Despite her remarkable career spanning nearly fifty years, Judy Blume’s influence seems to be fading, at least from my daughter’s perspective. My whimsical ten-year-old is an avid reader; her nightly reading sessions have transformed into daily indulgences, exploring everything from Tuck Everlasting to Junie B. Jones. Yet, curiously, she overlooks the Judy Blume classics that defined my own childhood.
At her age, I had already immersed myself in titles like Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. These stories felt like a rite of passage, granting me entry into an exclusive circle of readers who shared an understanding beyond our years. A classmate of mine, whom I once dismissed as a nerd for her white knee socks, changed my perspective when I discovered she was reading Blubber. We shared an unspoken connection, recognizing the dynamics of our classroom through the lens of Blume’s characters.
I remember the first time I read Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. I was so captivated that I devoured it twice before returning it to the library. When I bought my own copy through Scholastic Books, I would choose reading over watching reruns of Gilligan’s Island, finding solace in my room surrounded by my Holly Hobbie dolls. It felt like Blume was speaking directly to me, capturing my thoughts and experiences in a way that no one else could. While my friends plastered their walls with posters of pop stars, I dreamed of meeting Judy Blume, convinced that she would be eager to discuss her inspiration with me.
One of the main reasons I was drawn to Blume’s work was my upbringing in a strict fundamentalist Christian environment. At just ten, I was told we couldn’t watch movies or wear anything but skirts. My mother, who had been raised Catholic, had brought us to this church through a friend’s invitation, and we stayed without fully agreeing with its rigid doctrines. As I grew older, the notion that discussing sex or the transition into womanhood was taboo made me feel increasingly isolated. Why was I expected to wear a skirt when I faced the challenges of adolescence, particularly during my period? In rebellion, I sought out the limited skorts available in the early ’80s. As my body changed, I began to see Margaret as my kindred spirit, the girl who paved the way for us to ask the tough questions about growing up.
I want my daughter to experience the same sense of understanding and validation that I did from Blume’s stories. I hope she realizes that countless girls before her have grappled with similar questions of maturation. However, I also recognize that each child develops at their own pace. Perhaps she isn’t ready for these books yet, or maybe she resists them because they come recommended by her “uncool” mother. In time, she will discover Judy Blume’s magic—after all, it took her three years of hearing the Beastie Boys before she finally appreciated their music.
In conclusion, Judy Blume’s legacy is one that must be cherished and passed down to future generations. Her books offer invaluable insights into the complexities of growing up, and it’s crucial that we ensure they remain accessible to young readers.
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