Just as Long as We're Together / Here's to You, Rachel Robinson

"You mean you never had more than one best friend at a time?" ~ 29%

Bookhearts far and wide know that I grew up on Judy Blume. Her books contributed to my love of reading. No matter the stage of adolescence, there is a Judy Blume book that covers it. I vividly remember reading Just as Long as We're Together for the first time. I was in the 4th grade starting a new school for the gifted and talented. I was among other math nerds and kids with their nose stuck in a book. I was welcomed into a friendship clique, connected with more than one best friend, and immediately knew this is where I belonged. 

Just as Long as We're Together was the Judy Blume book for this stage of my life. And here I am 39 years after it's original publication re-reading it for a new release. It has a new look for middle grade readers. The new cover is simple with a bright teal background and a friendship bracelet. Remember those?! But the story within is the same. Stephanie and Rachel have been inseparable. But everything changes when Alison moves in next door. Stephanie clicks with her instantly and wants to form the perfect trio. But Rachel drifts away not wanting to make room for someone new. The story answers a common question: can you have more than one best friend?

Re-reading this book proved why it was a childhood favorite. Blume knows how to reel young girls in, teach a lesson and apply it to real life.

"Life is an obstacle course." ~ 42%

The companion book titled Here's to You, Rachel Robinson is a heartfelt story about shifting friendships, messy families and perfectionism. From the outside, Rachel is perfect. She is a straight-A student, excels at music, and is the best friend everyone counts on. But the pressure to be perfect builds while life at home is a disaster. It's hard to hold it together. Again, Judy Blume writes with her trademark way of connecting with young readers at the right time in their lives. Even though I did not enjoy Here's to You, Rachel Robinson as much back then, I now appreciate the deep message it provides: check on your strong friend.

Just as Long as We're Together and Here's to You, Rachel Robinson are best read as companion novels. I recommend it as a buddy read with the young reader(s) in your life. It will spark conversations, open dialogue and strengthen friendships. I am so delighted they are being re-released and celebrated!

Happy Early Pub Day to Judy Blume! Just as Long as We're Together and Here's to You, Rachel Robinson will be re-published next Tuesday, August 25.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: Just as Long as We're Together

Author: Judy Blume
Re-Published: August 2026
Pages: 272
Edition: Galley
Genre: Children's Fiction
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

Title: Here's to You, Rachel Robinson
Author: Judy Blume
Re-Published: August 2026
Pages: 272
Edition: Galley
Genre: Children's Fiction
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