Judy Blume

Date of Birth: February 12, 1938

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Biography

Judy Blume, born Judith Sussman on February 12, 1938, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, is an acclaimed American author renowned for her contributions to children’s and young adult literature. Blume’s work is celebrated for its honest portrayal of adolescent experiences and its willingness to tackle complex issues such as puberty, sexuality, and bullying. She began writing in the late 1960s and gained widespread recognition with her 1970 novel “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” Over her prolific career, Blume has written over 25 novels, including “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing,” “Blubber,” and “Forever.” Her books have sold over 85 million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than 30 languages. Blume’s storytelling has earned her numerous awards and honors, including the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults. Beyond writing, she has been an outspoken advocate for intellectual freedom, often defending her books against censorship. As of recent years, Blume continues to write and remains an influential figure in literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Judy Blume

1. Judy Blume’s book “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is often credited with opening up dialogue about puberty and menstruation in young adult literature.

2. Blume has faced numerous challenges with censorship; several of her books have been banned or challenged in libraries and schools.

3. She has received over 90 awards for her work, including the 2004 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.

4. Judy Blume co-founded The Kids Fund, a charitable and educational foundation, with her husband George Cooper.

5. In 1996, she was diagnosed with breast cancer but successfully underwent treatment and has since become an advocate for cancer awareness.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Judy Blume

1. “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.”

2. “I am a rewriter. That’s the part I like best … once I have a draft, I can fiddle and diddle and tweak and edit to my heart’s content.”

3. “Each of us must confront our own fears, must come face to face with them. How we handle our fears will determine where we go with the rest of our lives.”

4. “The best books come from someplace inside. You don’t write because you want to, but because you have to.”

5. “I think of my books as a way of exploring the world and the people in it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Judy Blume’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Judy Blume has two children: 1. Lawrence Andrew Blume – Born in 1963, he is a filmmaker known for directing the film adaptation of his mother’s novel “Tiger Eyes.” 2. Randy Lee Blume – Born in 1966, she has largely stayed out of the public eye.