If that is true, then Judy Blume created friends I met in early elementary school and stayed close with through high school and into adulthood.
My earliest Judy Blume memory was in the 1st grade. Our Reading Workbook included a "pull out" copy of THE ONE IN THE MIDDLE IS THE GREEN KANGAROO.
I tore out that book and folded the pages nicely, added a construction paper cover that I illustrated with crayons and carried it everywhere! I was so proud of that book.
Through the years, Judy provided giggles about siblings, freckles and first kisses. She also was my first introduction to some candid conversations on menstruation, body issues and bullying.
But most importantly, Judy Blume helped foster in me a love of reading...and I carry every day--just like my GREEN KANGAROO.
What is your favorite Judy Blume memory?
I was a teacher for 35 years. I always read aloud the Fudge books to my 3rd and 4th graders. I still have former students - who are adults with kids of their own - say to me, "I LOVED when you read stories to us. Remember Fudge? Those books were so funny!"
ReplyDeleteAre You There God, it's me Margaret...it helped me through puberty. And I even practiced kissing my pillow and dreamed about playing Spin the Bottle!
ReplyDeleteMarcie, I love this post. Judy was my favorite author, and definitely helped me develop a love of reading. I adored Deenie and oh boy, how can you forget Forever?! That was my intro into... ok, I won't discuss that! Thank you for writing about Judy Blume and invoking fond memories.
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