Then Again, Maybe I Won't
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Then Again, Maybe I Won't
Then Again, Maybe I Won't, a young adult novel by Judy Blume, chronicles the life of thirteen-year-old Tony Miglione. The narrative unfolds as Tony's working-class Italian-American family experiences a significant financial uplift, leading to their relocation from Jersey City to an affluent Long Island suburb. This new environment presents a host of challenges for Tony and his family, including grappling with social climbing, evolving family relationships, and the pressures to conform to a new social stratum. The story candidly explores the complexities of male adolescence, focusing on Tony's journey through puberty, burgeoning sexual awareness, and intense anxiety. Beyond his personal struggles, Tony navigates the moral dilemmas posed by his new friends' questionable behaviors and the subtle shifts in his parents' values. Blume's work offers an authentic portrayal of growing up, adapting to profound changes, and developing a personal moral compass amidst a dynamic and often confusing world.
Things to Consider
Romance and Sexual Content
The novel explicitly addresses male puberty, including wet dreams, and features a significant subplot involving voyeurism. The protagonist frequently engages in sexually curious thoughts and actions.
Thirteen-year-old Tony Miglione develops a crush on his sixteen-year-old neighbor, Lisa Hoober, and repeatedly watches her undress from his bedroom window, even contemplating asking for binoculars for Christmas for 'birdwatching' to facilitate this voyeurism. Tony experiences his first wet dreams, which are explicitly mentioned and are about Lisa. He also expresses curiosity about 'what you have to do to get someone pregnant' when his brother and sister-in-law announce their pregnancy.
Substance Use
The book explicitly depicts underage drinking leading to intoxication and sickness, as well as regular smoking by both adult and teenage characters, with efforts to deceive parents.
Disrespect & Rebellion
The novel features significant instances of rebellious and disrespectful behavior, including theft, lying, and prank calls, primarily by a peer, with the protagonist being a reluctant participant or witness. Parental figures also exhibit questionable behavior.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
12+ (Grades 7 and up) is recommended due to the mature themes of puberty, sexual curiosity, underage drinking, shoplifting, and complex family dynamics. While some sources suggest ages 10-14, the explicit nature of Tony's voyeurism and the depiction of substance use warrant a slightly higher age guidance.
Good to Know
Published in 1971, 'Then Again, Maybe I Won't' reflects social norms of its era, particularly regarding themes like voyeurism, which are viewed much more critically in contemporary society. Modern readers and parents may find certain behaviors of the protagonist, such as spying on his neighbor, concerning, as noted by some reviews suggesting such actions would be addressed differently today. The book's strength lies in its candid exploration of adolescent anxieties and navigating moral quandaries.
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