HAPPY 75th BIRTHDAY, JUDY BLUME!

I am thrilled that my first “real” post can celebrate one of my very, VERY favorite authors—the extremely talented and versatile Judy Blume! Growing up, Judy Blume was one of my main go-to authors for great reading material (along with Beverly Cleary, Shel Silverstein, and Laura Ingalls Wilder). Judy’s books are warm, funny, and insightful and explore universal themes in a way kids can understand and relate to. She is truly one of the most gifted authors of our generation.

As a third grade teacher, I read TALES OF A FOURTH GRADE NOTHING to my class each year. I never tired of re-reading this book, and when it was over, the kids always wanted more. Luckily, I had a shelf of Judy's books I could point them towards! When my boys were four years old, I switched from reading only picture books at bedtime to reading chapter books, as well. TALES OF A FOURTH GRADE NOTHING was the first chapter book I read aloud to them, and I am still amazed when I remember how engaged my very active preschoolers were with this book. They were hooked on Peter and Fudge’s story from page one, and (miracle of miracles) they actually sat quietly and listened! Six years later we continue to read together every night, and have discovered and discussed many great books, both old and new.

So THANK YOU, Judy Blume, for sparking a love of literature in my children, my students, and in me! Our world is a better place because you are in it!

Here is a list of Judy Blume’s books:
The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo
Iggie's House
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret
Then Again, Maybe I Won't
Freckle Juice
It's Not the End of the World
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great
Deenie
Blubber
Forever
Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself
Wifey
Superfudge
Tiger Eyes
The Judy Blume Diary
Smart Women
The Pain and the Great One
Letters to Judy: What Kids Wish They Could Tell You
Just As Long As We're Together
The Judy Blume Memory Book
Fudge-A-Mania
Here's to You, Rachel Robinson
Summer Sisters
Places I Never Meant to Be