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Biography
American

Judy Blume

1938

Judy Blume is an American children's and young adult novelist whose books — including Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret (1970), Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (1972), Blubber (1974), and Forever... (1975) — have sold over eighty-five million copies and defined the experience of growing up in America for multiple generations. She is one of the most frequently banned authors in American libraries.

Past sales0
PeriodModern
NationalityAmerican
1. Biography

A short life of the author

Judy Blume (b. 12 February 1938) was born Judith Sussman in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She studied at New York University.

Life and Career

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (1970) — about an eleven-year-old girl navigating puberty, religion, and social anxiety — was her breakthrough and remains one of the most beloved and influential children’s novels in American literature. It was adapted into a 2023 film.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (1972) — about Peter Hatcher and his impossible little brother Fudge — launched a beloved series. Blubber (1974) — about bullying — and Forever… (1975) — a frank novel about a teenage girl’s first sexual relationship — are among her most important and most banned books.

Her adult novels — Wifey (1978) and Summer Sisters (1998) — are also bestsellers.

Major Works and Themes

Blume writes about the real concerns of children and teenagers — puberty, bullying, divorce, death, sex — with a directness that made her books essential and controversial.

Key Works

  • Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (1970)
  • Forever… (1975)

Collecting Blume

Are You There God? first edition (Bradbury Press, 1970) in fine condition with dust jacket brings $500–$1,500. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (Dutton, 1972) brings $200–$500. Blume is a major collectible author.