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=== Early life ===
=== Early life ===
Bluame was born Judith Sussman on February 12, 1938, and raised in [[Elizabeth, New Jersey|Elizabeth]], [[New Jersey]], the daughter of homemaker Esther Sussman (née Rosenfeld) and dentist Rudolph Sussman.<ref name=":17" /> She has a brother, David, who is five years older.<ref name=":19">{{Cite web|title=Judy Blume|url=https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/blume-judy|access-date=2020-12-10|website=Jewish Women's Archive|language=en}}</ref> Her family is [[American Jews|Jewish]].<ref name="JWA">Gottlieb, Amy. [http://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/blume-judy "JUDY BLUME b. 1938"]. ''Jewish Women: A Comprehensive Historical Encyclopedia''. Jewish Women's Archive (jwa.org). Retrieved December 10, 2010.</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Interview with Judy Blume |url=https://www.maxraskin.com/interviews/judy-blume |access-date=2023-08-24 |website=Interviews with Max Raskin |language=en-US}}</ref> Blume witnessed hardships and death throughout her childhood.<ref name=":19" /> When she was in third grade, Blume's older brother had a kidney infection that led Blume, her brother, and her mother to temporarily move to Miami Beach to help him recover for two years. Blume's father stayed behind to continue working.<ref name=":19" /> Additionally, in 1951 and 1952, there were three airplane crashes in her hometown of Elizabeth. In the crashes, 118 people died, and Blume's father, who was a dentist, helped to identify the unrecognizable remains. Blume says she "buried" these memories until she began writing her 2015 novel ''[[In the Unlikely Event (novel)|In the Unlikely Event]]'', the plot of which revolves around the crashes.<ref>Brown, Helen. [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookreviews/11628475/In-the-Unlikely-Event-by-Judy-Blume-review-a-slice-of-life.html "In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume, review: 'a slice of life'"], ''The Guardian'', June 2, 2015.</ref> Throughout her childhood, Blume participated in many creative activities such as dance and piano.<ref name=":20" /> Blume describes her love of reading as a trait passed on by her parents.<ref name=":20" /><ref name=":5" /> She has recalled spending much of her childhood creating stories in her head.<ref name=":18" /> Despite the love of stories, as a child Blume did not dream of being a writer.She had questions about her body changes that she could not find in books.<ref name=":21" />
Blume was born Judith Sussman on February 12, 1938, and raised in [[Elizabeth, New Jersey|Elizabeth]], [[New Jersey]], the daughter of homemaker Esther Sussman (née Rosenfeld) and dentist Rudolph Sussman.<ref name=":17" /> She has a brother, David, who is five years older.<ref name=":19">{{Cite web|title=Judy Blume|url=https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/blume-judy|access-date=2020-12-10|website=Jewish Women's Archive|language=en}}</ref> Her family is [[American Jews|Jewish]].<ref name="JWA">Gottlieb, Amy. [http://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/blume-judy "JUDY BLUME b. 1938"]. ''Jewish Women: A Comprehensive Historical Encyclopedia''. Jewish Women's Archive (jwa.org). Retrieved December 10, 2010.</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Interview with Judy Blume |url=https://www.maxraskin.com/interviews/judy-blume |access-date=2023-08-24 |website=Interviews with Max Raskin |language=en-US}}</ref> Blume witnessed hardships and death throughout her childhood.<ref name=":19" /> When she was in third grade, Blume's older brother had a kidney infection that led Blume, her brother, and her mother to temporarily move to Miami Beach to help him recover for two years. Blume's father stayed behind to continue working.<ref name=":19" /> Additionally, in 1951 and 1952, there were three airplane crashes in her hometown of Elizabeth. In the crashes, 118 people died, and Blume's father, who was a dentist, helped to identify the unrecognizable remains. Blume says she "buried" these memories until she began writing her 2015 novel ''[[In the Unlikely Event (novel)|In the Unlikely Event]]'', the plot of which revolves around the crashes.<ref>Brown, Helen. [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookreviews/11628475/In-the-Unlikely-Event-by-Judy-Blume-review-a-slice-of-life.html "In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume, review: 'a slice of life'"], ''The Guardian'', June 2, 2015.</ref> Throughout her childhood, Blume participated in many creative activities such as dance and piano.<ref name=":20" /> Blume describes her love of reading as a trait passed on by her parents.<ref name=":20" /><ref name=":5" /> She has recalled spending much of her childhood creating stories in her head.<ref name=":18" /> Despite the love of stories, as a child Blume did not dream of being a writer.<ref name=":21" />


