Updated: November 9, 2020
Originally Published: August 4, 2015
Images via Amazon
After nearly fifty years of inspiring young readers, Judy Blume continues to make waves with new publications. However, her influence seems to be waning, at least in the eyes of my daughter. As an imaginative 10-year-old, she has developed a serious passion for reading, diving into titles like Tuck Everlasting and Junie B. Jones. Yet, the classic Judy Blume novels I cherished have not made it onto her reading list.
At her age, I had already immersed myself in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. These books felt like a rite of passage, granting me access to a deeper understanding of the complexities of growing up. I remember a girl in my fifth-grade class who wore white knee socks daily—someone I initially dismissed as uncool—until I discovered she was reading Blubber. Suddenly, I saw her in a new light; she recognized the harsh realities of middle school dynamics, and we shared a silent acknowledgment of the truths Blume laid out in her work.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret was a revelation for me. I probably read it twice before returning it to the library, and when I finally bought my own copy through a Scholastic order, I would skip watching TV after school just to devour those pages in solitude. Surrounded by my childhood dolls, I would sip grape Kool-Aid while getting lost in a story that perfectly articulated my innermost thoughts. I longed to meet Judy Blume, convinced that she would be just as eager to meet me—her inspiration.
One of the primary reasons I was drawn to Blume’s writing was my upbringing in a strict religious environment. At ten, I faced restrictions on many aspects of life, including movies, makeup, and clothing. My family’s decision to attend a fundamentalist church was more of an anthropological study than a true belief system. As I grew older, the silence surrounding topics like sexuality and adolescence left me feeling increasingly isolated. I found solace in Blume’s characters, particularly Margaret, who addressed the very concerns I had about growing up.
I want my daughter to experience this same connection, to know that the questions she has about growing up have been pondered by generations of girls before her. I’m willing to be patient; maturity comes at its own pace. Perhaps she isn’t ready for Blume’s books yet, or maybe my recommendations seem outdated. Regardless, I trust she’ll discover Judy Blume’s wisdom in her own time, just as it took her three years of hearing the Beastie Boys before she warmed up to their music.
In summary, Judy Blume’s legacy remains vital for young readers navigating the complexities of growing up. Her stories create a bridge between generations and provide a voice for the questions and concerns that continue to resonate with girls today.
Keyphrase: Judy Blume’s Legacy
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