The Books of Blume

On February 12, author Judy Blume celebrated her 76th birthday. Known primarily for such young adult novels as Iggie's House; Deenie; Then Again, Maybe I Won't; and Forever, Blume has written novels for children, tweens, and teenagers -- and used them to address a variety of real-life issues.

Tackling such topics as puberty, religion, sexuality, racism, bullying, and family dynamics, Blume's books have frequently found themselves on the list of challenged titles in school and public libraries around the country. But it's also her realism and honesty about the trials and triumphs of growing up that's made her a best-selling author for over forty years.

So in honor of her birthday, I'm highlighting five of my personal favorite Blume reads. Enjoy!



Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing

Blume's Fudge books have long been among her most popular titles. The series stars nine-year-old Peter Warren Hatcher, who's got one little problem in life: his two-year-old brother, Farley, aka Fudge. (Hey, if your name was "Farley," you might go by "Fudge," too.)

Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing kicks off the four-book series with tales of Fudge destroying homework, making a flying attempt from the playground jungle gym, going on a hunger strike, and mimicking Peter's every move. But when Peter's pet turtle goes missing (and you'll never guess where), it takes the whole family to make things right. 

-- Get Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing from the Catalog

-- Get the audiobook on CD or cassette Catalog



Are You There, God?  It's Me, Margaret

The title's been famous enough to be referenced by episode titles of South Park and The Venture Bros., and has been satirized by authors Chuck Palahniuk and Chelsea Handler. Blume's book takes its title from the main character, who uses the phrase to kick off her conversations with God.

With a Christian mother and a Jewish father, sixth-grader Margaret is trying to navigate both her own spiritual beliefs, as well as the trials and tribulations of puberty. From physical changes to emotional ones, the book takes an honest look at the process of growing up -- including learning how to voice your own opinions.

-- Get Are You There, God?  It's Me, Margaret from the Catalog

-- Get the audiobook on CD or cassette from the Catalog



Blubber

Fifth-grader Linda is the most picked-upon member of Mrs. Minish's class, and when she gives a science report on whales, her nickname is sealed. Everyone bullies her -- well, maybe not Jill, but Jill's not much worried about sticking up for Linda, either.

When Jill and her best friend play a prank on a cranky neighbor and end up caught, everyone's convinced it's "Blubber" who tattled on Jill. The whole class promptly puts Linda on trial for her "crime," leaving Jill to make some hard decisions about whose side she should really be on. With Jill as our narrator, this book becomes not just about bullies and their victims, but also about the problem with standing on the sidelines -- and deciding whether or not to stand up for someone.


-- Get Blubber from the Catalog

-- Get the audiobook on CD or cassette from the Catalog

It's Not the End of the World

Published in 1972 -- when divorce was not yet legal in all states -- sixth-grader Karen has decided she's never going to get married. After all, everybody knows that marriage makes you miserable: just look at her parents for the proof. But despite their constant fighting, their announcement of an impending divorce still shocks Karen to her core.

Karen tries everything she can think of to keep her parents together, from faking an illness to sending anniversary cards. Her dad moves out. Her older brother (briefly) runs away. Her mother announces they're moving. Karen can't stop the changes -- but she can, at least, find a way to realize that things will eventually get better. Though the divorce laws are different now, this book remains timeless.


-- Get It's Not the End of the World from the Catalog

-- Get the audiobook on CD from the Catalog

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great

This light, humorous read shares the same sense of fun as the Fudge books -- which makes sense, since Sheila is Fudge's older cousin. While Fudge (and Peter) view Sheila as a pest, here we meet a character who uses the appearance of cocky self-confidence to mask her various fears: she's terrified of spiders, dogs, and swimming, to name but a few. 

Despite a summer vacation that involves all three of her worst phobias, Sheila's convinced she's got the world fooled ... until she and her friends set to work making slambooks for each other. Realizing her friends have a different opinion of her than she realized, Sheila's eventually inspired to start chipping away at her fears -- with surprising results.

-- Get Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great from the Catalog

-- Get the audiobook on CD or cassette from the Catalog

-- Post by Ms. B