Bluame graduated from the all-girls' [[Battin High School]] in 1956, then enrolled in [[Boston University]].<ref name=":20">{{Cite web|title=Judy Blume|url=https://www.biography.com/writer/judy-blume|access-date=2020-11-03|website=Biography|date=September 23, 2019 |language=en-us}}</ref> A few weeks into the first semester, she was diagnosed with [[mononucleosis]] and took a brief leave from school.<ref name="blumeabout" /> In 1959, Bluame's father died.<ref name=":19" /> Later that same year, on August 15, 1959, she married lawyer John M. Bluame, whom she had met while a student at New York University.<ref name="pryor" /> She graduated from [[New York University]] in 1961 with a [[bachelor's degree]] in Education.<ref name="pryor" /><ref name="blumeabout">{{cite web|last1=Blume|first1=Judy|title=Judy's Official Bio|url=http://www.judyblume.com/about.php|website=Judy Blume on the Web|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref>
Blume graduated from the all-girls' [[Battin High School]] in 1956, then enrolled in [[Boston University]].<ref name=":20">{{Cite web|title=Judy Blume|url=https://www.biography.com/writer/judy-blume|access-date=2020-11-03|website=Biography|date=September 23, 2019 |language=en-us}}</ref> A few weeks into the first semester, she was diagnosed with [[mononucleosis]] and took a brief leave from school.<ref name="blumeabout" /> In 1959, Blume's father died.<ref name=":19" /> Later that same year, on August 15, 1959, she married lawyer John M. Blume, whom she had met while a student at New York University.<ref name="pryor" /> She graduated from [[New York University]] in 1961 with a [[bachelor's degree]] in Education.<ref name="pryor" /><ref name="blumeabout">{{cite web|last1=Blume|first1=Judy|title=Judy's Official Bio|url=http://www.judyblume.com/about.php|website=Judy Blume on the Web|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref>


=== Adult life ===
=== Adult life ===
After college, Blume gave birth to daughter Randy Lee Bluame in 1961 and became a homemaker.<ref>{{cite book|last=Tracy|first=Kathleen|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FhM0s7SzecoC&q=John+Blume|title=Judy Blume: A Biography|publisher=Greenwood|year=2007|isbn=978-0313342721|location=New York City|page=152}}</ref> In 1963, her son Lawrence Andrew Bluame was born. Bluaame began writing when her children began nursery school.<ref name=":19" /> John M. Bluame and Judy Bluame were divorced in 1975. (John M. Blume later died on September 20, 2020.) Shortly after her separation, she met Thomas A. Kitchens, a physicist. The couple married in 1976, a decision Bluame has since called "a mistake."<ref name=":5" /> The couple moved to [[Los Alamos, New Mexico]] for two years for Kitchens' work.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Flaste |first=Richard |date=1976-09-29 |title=Viewing Childhood As it Is |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/09/29/archives/viewing-childhood-as-it-is.html |access-date=2023-08-24 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> They divorced in 1978.<ref name="green">{{cite magazine |last=Green |first=Michelle |date=March 19, 1984 |title=After Two Divorces, Judy Blume Blossoms as An Unmarried Woman—and Hits the Best-Seller List Again |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20087381,00.html |magazine=People |access-date=December 10, 2010}}</ref>
After college, Blume gave birth to daughter Randy Lee Blume in 1961 and became a homemaker.<ref>{{cite book|last=Tracy|first=Kathleen|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FhM0s7SzecoC&q=John+Blume|title=Judy Blume: A Biography|publisher=Greenwood|year=2007|isbn=978-0313342721|location=New York City|page=152}}</ref> In 1963, her son Lawrence Andrew Blume was born. Blume began writing when her children began nursery school.<ref name=":19" /> John M. Blume and Judy Blume were divorced in 1975. (John M. Blume later died on September 20, 2020.) Shortly after her separation, she met Thomas A. Kitchens, a physicist. The couple married in 1976, a decision Blume has since called "a mistake."<ref name=":5" /> The couple moved to [[Los Alamos, New Mexico]] for two years for Kitchens' work.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Flaste |first=Richard |date=1976-09-29 |title=Viewing Childhood As it Is |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/09/29/archives/viewing-childhood-as-it-is.html |access-date=2023-08-24 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> They divorced in 1978.<ref name="green">{{cite magazine |last=Green |first=Michelle |date=March 19, 1984 |title=After Two Divorces, Judy Blume Blossoms as An Unmarried Woman—and Hits the Best-Seller List Again |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20087381,00.html |magazine=People |access-date=December 10, 2010}}</ref>


A few years later, a mutual friend introduced her to George Cooper, a former law professor turned non-fiction writer. Blume and Cooper were married in 1987.<ref>Richards, Linda L. (2008). [http://januarymagazine.com/profiles/blume.html "Judy Blume: On censorship, life, and staying in the spotlight for 25 years"]. ''January Magazine''. Retrieved December 10, 2010.</ref> Cooper has one daughter from a previous marriage, Amanda, to whom Blume is very close.<ref name=":10" />
A few years later, a mutual friend introduced her to George Cooper, a former law professor turned non-fiction writer. Blume and Cooper were married in 1987.<ref>Richards, Linda L. (2008). [http://januarymagazine.com/profiles/blume.html "Judy Blume: On censorship, life, and staying in the spotlight for 25 years"]. ''January Magazine''. Retrieved December 10, 2010.</ref> Cooper has one daughter from a previous marriage, Amanda, to whom Blume is very close.<ref name=":10" />


