Discussion Guide for

Then Again, Maybe I Won’t

By Judy Blume

1. The theme of a novel is the message the writer wants to convey. This novel has several themes. What is the central theme? Identify the other themes in the novel. What is the conflict or the problem to be solved? Draw a connection between the conflict and the themes. How does the title of the novel relate to the conflict?

2. Describe the Miglione family. Explain why Tony feels like an outsider when his family visits Vinnie’s grave on Veterans Day. Why does Tony wonder if Vinnie is laughing at how the family has changed since their move to Rosemont? Discuss why Tony sometimes thinks his parents are “full of bull.” (p. 101)

3. What is the first hint that the Miglione family is about to change? Vic Miglione, Tony’s father, is an electrician and has always tinkered with inventions. Why doesn’t Vic tell Tony what he’s up to? How does the secrecy make Tony feel?

4. The family is leaving Jersey City and moving to Rosemont, an upper-class town on Long Island. Contrast the two towns. How does Tony fit in better in Jersey City? Dad assures Tony that they will be the same as always. At what point does Tony realize this isn’t true? What is the significance of Tony’s Jefferson Junior High wall pennant? Why doesn’t his mother want him to take it to Rosemont? He decides to give the pennant to Frankie. Discuss Frankie’s reaction to the gift.

5. What is Grandma’s role in the family? How does her life change when the family moves to Rosemont? Describe Tony’s bond with Grandma. How does Tony understand why his grandma won’t come out of her room? Why is he afraid to tell his parents? Discuss the significance of the scene at the end of the novel when Tony puts his head in Grandma’s lap and cries.

6. Ralph, Tony’s older brother, is a teacher. How does Tony look up to him? Why is Tony so worried about his friends finding out his brother is the “wizard of seventh-grade social studies”? Angie, Ralph’s wife, is pregnant. What are Tony’s thoughts about Angie and Ralph becoming parents? Explain why Ralph gives up teaching. Why is Tony so angry with Ralph for taking another job?

7. How does Tony find out about wet dreams? He wonders if he will ever have one. When does it happen to him? Tony worries that he will have an erection at school. What is his plan to hide it should it happen? Tony’s father gives him a book titled Basic Facts about Sex. Why does Vic Miglione refer Tony to Ralph with questions he might have?

8. The Hoobers live next door to the Migliones in Rosemont. Contrast the two families. Discuss whether Mrs. Hoober is judging the Migliones when she asks about the truck parked at their house. How do Tony’s parents respond when he tells them that Mrs. Hoober inquired about the truck?

9. What is the meaning of the expression “keeping up with the Joneses”? In what ways is Carmella Miglione, Tony’s mother, focused on social status? Trace her efforts to rise to Rosemont standards. Mrs. Hoober calls Tony’s mother Carol. Why does this anger Tony?

10. Describe Tony’s first encounter with Joel Hoober. How are Mr. and Mrs. Miglione impressed when they first meet Joel? Joel invites Tony over for a swim. Why is Tony embarrassed by his new swim trunks? Explain the many questions that his mother asks when he returns from the swim date.

11. Tony is very upset when he sees Joel take flashlight batteries from a store. Why doesn’t Tony report him? What happens when he confronts Joel? Joel continues to steal, and is eventually caught. Discuss how Mr. and Mrs. Hoober deal with the situation. How does this solve Tony’s question about whether he should be friends with Joel?

12. Explain Tony’s physical reaction when he is uncomfortable or nervous about a situation. Mom takes him to Dr. Holland, a doctor Mrs. Hoober recommends. How does Dr. Holland sense that Tony’s problems are emotional? Discuss Tony’s mother’s reaction when Dr. Fogel, a psychiatrist, sees Tony. Describe the conversation between Tony and Dr. Fogel about wet dreams, watching Lisa Hoober undress, and witnessing Joel shoplift. How does Tony get better after his sessions with Dr. Fogel?

13. Define coming-of-age. How is Then Again, Maybe I Won’t a coming-of-age novel? Debate whether it might be considered a companion novel to Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. This novel has been banned and challenged in schools and public libraries across the nation. Why are some parents afraid of adolescents’ curiosity about sex and their changing bodies? Explain how reading this novel assures readers that thoughts about their developing body are normal.

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.