Judy Blume: The author

Judy Blume is an incredible writer with an impressive bibliography. She writes stories for children and young adults, but there are a few novels for adults as well.

Who is Judy Blume?

Judy Blume is an American writer, and she mostly focuses on children’s and young adult books. Furthermore, she often writes fantasy novels and has published over 25 books. Blume was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1938 as Judith Sussman. She graduated from New York University and got a bachelor’s degree.

Judy Blume’s writing career started in 1959, and her first book was The One in the Middle Is the Green Kangaroo. Blume won numerous awards, her books are praised across the world, and she was one of the first writers of young adult fiction that talked about controversial topics.

The National Coalition Against Censorship (or NCAC) honored Judy Blume and her fight against censorship. She was also awarded the American Library Association award, Margaret A. Edwards Award, National Intellectual Freedom Award, National Book Foundation medal for distinguished contribution to American letters, three lifetime achievement awards, and countless others.

Her novel Smart Women reached the top of the New York Times Bestseller list. Blume was also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the Authors Guild, the founder of the Kids Fund, etc. And if you are curious to know more, you can always check out judyblume.com.

Jude Blume was married three times. The first time with John M. Blume, the second time with Thomas A. Kitchens, and in 1987, she married George Cooper. The couple lives together in Key West.

Judy Blume book series

One of the most recognizable books Judy Blume wrote is the Fudge series. The first book in the Fudge series came out in 1972, and it’s called Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. The name of the series comes from the main character Peter Warren Hatcher and his relationship with his younger brother Farley Drexel “Fudge” Hatcher.

The novel received a sequel the same year, and it is titled Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great. Other books in the series are Superfudge (1980), Fudge-a-Mania (1993), and Double Fudge (2002).

Plot

The plot of the Fudge series explores the relationship between two brothers. Peter is the main character in the story, and he is nine years old. His brother, Fudge, is two-and-a-half. He hates his real name and insists on using Fudge instead.

Each book explores different situations and events in the Hatcher family, and they can be quite useful for children. It is worth mentioning that the second book in the series, Otherwise known as Sheila the Great, is not a direct continuation of the plot.

It is a prequel book, and it tells the story of Sheila Tubman, Peter’s nemesis.

Genre

The Fudge books are comedy fiction, and they are filled with humor and heartwarming scenes. It also focuses on the relationship between two brothers, changes in the family, growing up, and so much more.

All the important things that happen during childhood are perfectly captured in this series, and children reading the book will get a chance to understand more about love, acceptance, and patience.

It is a powerful story worth checking out. The book was written for children between nine and twelve years old.

Standalone novels

Besides the Fudge series, Judy Blume wrote multiple other novels, and each offers something a bit different. Her most famous novels include Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (1970), Deenie (1973), Blubber (1974), and many others.

Each of these novels explores topics that are important for young readers, and they received various awards. Blume is also one of the first writers to explore controversial topics such as masturbation, menstruation, sex, birth control, and death.

Bestsellers

Besides books for children and young adults, Jude Blume wrote a couple of adult novels, short stories, non-fiction books, and many more. There are four main adult novels you can check out, and they are Wifey (1978), Smart Women (1983), Summer Sisters (1998), and In the Unlikely Event (2015).

Which book should I start with?

If you are a first-time reader, you will need to answer the question about the age group. Do you want to read a children’s book? One written for young adults? Or an adult novel? From there on, you can proceed to pick one of Judy Blume’s books.

For children, the first book in the Fudge series is an excellent starting point. Other notable children’s books include The Pain and the Great One, Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself, Freckle Juice, It’s Not the End of the World, Iggie’s House, and others.

Young adults can start with Deenie, Forever, Places I Never Meant to Be, Tiger Eyes, or Just as Long as We’re Together. And adults can check out Wifey, Here’s to You, Rachel Robinson, or Smart Women. The truth is, there is no wrong answer. Each of these books is great as long as you find one appropriate for the reader’s age.

Judy Blume audiobooks

If you like the idea of these books and what they offer, you should check them out. And the simplest way to do that is with audiobooks.

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FAQ

What is Judy Blume most famous for?

Judy Blume is a well-known author and has written many popular books for children and young adults, such as the Fudge series, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.

Is Judy Blume still alive today?

Yes. Judy Blume was born in 1938, and she is still alive. Her latest book came out in 2015, and it’s called In the Unlikely Event.

What is the first book of the “Fudge” series?

The first book in the Fudge series is Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, which was published in 1972.