In August 2012, Blume announced that she was diagnosed with [[breast cancer]] after undergoing a routine [[ultrasound imaging|ultrasound]] before leaving for a five-week trip to Italy.<ref name=":22">{{cite web|last=Kindelan|first=Katie|date=September 5, 2012|title=Judy Blume Shares Breast Cancer Diagnosis|url=http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/judy-blume-shares-breast-cancer-diagnosis-184521283--abc-news-celebrities.html|access-date=September 6, 2012|publisher=[[ABC News]]}}</ref> Six weeks after her diagnosis, Bluame underwent a [[mastectomy]] and breast reconstruction.<ref name=":22" /> Bluame was cancer-free following this surgery and able to recover.<ref>"Judy Blume 'Stronger' After Cancer Surgery." ''The Windsor Star'', September 7, 2012.</ref>
In August 2012, Blume announced that she was diagnosed with [[breast cancer]] after undergoing a routine [[ultrasound imaging|ultrasound]] before leaving for a five-week trip to Italy.<ref name=":22">{{cite web|last=Kindelan|first=Katie|date=September 5, 2012|title=Judy Blume Shares Breast Cancer Diagnosis|url=http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/judy-blume-shares-breast-cancer-diagnosis-184521283--abc-news-celebrities.html|access-date=September 6, 2012|publisher=[[ABC News]]}}</ref> Six weeks after her diagnosis, Blume underwent a [[mastectomy]] and breast reconstruction.<ref name=":22" /> Blume was cancer-free following this surgery and able to recover.<ref>"Judy Blume 'Stronger' After Cancer Surgery." ''The Windsor Star'', September 7, 2012.</ref>


Randy Bluame became a therapist with a sub-specialty in helping writers complete their works.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Today|first=Psychology|title=Randy Blume, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Cambridge, MA, 02138|url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/100847|access-date=2020-12-10|website=Psychology Today|language=en-US}}</ref> She has one child, Elliot Kephart, who is credited with encouraging his grandmother, Judy Bluame, to write the most recent "Fudge" books.<ref name="blumedouble">{{cite web|title=Double Fudge|url=http://judyblume.com/books/fudge/double.php|website=Judy Blume on the Web|access-date=April 5, 2016}}</ref> Lawrence Bluame is now a movie director, producer, and writer.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lawrence Blume|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0089756/|access-date=2020-12-10|website=IMDb}}</ref> As of 2021, Cooper and Bluame resided in [[Key West]].<ref name="lessons in love">{{cite news|last=Whitworth|first=Melissa|date=February 8, 2008|title=Judy Blume's lessons in love|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/3670951/Judy-Blumes-lessons-in-love.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/3670951/Judy-Blumes-lessons-in-love.html |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=May 12, 2009}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-01|title=Author Judy Blume: "There Is Hope" After Husband's Diagnosis|url=https://www.pancan.org/stories/author-judy-blume-there-is-hope-after-husbands-diagnosis/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=Pancreatic Cancer Action Network|language=en}}</ref>
Randy Blume became a therapist with a sub-specialty in helping writers complete their works.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Today|first=Psychology|title=Randy Blume, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Cambridge, MA, 02138|url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/100847|access-date=2020-12-10|website=Psychology Today|language=en-US}}</ref> She has one child, Elliot Kephart, who is credited with encouraging his grandmother, Judy Blume, to write the most recent "Fudge" books.<ref name="blumedouble">{{cite web|title=Double Fudge|url=http://judyblume.com/books/fudge/double.php|website=Judy Blume on the Web|access-date=April 5, 2016}}</ref> Lawrence Blume is now a movie director, producer, and writer.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lawrence Blume|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0089756/|access-date=2020-12-10|website=IMDb}}</ref> As of 2021, Cooper and Blume resided in [[Key West]].<ref name="lessons in love">{{cite news|last=Whitworth|first=Melissa|date=February 8, 2008|title=Judy Blume's lessons in love|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/3670951/Judy-Blumes-lessons-in-love.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/3670951/Judy-Blumes-lessons-in-love.html |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=May 12, 2009}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-01|title=Author Judy Blume: "There Is Hope" After Husband's Diagnosis|url=https://www.pancan.org/stories/author-judy-blume-there-is-hope-after-husbands-diagnosis/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=Pancreatic Cancer Action Network|language=en}}</ref>


===Career===
===Career===
Line 109: Line 109:
* ''[[Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.|Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret]].'' (1970)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Carly |date=2023-04-17 |title=Judy Blume Clarifies Comments About Being "Behind" J.K. Rowling: "Taken Out of Context" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/judy-blume-response-j-k-rowling-comments-1235376309/ |access-date=2023-04-18 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''[[Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.|Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret]].'' (1970)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Carly |date=2023-04-17 |title=Judy Blume Clarifies Comments About Being "Behind" J.K. Rowling: "Taken Out of Context" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/judy-blume-response-j-k-rowling-comments-1235376309/ |access-date=2023-04-18 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''[[Then Again, Maybe I Won't|Then Again, Maybe I Won’t]]'' (1971)
* ''[[Then Again, Maybe I Won't|Then Again, Maybe I Won’t]]'' (1971)
* ''[[It's Not the End of the World]]'' (1972
* ''[[It's Not the End of the World]]'' (1972)
* ''[[Deenie]]'' (1973)
* ''[[Deenie]]'' (1973)
* ''[[Forever... (novel)|Forever...]]'' (1975)
* ''[[Forever... (novel)|Forever...]]'' (1975)
Line 115: Line 115:
* ''[[Just as Long as We're Together (novel)|Just as Long as We're Together]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Just as Long as We're Together (novel)|Just as Long as We're Together]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Here's to You, Rachel Robinson]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Here's to You, Rachel Robinson]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Places I Never Meant to Be]]'' (1999)
* ''[[Places I Never Meant to Be]]'' (1999)<ref name=":0"/>
* Who is that boy (2022)<ref name=":0" />


