Judy Blume
Full Name and Common Aliases
Judith Sussman, widely known by her pen name Judy Blume, is a celebrated author whose works have resonated with readers across generations. Her candid exploration of adolescence and its myriad challenges has made her a household name, particularly among young adults and children.
Birth and Death Dates
Judy Blume was born on February 12, 1938. As of the latest available information, she is alive and continues to influence the literary world.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Judy Blume is an American author, renowned for her contributions to children's and young adult literature. Her career spans several decades, during which she has also ventured into writing for adults, screenwriting, and advocacy for intellectual freedom.
Early Life and Background
Judy Blume was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Esther and Rudolph Sussman. Her father was a dentist, and her mother was a homemaker. Growing up in a Jewish family, Blume was encouraged to pursue her interests, which included a love for reading and storytelling. She attended Battin High School and later enrolled at New York University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education. Her early life was marked by a vivid imagination and a desire to express herself through writing, a passion that would eventually shape her career.
Major Accomplishments
Judy Blume's career is marked by numerous accolades and achievements. She has sold over 85 million copies of her books worldwide, which have been translated into 32 languages. Her ability to address complex and often taboo subjects with honesty and sensitivity has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted readership. Blume has received numerous awards, including the Margaret A. Edwards Award for her significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature. In 2004, she was awarded the National Book Foundation's Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, recognizing her impact on the literary landscape.
Notable Works or Actions
Judy Blume's bibliography is extensive, with several standout titles that have become classics in children's and young adult literature. Her novel "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" (1970) is perhaps her most famous work, exploring themes of puberty and religious identity. Other notable books include "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" (1972), which introduced readers to the beloved character Fudge, and "Blubber" (1974), which tackles the issue of bullying. Blume's adult novels, such as "Wifey" (1978) and "Summer Sisters" (1998), have also been well-received, showcasing her versatility as a writer.
Impact and Legacy
Judy Blume's impact on literature and culture is profound. She is often credited with pioneering the young adult genre, addressing topics that were previously considered taboo in children's literature, such as menstruation, sexuality, and family dynamics. Her honest and empathetic portrayal of adolescent experiences has provided comfort and guidance to countless readers navigating the complexities of growing up. Blume's advocacy for intellectual freedom and her opposition to censorship have further solidified her legacy as a champion for free expression. Her works continue to be relevant and are frequently included in school curricula, ensuring that new generations of readers can benefit from her insights.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Judy Blume is widely quoted and remembered for her ability to articulate the inner thoughts and feelings of young people with authenticity and compassion. Her writing resonates with readers because it reflects their own experiences and emotions, often providing a sense of validation and understanding. Blume's quotes capture the essence of adolescence, offering wisdom and humor that transcend age. Her influence extends beyond her books, as she has become a vocal advocate for writers' rights and freedom of speech. Through her storytelling and activism, Judy Blume has left an indelible mark on literature and society, making her a beloved and enduring figure in the world of books.
Quotes by Judy Blume
Judy Blume's insights on:
Everything they say a girl should get from her father in terms of total acceptance and love, I got all that from my father. But then I married a man just like my mother - so phlegmatic.
I think the child I was until 12 was so much more interesting than the teenager I became.
I still have such a thing for leather jackets. I have a closet full of them, and my husband is always saying to me, 'Why do you need another jacket? You have plenty of jackets.'
Nobody ever asks me why my characters don't text each other. Besides, as soon as you put something 'electronic' in a book, it's already out of date by the time it's published: everything will have changed. Human emotion, on the other hand, will never change.
In 1970, somebody once asked me whether I thought my books would still be around in 40 years, and I thought, 'How would I know, and why would I care?' Well, it turns out I really do care.
Nobody talks about housewives anymore! This is what we were supposed to do in the '50s. Not everybody, but in my milieu. My crowd. You went to college, and you got a degree in case, God forbid, you ever had to work. And you better find somebody to marry while you're there, because otherwise, what's going to become of you?
I am such a rewriter; I have so many notebooks filled with drafts you wouldn't believe.
You should always go through the first draft of a book all at once, I think, to get the best results. You can take time off after the first draft and come back to it fresh.