“Let children read whatever they want and then talk about it with them. If parents and kids can talk together, we won’t have as much censorship because we won’t have as much fear.”
“Fear is often disguised as moral outrage.”
“Things change…things happen…things you can’t even imagine when you’re young and full of hope.”
– Judy Blume (born February 12, 1938)
February 12
What a treat to celebrate the wonderful Judy Blume’s birthday! She holds a special place in my heart, as my love of reading began with her books.
I’m loving Judy Blume all over again as I read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and Superfudge to our 5-year-old son. He quotes lines that Fudge said all the time, which bring us many laughs.
Judy Blume was born on February 12, 1938. According to Wikipedia, she has sold over 80 million books and has won over 90 literary awards.
Although her books are light and funny, many tackle serious issues such as the existence of God, friendship, religion, divorce, body image, and sexuality. This made her a target of school library censors and the Religious Right. She became an advocate for “intellectual freedom” and joined the National Coalition Against Censorship and several other organizations regarding children’s literature and censorship.
Other fun facts: Blume writes three drafts before a book goes to an editor, and about five drafts to completion. Her work was rejected for two years before she got her first acceptance. And she considers herself “sucky” at plot, whereas writing dialogue comes natural to her.
Judy Blume is an American treasure. Happy Birthday, and thank you for the many smiles and belly laughs!
Learn more about Blume @ JudyBlume.com and Wikipedia.
Celebrity Pictures courtesy of ImageCollect.
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