=== Adult books ===
=== Adult books ===

Revision as of 21:40, 10 April 2024

Judy Blume
Blume smiling while signing a book
Blume at a book signing in 2009
BornJudith Sussman
(1938-02-12) February 12, 1938 (age 86)
Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
OccupationWriter, teacher
EducationBoston University
New York University (BA)
Period1969–2020
GenreRealist young adult novels, children's books
Notable works
Notable awardsMargaret Edwards Award etc
1996
Spouse
John M. Blume
​
​
(m. 1959; div. 1975)​
Thomas A. Kitchens
​
​
(m. 1975; div. 1978)​
George Cooper
​
(m. 1987)​
Website
judyblume.com

Judith Blume (née Sussman; born February 12, 1938) is an American writer of children's, young adult, and adult fiction.[1] Blume began writing in 1959 and has published more than 25 novels.[2] Among her best-known works are Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (1970), Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (1972), Deenie (1973), and Blubber (1974). Blume's books have significantly contributed to children's and young adult literature.[3] She was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2023.[4]

Blume was born and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and graduated from New York University in 1961.[5] As an attempt to entertain herself in her role as a homemaker, Blume began writing stories.[6] Blume was one of the first young adult authors to write novels focused on such controversial topics as masturbation, menstruation, teen sex, birth control, and death.[7][8] Her novels have sold over 82 million copies and have been translated into 32 languages.[9]

Blume has won many awards for her writing, including the American Library Association (ALA)'s Margaret A. Edwards Award in 1996 for her contributions to young adult literature.[10] She was recognized as a Library of Congress Living Legend and awarded the 2004 National Book Foundation medal for distinguished contribution to American letters.[8][10]

Blume's novels are popular and widely admired.[11] They are praised for teaching children and young adults about their bodies.[11] However, the mature topics in Blume's books have generated criticism and controversy.[11] The ALA has named Blume as one of the most frequently challenged authors of the 21st century.[12] There have been several adaptations of Blume's novels,[13] including Tiger Eyes, released in 2012 with Willa Holland starring as Davey,[13] and Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret., released in 2023. A large collection of her papers are held at the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale University.[14]

Biography

Early life

Blume was born Judith Sussman on February 12, 1938, and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the daughter of homemaker Esther Sussman (née Rosenfeld) and dentist Rudolph Sussman.[2] She has a brother, David, who is five years older.[15] Her family is Jewish.[16][17] Blume witnessed hardships and death throughout her childhood.[15] When she was in third grade, Blume's older brother had a kidney infection that led Blume, her brother, and her mother to temporarily move to Miami Beach to help him recover for two years. Blume's father stayed behind to continue working.[15] Additionally, in 1951 and 1952, there were three airplane crashes in her hometown of Elizabeth. In the crashes, 118 people died, and Blume's father, who was a dentist, helped to identify the unrecognizable remains. Blume says she "buried" these memories until she began writing her 2015 novel In the Unlikely Event, the plot of which revolves around the crashes.[18] Throughout her childhood, Blume participated in many creative activities such as dance and piano.[19] Blume describes her love of reading as a trait passed on by her parents.[19][17] She has recalled spending much of her childhood creating stories in her head.[6] Despite the love of stories, as a child Blume did not dream of being a writer.[20]

Blume graduated from the all-girls' Battin High School in 1956, then enrolled in Boston University.[19] A few weeks into the first semester, she was diagnosed with mononucleosis and took a brief leave from school.[21] In 1959, Blume's father died.[15] Later that same year, on August 15, 1959, she married lawyer John M. Blume, whom she had met while a student at New York University.[9] She graduated from New York University in 1961 with a bachelor's degree in Education.[9][21]

Adult life

After college, Blume gave birth to daughter Randy Lee Blume in 1961 and became a homemaker.[22] In 1963, her son Lawrence Andrew Blume was born. Blume began writing when her children began nursery school.[15] John M. Blume and Judy Blume were divorced in 1975. (John M. Blume later died on September 20, 2020.) Shortly after her separation, she met Thomas A. Kitchens, a physicist. The couple married in 1976, a decision Blume has since called "a mistake."[17] The couple moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico for two years for Kitchens' work.[17][23] They divorced in 1978.[24]

A few years later, a mutual friend introduced her to George Cooper, a former law professor turned non-fiction writer. Blume and Cooper were married in 1987.[25] Cooper has one daughter from a previous marriage, Amanda, to whom Blume is very close.[26]

In August 2012, Blume announced that she was diagnosed with breast cancer after undergoing a routine ultrasound before leaving for a five-week trip to Italy.[27] Six weeks after her diagnosis, Blume underwent a mastectomy and breast reconstruction.[27] Blume was cancer-free following this surgery and able to recover.[28]

