MADreads

Judy Blume’s the best

June 27th, 2007 Molly - Central

Judy Blume books got secretly passed around the classroom more than any other when I was in grade school.  Not necessarily because the books were taboo, but because their topics were embarrassing.  The things we couldn’t ask our parents or other trusted adults about, we counted on Judy to answer for us.  Scary topics like divorce, or menstruation and first sexual encounters -  Judy explained it all. 

Even decades later, Judy’s words have inspired authors to share how they were affected by reading her books and how her books affect the way they write today.   Everything I Needed To Know about Being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume is a collection of essays written by notable women authors about how Judy’s books helped them get through the trauma of adolescence and sometimes offer guidance through adult life as well.   Meg Cabot’s essay is one of my favorites.  She looks back on how the bullying in Blubber mirrored her own grade school days (poor Maggot Cabbage - I really sympathize with your eleven-year-old self).  As anyone who’s read Queen Bees & Wannabes (or anyone who has survived the years from 10-17 without completely blocking the trauma) can attest, girls can be very cruel.  To each other, to their mothers, and to themselves. 

Judy Blume lets us know that life is hard, but it is hard for everyone, and by reading about how hard it is, coping becomes a little easier.  Featured authors include Megan McCafferty, Stacey Ballis, Melissa Senate and other women who, like me, read Judy Blume books as kids.

Entry Filed under: Nonfiction