Judy Blume
Judy Blume is one of the most frequently challenged authors of the 21st century (ALA, 2011). She has been a longtime advocate of intellectual freedom (Blume, 1999). More than 80 million copies of her books have been sold. Her books have been translated into 31 languages.
Blume grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Blume received a B.S. in education from New York University in 1961, which named her a Distinguished Alumna in 1996. That same year the American Library Association honored her with the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement. Other recognitions include the Library of Congress Living Legends Award and the 2004 National Book Foundation's Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.
Blume is often asked how she comes up with her story ideas. “Blubber is based on an incident in my daughter Randy’s 5th grade classroom that never could have happened if the teacher had been tuned in to the kids in her class. Her lack of awareness made it easy for the class leader to use her power in an evil way, victimizing one student and turning classmate against classmate” (Judy Blume on the Web, n.d.).
In regards to her books being censored, Judy Blume says, “I began to write when I was in my mid 20’s. I was married with two small children.
Controversy wasn’t on my mind. I wanted only to write what I knew to be true. I wanted to write the best, the most honest books I could, the kinds of
books I would have liked to read when I was younger. If someone had told me then I would become one of the most banned writers in America, I’d have laughed” (Blume, 1999).
Blume grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Blume received a B.S. in education from New York University in 1961, which named her a Distinguished Alumna in 1996. That same year the American Library Association honored her with the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement. Other recognitions include the Library of Congress Living Legends Award and the 2004 National Book Foundation's Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.
Blume is often asked how she comes up with her story ideas. “Blubber is based on an incident in my daughter Randy’s 5th grade classroom that never could have happened if the teacher had been tuned in to the kids in her class. Her lack of awareness made it easy for the class leader to use her power in an evil way, victimizing one student and turning classmate against classmate” (Judy Blume on the Web, n.d.).
In regards to her books being censored, Judy Blume says, “I began to write when I was in my mid 20’s. I was married with two small children.
Controversy wasn’t on my mind. I wanted only to write what I knew to be true. I wanted to write the best, the most honest books I could, the kinds of
books I would have liked to read when I was younger. If someone had told me then I would become one of the most banned writers in America, I’d have laughed” (Blume, 1999).