Randy Blume became a therapist with a sub-specialty in helping writers complete their works.[29] She has one child, Elliot Kephart, who is credited with encouraging his grandmother, Judy Blume, to write the most recent "Fudge" books.[30] Lawrence Blume is now a movie director, producer, and writer.[31] As of 2021, Cooper and Blume resided in Key West.[32][33]

Career

A lifelong avid reader, Blume first began writing through New York University courses when her children were attending preschool.[19][34][35] Following two years of publisher rejections, Blume published her first book, The One in the Middle Is the Green Kangaroo, in 1969.[36][37] A year later, Blume published her second book, Iggie's House (1970), which was originally written as a story in Trailblazer magazine but then rewritten by Blume into a book.[36] The decade that followed proved to be her most prolific, with 13 more books being published.[15] Her third book was Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (1970), which was a breakthrough best-seller and a trailblazing novel in young adult literature[6] and established Blume as a leading voice in young adult literature.[19] Some of Blume's other novels during the decade include Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (1972), Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great (1972), and Blubber (1974).[38]

In 1975, Blume published the now frequently banned novel Forever, which was groundbreaking in young adult literature as the first novel to display teen sex as normal.[39] Blume explained that she was inspired to write this novel when her daughter, 13 years old at the time, said she wanted to read a book where the characters have sex but do not die afterward.[40] These novels tackled complex subjects such as family conflict, bullying, body image, and sexuality.[6] Blume has expressed that she writes about these subjects, particularly sexuality, because it is what she believes children need to know about and was what she wondered about as a child.[6]

After publishing novels for young children and teens, Blume tackled another genre—adult reality and death.[41] Her novels Wifey (1978) and Smart Women (1983) reached the top of The New York Times Best Seller list.[41] Wifey became a bestseller with over 4 million copies sold.[41] Blume's third adult novel, Summer Sisters (1998), was widely praised and sold more than three million copies.[42] Despite its popularity, Summer Sisters (1998) faced a lot of criticism for its sexual content and inclusion of homosexual themes.[43] Several of Blume's books appear on the list of top all-time bestselling children's books.[41] As of 2020, her books have sold over 82 million copies and they have been translated into 32 languages.[20] Although Blume has not published a novel since 2015 (In the Unlikely Event), she continues to write.[11] In October 2017, Yale University acquired Blume's archive, which included some unpublished early work.[44]

As well as writing, Blume has been an activist against the banning of books in the United States.[15] In the 1980s, when her books started facing censorship and controversy, she began reaching out to other writers, as well as teachers and librarians, to join the fight against censorship.[45] This led Blume to join the National Coalition Against Censorship which aims to protect the freedom to read.[9] As of 2020, Blume is still a board member for the National Coalition Against Censorship.[20] She is also the founder and trustee of The Kids Fund, a charitable and educational foundation.[9] Blume serves on the board for other organizations such as, the Authors Guild; the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators; the Key West Literary Seminar; and the National Coalition Against Censorship."[9][21] In 2018, Blume and her husband opened a non-profit book store called Books & Books located in Key West.[20]

Reception

Blume's novels have been read by millions and have flourished throughout generations.[46] The element in her work readers are said to love most is Blume's openness and honesty regarding issues like divorce, sexuality, puberty, and bullying.[46] Her first-person narrative writing has gained positive appraisal for its relatability and its ability to discuss difficult subjects without judgment or harshness.[2] Following the publishing of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (1970), Blume received many letters from young girls telling her how much they loved the book and identified with Margaret.[2] Female novelists have praised Blume for her “taboo-trampling” literature that left readers feeling like they learned something about their bodies from reading her books.[47] For example, Deenie (1973) explained masturbation and Forever (1975) taught young women about losing their virginity.[47] Blume's children's books have also been praised for their delicate way of portraying the hardships that kids can face at a young age.[48] It’s Not the End of the World (1972) helped many kids understand divorce and the Fudge book series explored the various aspects of loving siblings despite the rivalry.[48]

Blume's novels have received much criticism and controversy.[46] Parents, librarians, book critics, and political groups have wanted her books to be banned.[49] When her first books were published in the 1970s, Blume has recalled facing little censorship. Since 1980, Blume's novels have been a central topic of controversy in young adult literature.[26] Critics of Blume's novels say that she places too much emphasis on the physical and sexual sides of growing up, ignoring the development of morals and emotional maturity.[49] Five of Blume's books were included in the American Library Association (ALA) list of the top 100 most banned books of the 1990s, with Forever (1975) in seventh place.[50] Forever is censored for its inclusion of teen sex and birth control.[36] Blume recalls that the principal of her children's elementary school would not put Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret in the library because the story involves menstruation.[26] Conservative and religious groups continuously attempt to ban Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret for the novel's portrayal of a young girl going through puberty claiming that it violates certain religious views.[36][49] Blume's children's novels have also been criticized for these reasons, especially Blubber (1974), which many believed sent the message to readers that kids could do wrong and not face punishment.[49]

