*** Warning: This review contains spoilers!! ***
I have to admit, it does seem like Peter wasn't treated entirely fairly by his parents. They really ought to have told him about the shared summer home!
For the most part, what I've really liked about this series is its relatability. Characters are realistic, and events are more or less believable. (Even when Fudge swallowed Dribble, I had read that it was inspired by a true news story!) In the last book, Frank Fargo's painting just happening to show up in Peter's new neighborhood was a little out there, but a coincidence within the realm of possibilities. But now they have a retired Red Sox player for a neighbor, and a wedding just three weeks after the couple meets... It's all happy and fun, but more over the top, more along the lines of "only in a book" instead of "fiction reflecting real life".
Still, I think Judy Blume did an excellent job depicting Peter's emotions. He's just a kid, and he doesn't always think rationally, but his perspective is valid. I think many young readers would be able to relate to how he felt like a loser for having made mistakes in front of what seemed like the whole world, or how he felt jealous and left out when his best friend actually got along with his sworn enemy, or just how disappointed he was when nothing was going the way he imagined it would.
But hopefully, readers would also see how Peter came to realize that having a good friend and a supportive family are more important than most other things, and they really can cheer you up.
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