Questions for Judy Blume?

[Rachel-K]

Hi all,

We've had Judy Blume herself drop into our boards, so I'd like to make a litte space for us to ask her questions!

Rachel

[Melissa_W Moderator]

I have no questions for her, only to say that I think Judy Blume is probably one of the best writers for young adults and I love Are you there, God, it's me, Margaret?. I read it over and over while I was "growing up" (transition phase from little kid to obnoxious teenager - I'm 29 now and have transitioned into a somewhat competent adult). I always steer people toward Are you there God when they're looking for a book for a tweener.

Judy Blume is totally cool. Andd boo to whoever tries to ban her books.

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rkubie wrote:
Hi all,

We've had Judy Blume herself drop into our boards, so I'd like to make a litte space for us to ask her questions!

Rachel

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[Bill_T]

Hey everyone -- since the author herself has posted a thread for questions, I've moved some of the recent posts over there.

[caterina3]

So many of us grew up devouring Judy Blume's books in the 70's and it is a testimant to an incredible writter that hers continue to be the first books young people select from a classroom or library shelf in 2007. My daugher, who recently turned 10, has emersed herself in Judy Blume books since she was little. Beginning with The Pain and the Great One all the way through many titles until this summer when she read Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. Although decades have passed since its publication, ...Margaret continues to inspire young girls. Everything in that book continues to be the essence of what girls think about and experience in what is now known as the "tween" age. My daughter can't get enough -- she's been known to re-read Judy's books many times. Thanks to Judy for being a inspiration to girls over and over again. After all of that, my question is -- Judy, is there a YA author out there who writes realistic fiction that speaks to boys as clearly as your writing speaks to girls?

[Kris11]

I, too, am just grateful to Judy Blume for helping me get through my childhood. When books were my only friends (funny, often the same now as a "grown-up", I could turn to Judy Blume and be comforted. Thank you for sharing your gift of writing with all of us.

[Junes]

Judy,
I saw on the author events that you are doing a signing at the B&N in Skokie IL in September, is it true?? Please let me know. It would be so thrilling to meet you!


Thanks
June

[Rachel-K]

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caterina3 wrote:
So many of us grew up devouring Judy Blume's books in the 70's and it is a testimant to an incredible writter that hers continue to be the first books young people select from a classroom or library shelf in 2007. My daugher, who recently turned 10, has emersed herself in Judy Blume books since she was little. Beginning with The Pain and the Great One all the way through many titles until this summer when she read Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. Although decades have passed since its publication, ...Margaret continues to inspire young girls. Everything in that book continues to be the essence of what girls think about and experience in what is now known as the "tween" age. My daughter can't get enough -- she's been known to re-read Judy's books many times. Thanks to Judy for being a inspiration to girls over and over again. After all of that, my question is -- Judy, is there a YA author out there who writes realistic fiction that speaks to boys as clearly as your writing speaks to girls?

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This is an interesting question! I know at public libraries, there are big pushes to host "Guys Read" programs, but my impression is that they're often more sci-fi, fantasy based. I'd be interested to hear from teachers or librarians who might know.