Awards and honors

Judy Blume has won more than 90 literary awards, including three lifetime achievement awards in the United States.[8] In 1994, she received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.[51] The ALA Margaret A. Edwards Award recognizes one author who has made significant contributions to young adult literature.[10] Blume won the annual award in 1996 and the ALA considered her book Forever, published in 1975, was groundbreaking for its honest portrayal of high school seniors in love for the first time.[8] In April 2000, the Library of Congress named her to its Living Legends in the Writers and Artists category for her significant contributions to America's cultural heritage.[52] Blume received an honorary doctor of arts degree from Mount Holyoke College and was the main speaker at their annual commencement ceremony in 2003.[45][53] In 2004 she received the annual Distinguished Contribution to American Letters Medal of the National Book Foundation for her enrichment of American literary heritage.[54][55] In 2009, the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) honored Blume for her lifelong commitment to free speech and her courage to battle censorship in literature.[45] Blume also received the 2017 E.B. White Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters for lifetime achievement in children's literature.[56][20] In 2020, Blume was named an Honoree for Distinguished Service to the Literary Community by the Authors Guild Foundation.[45]

Personal beliefs

Blume describes herself as a "liberal Democrat," and on political controversies surrounding the transgender community and the transgender rights movement, she has said she is not a "TERF."[17]

Blume is Jewish and she once wrote a haggadah for her children.[17]

Media adaptations

The first media adaptation of Blume's novels was the production of a TV film based on Blume's novel Forever that premiered on CBS in 1978.[57] Forever is the story of two teenagers in high school, Katherine Danziger and Michael Wagner, who fall in love for the first time.[57] The film starred Stephanie Zimbalist as Katherine Danziger and Dean Butler as Michael Wagner.[57] A decade later, in 1988, Blume and her son wrote and executive produced a small film adaptation of Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great.[57] The film was later shown on ABC.[57] In 1995, a Fudge TV series was produced based on Blume's novel Fudge-a-Mania.[57] The show ran from 1995 to 1997 with the first season aired on ABC and the second on CBS.[58] The series starred Jake Richardson as Peter Warren Hatcher, the storyteller, and Luke Tarsitano as Farley Drexel "Fudge" Hatcher.[58]

In 2012, Blume's 1981 novel Tiger Eyes was adapted into a film version.[59] This was the first of Blume's novels to be turned into a theatrical feature film.[60] Tiger Eyes is the story of a teenage girl, Davey, who struggles to cope with the sudden death of her father, Adam Wexler.[61] The screenplay was co-written by Blume and her son, Lawrence Blume, who was also the director.[62] Tiger Eyes stars Willa Holland as Davey and Amy Jo Johnson as Gwen Wexler.[62]

Blume is the subject of the 2018 song "Judy Blume" by Amanda Palmer. Thematically, the song explains to the listener Blume's role in Palmer's adolescent life.[63] The song explains Blume's books as influential in Palmer's understanding of intimate and female-centered subjects such as puberty, menstruation, and the male gaze, and universal subjects like molestation, eating disorders, poverty, grief, and parental divorce.[63][64]

She is the subject of the documentary film Judy Blume Forever, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.[65]

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. was released as a feature film in 2023.[66]

Works

Main article: Judy Blume bibliography

Children’s books

Young adult books

Adult books

Collaborative short stories

  • It’s Fine to Be Nine (2000)
  • It’s Heaven to Be Seven (2000)[68]

Non-fiction books

  • The Judy Blume Diary (1981)
  • Letter to Judy: What Your Kids Wish They Could Tell You (1986)
  • The Judy Blume Memory Book (1988)[5]

Other awards

Blume's other awards include:[45]

  • 1970: Outstanding Book of the Year from The New York Times for Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
  • 1974: Outstanding Book of the Year from The New York Times for Blubber
  • 1981: Children’ Choice Award from the International Reading Association and Children's’ Book Council for Superfudge
  • 1983: Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award
  • 1984: Carl Sandberg Freedom to Read Award, from the Chicago Public Library
  • 1986: Civil Liberties Award from the Atlanta Civil Liberties Union
  • 1988: South Australian Youth Media Award for Best Author
  • 2005: Time magazine All-Time 100 Novels List for Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
  • 2009: University of Southern Mississippi Medallion for lifelong contributions to children's literature
  • 2010: Inducted into New Jersey Hall of Fame
  • 2010: Inducted into Harvard Lampoon
  • 2011: Smithsonian Associates: The McGovern Award
  • 2013: Chicago Tribune: Young Adult Literary Prize
  • 2013: New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association (NAIBA) Legacy Award
  • 2013: The NAIBA Legacy Award
  • 2013: Assembly on Literature for Adolescents (ALAN) Award
  • 2013: National Coalition of Teachers of English (NCTE) National Intellectual Freedom Award
  • 2015: Catholic Library Association: Regina Award
  • 2018: Carl Sandburg Literary Award from the Chicago Public Library Foundation

