Judy Moody Was in a Mood. Not a Good Mood. A Bad Mood.

In these chapters, Judy’s interactions with Stink add depth to McDonald’s thematic exploration of The Ups and Downs of Siblinghood. Judy’s jealousy of Stink’s interesting field trip adds additional conflict to their sibling relationship. The author writes, “Judy’s day was off to a grouchy start. This was the day that Stink, her once smelly, sold-dirt-for-moon-dust brother was going with his class to Washington, D.C., to see the president’s house!” (68). Judy’s critique of Stink’s flag costume also portrays the siblings in a typical eldest-youngest dynamic, as she tries to correct his mistakes and tells him what to do. She tells him meanly, “You look like a star-spangled mummy and walk like a banana” (71). Judy’s prank on Stink shows that she still loves to target her little brother for her amusement. While things are not perfect between them, in these chapters Judy is more willing to include Stink in her social life. For instance, at the end of the novel, Judy lets Stink sit with her and her friends at the ice cream shop, and they even reveal their secret club to its newest member, Frank.

Judy’s burgeoning friendships with her classmates and teachers provide a thematic conclusion to Navigating School and Relationships. These chapters confirm that Judy’s relationship with desk-mate Frank has grown into a reciprocal friendship, and they enjoy spending time together. Judy’s hard work on her assignment also paid off. Her teacher, Mr. Todd, notices her good effort and compliments her on her work, making Judy feel appreciated. Her unique assignment and keen interest in medicine also intrigue her classmates. McDonald writes, “‘Those tattoo Band-Aids are the coolest,’ said Dylan. ‘I have a blister. Can I have one?’ ‘I have a hang-nail!’ ‘I have a paper-cut!’ ‘I have a mosquito bite!’ ‘Before Judy knew it, everybody in the whole class was wearing Tattoo Band-Aids” (90). By happily sharing her Band-Aids with the children in her class, Judy shows that she is putting in the effort to make strong bonds with her classmates.

Judy also shows patience and self-control toward Stink in these chapters, adding depth to Learning to Manage Emotions. For instance, Stink’s careless juice drinking caused a stain on Judy’s collage, but she chose to forgive him since it was an accident. McDonald shows how Judy quickly gets over the mistake and takes action to fix it: “‘Stink! You wrecked it…It’s okay,’ she said. ‘At least it didn’t get run over by a bus in a tornado.’ ‘It’s okay?’ asked Stink” (86). Her dad praises Judy’s forgiveness and positivity, which come as a happy surprise to him and Stink: “‘I’m proud of you Judy,’ he said. ‘The way you took an accident like this and turned it into something good’” (87). Judy understands that her ability to overcome frustration and keep a positive attitude is a sign of strength and maturity. Before her presentation in front of the class, she tries “to look like a person who would grow up to be a doctor and make the world a better place. A person who could turn a bad mood right around” (88). By having pride in her ability to manage her emotions, Judy shows an understanding that this skill is an important part of growing up.