Judy Blume

Judy Blume grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the setting of many of her books. As a child, she dreamed of being all kinds of things — detectives, a spy, an actress, even a cowgirl, but never a writer. Though she loved to read and made up stories for her paper dolls, it never occurred to her that she could be a writer.

She began her writing career when she was 27, after her children started school. In fact, her character Fudge, is based on her son, Larry, when he was a child. Her first book, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing was published in 1972. Adults will recognize the titles of many of her award-winning titles — books like Blubber, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, and Superfudge — and new generations of fans appreciate.

While Blume's picture and storybooks are warm and funny, her frank approach to young adult themes has made her books for teens a frequent target of challenges and censorship. Blume believes strongly that books encourage kids to think for themselves and she is active in the anti-censorship movement.

Blume is a grandmother now, and her grandson Elliot is the inspiration for Double Fudge, the latest in the Fudge series. Blume and her husband live in Key West, Martha's Vineyard, and New York City.

Books by This Author

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

By: Judy Blume
Age Level: Middle Grade
Margaret and her family move from the city to a suburb where she longs to fit in. As she struggles with growing up, she talks to God (does it matter if she's Jewish or Christian?), finds new friends, and longs for a sign of growing up as she starts the 6th grade. Readers will empathize with Margaret in this contemporary classic.

Cool Zone with the Pain and the Great One

By: Judy Blume
Age Level: 6-9
Jake (aka The Pain), a first grader and his sister, 3rd grader Abigail (aka The Great One), share vignettes in alternating chapters about life and living in their school and at home. Though they are indeed sibling rivals, each child is fiercely loyal to the other and confronts familiar school problems as a duo with verve and humor.

Double Fudge

By: Judy Blume
Age Level: Middle Grade
When the Hatchers visit Washington D.C. so that money-obsessed Fudge can see where it is printed, they run into distant cousins who then invite themselves to stay with their relatives in New York City. Chaos ensues when the families share close quarters, all creating lots of laughs for readers.

Freckle Juice

By: Judy Blume
Age Level: 6-9
Andrew really wants to have freckles like his friend Nicky so badly that he buys a fake formula from his class enemy, Sharon. The results are unexpected and funny — presented with a keen eye for real children and their desires.

Friend or Fiend? With the Pain & the Great One

By: Judy Blume
Age Level: 6-9
Jake (aka the Pain) and his older sister Abigail (the Great One) are back, each sharing one of their experiences, alternating perspectives and voices from one chapter to the next. Each vignette is plausible, recognizable, and often humorous. Cartoon-like illustrations enhance the characterization and their wit.

Fudge-a-Mania

By: Judy Blume
Age Level: Middle Grade
Now not only does Peter's little brother, Fudge, decide he loves Peter's sworn enemy, Sheila Tubman, his parents rent a vacation home with them! There, a grandparent from each family meets, fall in love, and decide to marry — making Sheila and Peter relatives. Rip-roaring humor abounds in this rollicking continuing family saga.

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great

By: Judy Blume
Age Level: Middle Grade
What happens to a city kid who spends the summer in the country? Sheila Tubman (aka as Peter Hatcher's nemesis) finds out as she confronts her fears ranging from dogs to swimming. Snappy dialog and recognizable characters come to life through Sheila's narration.

Pain and the Great One

By: Judy Blume
Age Level: 6-9
In a shorter form, Jake and Abigail (better known as the Pain and the Great One) are introduced. As with other stories, each views the other as best loved in the family but share an abiding loyalty for the other. Anyone with a sibling will appreciate this gently humorous tale.