view? Rachel writes her biography for English class. She understands that a biography must have interesting details, little-known facts, and humorous anecdotes. Identify these three things in part one of Rachel’s biography. How might her biography change by the end of the novel?

5. What does Nell Robinson mean when she says Rachel was “born thirty-five”? Cite specific scenes in the book when Rachel displays extreme maturity. How is this maturity sometimes a burden to her?

6. Nell Robinson makes excuses for Charles. At what point has she had enough of her son’s behavior?

7. Why is Rachel reluctant to invite friends to her house when Charles is there? What is Alison’s fascination with Charles?

8. Stephanie says that Rachel “’always think[s] the sky will fall.’” (Chapter fourteen) Debate whether Stephanie is correct. Cite evidence from the book to support your thoughts. Are you optimistic like Stephanie or pessimistic, thinking of the worst-case scenario like Rachel does, or something in between? How so?

9. Sarcasm is the use of words that mean the opposite of what one intends to say. People often use sarcasm to be unkind, and other times to be funny. For example, Charles says to Alison, “‘You just don’t know how refreshing it is to live with a child prodigy.’” (Chapter nine) What does he really mean? Is his statement funny or unkind?

10. How are Rachel and her mother alike? Discuss how they understand each other’s need to achieve or be successful. Nell Robinson becomes a justice on the superior court. Contrast Rachel’s, Charles’s, and Jessica’s reactions to this news.

11. Discuss the role of each of the following characters in Rachel’s story: Paul Medeiros, Tarren, Toad, Jeremy Dragon, Ms. Lefferts, and Rowena Hirsch.

12. At the end of the novel, Nell Robinson has arranged for the family to see Dr. Embers, a family counselor. Why is it important for each member of the family to attend? What do you think they learn from Dr. Embers?

13. Mr. Robinson takes his class on a field trip to Ellis Island. Rachel, Jessica, and Charles go along. At one point Charles jumps on the seawall and in a loud voice recites “The New Colossus,” the poem etched at the base of the Statue of Liberty. How is this a turning point for Charles and his dad? Explain Rachel’s feelings at this moment.

Guide written by Pat Scales, a retired middle and high school librarian who is currently a children’s and young adult literature consultant and specializes in curriculum and free speech issues.

This guide has been provided by Simon & Schuster for classroom, library, and reading group use. It may be reproduced in its entirety or excerpted for these purposes. For more Simon & Schuster guides and classroom materials, please visit https://www.simonandschuster.net/m/prek12-teachers-librarians/teaching-resources