References

  1. ^ Phillips, Leah. "Judy Blume (1938–)". The Literary Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 5, 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d "Judy Blume | American author". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  3. ^ Holmes, Anna (March 22, 2012). "Judy Blume's Magnificent Girls". The New Yorker. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
  4. ^ "Time 100". Time. April 13, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Judy Blume: Biography, Facts, Books & Banned Books". study.com. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  6. ^ a b c d e "Judy Blume (1938–)." The American Women's Almanac: 500 Years of Making History, Deborah G. Felder, Visible Ink Press, 1st edition, 2020. Accessed 10 December 2020.
  7. ^ "Pen Pals with Judy Blume in conversation with Nancy Pearl". Friends of the Hennepin County Library. 2015. Archived from the original on May 4, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
  8. ^ a b c d "1996 Margaret A. Edwards Award Winner". Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). American Library Association. 1996. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Pryor, Megan. "Judy Blume: Biography, Facts, Books & Banned Books". Retrieved April 5, 2016.
  10. ^ a b c Flood, Alison (July 11, 2014). "Judy Blume: 'I thought, this is America: we don't ban books. But then we did'". The Guardian. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
  11. ^ a b c d Judy Blume: Banned often, but Widely Beloved. NPR, Washington, D.C., 2011. ProQuest 906292501
  12. ^ "Most frequently challenged authors of the 21st century". American Library Association. March 26, 2013. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
  13. ^ a b Judy Blume Hits the Big Screen with 'Tiger Eyes' Adaptation. NPR, Washington, D.C., 2013. ProQuest 1365727965
  14. ^ "Collection: Judy Blume papers | Archives at Yale". archives.yale.edu. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g "Judy Blume". Jewish Women's Archive. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  16. ^ Gottlieb, Amy. "JUDY BLUME b. 1938". Jewish Women: A Comprehensive Historical Encyclopedia. Jewish Women's Archive (jwa.org). Retrieved December 10, 2010.
  17. ^ a b c d e f "Interview with Judy Blume". Interviews with Max Raskin. Retrieved August 24, 2023.
  18. ^ Brown, Helen. "In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume, review: 'a slice of life'", The Guardian, June 2, 2015.
  19. ^ a b c d e "Judy Blume". Biography. September 23, 2019. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
  20. ^ a b c d e "Judy Blume on the Web: Judy's Bio". judyblume.com. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  21. ^ a b c Blume, Judy. "Judy's Official Bio". Judy Blume on the Web. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  22. ^ Tracy, Kathleen (2007). Judy Blume: A Biography. New York City: Greenwood. p. 152. ISBN 978-0313342721.
  23. ^ Flaste, Richard (September 29, 1976). "Viewing Childhood As it Is". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved August 24, 2023.
  24. ^ Green, Michelle (March 19, 1984). "After Two Divorces, Judy Blume Blossoms as An Unmarried Woman—and Hits the Best-Seller List Again". People. Retrieved December 10, 2010.
  25. ^ Richards, Linda L. (2008). "Judy Blume: On censorship, life, and staying in the spotlight for 25 years". January Magazine. Retrieved December 10, 2010.
  26. ^ a b c Blume, Judy, and Linda Richards. "January Interview: Judy Blume." Contemporary Literary Criticism, edited by Jeffrey W. Hunter, vol. 325, Gale, 2012. Gale Literature Resource Center, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/H1100109219/LitRC?u=wash43584&sid=LitRC&xid=311dcdb7 . Accessed 16 Nov. 2020. Originally published in January Magazine, 1998.
  27. ^ a b Kindelan, Katie (September 5, 2012). "Judy Blume Shares Breast Cancer Diagnosis". ABC News. Retrieved September 6, 2012.
  28. ^ "Judy Blume 'Stronger' After Cancer Surgery." The Windsor Star, September 7, 2012.
  29. ^ Today, Psychology. "Randy Blume, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Cambridge, MA, 02138". Psychology Today. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  30. ^ "Double Fudge". Judy Blume on the Web. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
  31. ^ "Lawrence Blume". IMDb. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  32. ^ Whitworth, Melissa (February 8, 2008). "Judy Blume's lessons in love". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on January 12, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  33. ^ "Author Judy Blume: "There Is Hope" After Husband's Diagnosis". Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. June 1, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  34. ^ "How I Became an Author". Judy Blume on the Web. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
  35. ^ Goldblatt, Jennifer. "Blume's Day", The New York Times, November 14, 2004. Accessed October 1, 2015. "It wasn't until after Ms. Blume had gotten her bachelor's degree in education from New York University in 1961, was married and raising her son, Larry, and her daughter, Randy, and living in Plainfield and later Scotch Plains, that she started to commit her stories and characters to paper, cramming writing sessions in while the children were at preschool and at play."
  36. ^ a b c d “Judy Blume.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/biography/Judy-Blume
  37. ^ Singh, Aditi. "The Legendary Author Judy Blume." Home News Tribune, May 27, 2009. ProQuest 438149868
  38. ^ "Paperback - The Best-Selling Children's Book of All-Time". Infoplease.com. Retrieved May 15, 2009. Through 2000. Reprinted from Publishers Weekly, copyright 2002.
