Top 5 Judy Blume Books

Ever since I was young, I’ve loved Judy Blume’s books. They were a big part of my Mum’s childhood- and so they were also a big part of mine!

So today, I thought I would look back on my top 5 Judy Blume books. They are all funny, interesting, and honest books- and I love how Judy Blume discusses the teenage experience in a way which is still relevant today.

Below are my top 5 Judy Blume books- including some that I still re-read today

‘Tiger Eyes’

This book is about Davey, a young woman who loses her dad during a raid of his shop. Davey’s family move to New Mexico after the murder, and the book is all about Davey struggling with her grief, as well as understanding herself and her feelings as she grows up in an uncertain and worrying world.

‘Iggy’s House’

This is a fantastic tale of the race issues in America during the 1970s. By using a child protagonist, Judy Blume gives a different view of the discrimination faced by black people during this period, and I found this one really interesting to read. As I was growing up in the early noughties, I found it shocking and fascinating to see what life was like when my parents were growing up.

‘Forever’

This one is for slightly older readers, and so I read this when I was around 17 years old. It looks at an intense first relationship between a girl and a boy, and discusses important things, such as periods, contraception and masturbation. Blume’s books are often censored or banned for their open discussion of sensitive issues, which is a great issue, as these issues are so important to educate young people about.

‘Are you there God? It’s me, Margaret’

This was both mine and my mum’s favourite childhood book by Judy Blume. Like all of her other books, this book looks at the growth of a young girl, and Blume uses her direct narration to tell a tale of growing up, and how it feels to be a young woman in society. I like the use of narration in Blume’s books, and you can just fly through them with no effort at all.

‘Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing’

The Fudge series by Judy Blume is what many people know her for, as many people have read these books, or read them to their children. My parents read these books to me and my sister when we were growing up, and I swear I could still quote passages from them! ‘Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing’ is the first in the series, and this book does not fail to make me laugh!

I could add so many more books to this list, but I thought I’d keep it limited to just 5! Maybe in the future I’ll choose 5 more of my favourites.

I love Blume’s style and themes, and these books had a big effect on me growing up, as I’m sure they have for many other young girls. They honestly portray issues that other authors skirt around, and I think they will be relatable to young people for many years to come.

I also love understanding Blume’s point of view on censorship, and helping young women understand their experiences honestly, and without judgement.

What do you think of my top 5 Judy Blume books? Which is your favourite Judy Blume book? Would you try any of these choices?

Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Happy reading x

Picture credits here