Blubber is a classic. Once again, fifth grade girls are sharing this book with their friends. They recognize and know the characters; these are the people in their school, their peers. They know the teacher. The main character, Jill, is vulnerable; she is afraid not to follow the demands of a girl named Wendy who dominates her friends. It begins when classmate, Linda, gives a presentation about whales in front of the class. Wendy writes a note that she passes on stating “Blubber is a good name for her.” That note travels underground throughout the class and the persecution begins. Wendy and company demand that overweight Linda submit to calling herself names and commit demeaning acts. Jill is now a bully but she becomes a victim when she takes a stand against Wendy. Great humor, rich family portraits, and the harshness of daily life in a classroom are solidly presented. Stereotypes and Judy Blume have never met. Blubber is an unsentimental classic, a coming of age novel for the young person who is leaving childhood. Reviewer: Jill Walton; Ages 8 to 12.
Talking with the legendary writer of “In the Unlikely Event” about junior high, the winter in which three planes crashed in her hometown, and receiving the best reviews of her career at age 77. A conversation with Amy Benfer.