  39. ^ Cart, Michael. "Young Adult Literature." Continuum Encyclopedia of Children's Literature, edited by Bernice E. Cullinan, and Diane Goetz Person, Continuum, 1st edition, 2005. Credo Reference, https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/kidlit/young_adult_literature/0. Accessed 13 Nov. 2020.
  40. ^ Coburn, Randy S. "A Best-Selling but Much-Censored Author / from Sex to Scoliosis, Judy Blume's Frank Topics are both Favored and Feared: [FINAL Edition]." San Francisco Chronicle (pre-1997 Fulltext), August 12, 1985, p. 15. ProQuest 301915454
  41. ^ a b c d "Biography of Judy Blume". Incredible People: Biographies of Famous People. incredible-people.com. Archived from the original on March 11, 2015. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  42. ^ Lopez, Kathryn Jean (September 30, 2000). "Early Blumers: In defense of censorship". National Review Online Weekend. National Review.
  43. ^ "Judy Blume | Biography, Books and Facts". www.famousauthors.org. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  44. ^ "Judy Blume Archive Strengthens Beinecke Young Adult Collections | Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library". beinecke.library.yale.edu. October 7, 2017. Retrieved October 10, 2017.
  45. ^ a b c d e "Judy Blume on the Web: Reference Desk". www.judyblume.com. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  46. ^ a b c Judy Blume: Banned often, but Widely Beloved. NPR, Washington, D.C., 2011 ProQuest 906292501.
  47. ^ a b Allan, Susan. "The Blume Generation; are You there Judy Blume? it's Me, a Middle- Aged Woman: [Final Edition]." The Ottawa Citizen, September 8, 2007, p. K6. ProQuest 241103532
  48. ^ a b Oppenheimer, Mark. "Why Judy Blume Endures." New York Times Book Review, Nov 16, 1997, pp. 44. ProQuest 217278239
  49. ^ a b c d Gay, Andrews D.. “Judy Blume; children's author in A grown-up controversy.” The Christian Science Monitor, Dec 10, 1981. ProQuest 1038934293
  50. ^ "100 most frequently challenged books: 1990-1999". American Library Association. March 26, 2013. Retrieved September 19, 2022.
  51. ^ "Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement". www.achievement.org. American Academy of Achievement.
  52. ^ D'Ooge, Craig. "News From the Library of Congress". Library of Congress. USA.gov. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  53. ^ "Honorary degree recipients | LITS". lits.mtholyoke.edu. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  54. ^ "Distinguished Contribution to American Letters". National Book Foundation. Retrieved March 12, 2013.
  55. ^ Wyatt, Edward (September 15, 2004). "Literary Prize for Judy Blume, Confidante to Teenagers". The New York Times.
  56. ^ "Awards – American Academy of Arts and Letters". Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  57. ^ a b c d e f "- BookmarkAuthorizationFailure".
  58. ^ a b "Fudge" (Comedy, Family). Jake Richardson, Eve Plumb, Forrest Witt, Nassira Nicola. Kevin Slattery Productions, MCA Television Entertainment (MTE), Amblin Entertainment. January 7, 1995. Retrieved December 10, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  59. ^ Duke, Charles R. "Judy Blume's Tiger Eyes: A Perspective on Fear and Death." Children's Literature Review, edited by Jelena Krstovic, vol. 176, Gale, 2013. Gale Literature Resource Center, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/H1420110000/LitRC?u=wash43584&sid=LitRC&xid=8cb2efd7 . Accessed 10 Dec. 2020. Originally published in Censored Books II: Critical Viewpoints, 1985-2000, edited by Nicholas J. Karolides, The Scarecrow Press, Inc., 2002, pp. 414-418.
  60. ^ Kit, Borys (October 18, 2010). "Exclusive: Judy Blume Adapting 'Tiger Eyes' for Big Screen". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  61. ^ Swann, Christopher. "Judy Blume: Overview." Contemporary Popular Writers, edited by Dave Mote, St. James Press, 1997. Gale Literature Resource Center, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/H1420000881/LitRC?u=wash43584&sid=LitRC&xid=7e48cc3d . Accessed 10 Dec. 2020.
  62. ^ a b Vilkomerson, Sara (February 24, 2012). "Judy Blume's 'Tiger Eyes' movie". Entertainment Weekly.
  63. ^ a b "AMANDA PALMER - JUDY BLUME". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 11, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  64. ^ Martinelli, Marissa (February 12, 2018). "Amanda Palmer Explains the Story Behind Her New Video Celebrating Judy Blume's 80th Birthday". Slate Magazine. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  65. ^ Patten, Dominic (January 23, 2023). "'Judy Blume Forever' Directors On The Author's Legacy, Relevance & Banned Books In America – Sundance Q&A". Deadline. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  66. ^ "See Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates in Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret First Look". Peoplemag. Retrieved January 12, 2023.
  67. ^ Thomas, Carly (April 17, 2023). "Judy Blume Clarifies Comments About Being "Behind" J.K. Rowling: "Taken Out of Context"". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  68. ^ "Judy Blume". Book Series in Order. July 25, 2016. Retrieved December 10, 2020.

Further reading

  • Blume, Judy (1999). Authors and Artists for Young Adults (Gale Research), 26: 7–17. Summarizes and extends 1990 article, with more emphasis on Blume's impact and censorship issues. By R. Garcia-Johnson.
  • Blume, Judy (1990). Authors and Artists for Young Adults (Gale Research), 3: 25–36. Incorporates extensive passages from published interviews with Blume.
  • Lee, Betsy. Judy Blume's Story, Dillon Pr., 1981. ISBN 0875182097.
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