Judy Blume’s Young Adult and Children’s books all touch on several aspects of growing up. The protagonists are normal kids, living normal lives, coping with normal issues. They often live in New Jersey, Blume’s own childhood home state.

The main characters, whether they have lost a family member, moved to a new state or live in their childhood homes, tend to make friends easily and are self-conscious of what their friends and society think of them. They are all morally true to themselves. They are not the kid sneaking alcohol from a parent’s personal bar, though they are often the subject of peer pressure and to some degree participate in drinking. They do not steal and are appalled when they learn that a friend does. They are, for the most part, good kids.

Several of Blume’s characters have wonderful and loving relationships with their grandmothers. Most likely, this is the result of Blume’s own relationship with her grandmother.

The saddest book, Tiger Eyes, deals with the most profound loss. Davey, the main character, loses her father in a convenience store shooting. Davey holds him as he dies. She has many issues after his death including fear of attack on her or her family. The story is about her journey of loss, despair and recovery. Though I have not suffered the type of loss that Davey does, the story is relevant and inspiring. It leaves me wondering how many kids have read it thinking "I know exactly how you feel".

Perhaps that is exactly what Judy Blume would have wanted. For her readers, regardless of age, to say "I know exactly how you feel!" To say that it does not matter where you live, who your parents are, what your socio-economic standing is, all kids have similar issues growing up.




Video created by YouTuber TashmooProd.