“Women are the real architects of society.”

Judy Blume has long been celebrated for her candid and honest exploration of topics such as puberty, sexuality, and personal identity. Blume has been a recurring figure in the debate on censorship, both as an advocate against book banning and as the author of several frequently challenged books.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.

This novel follows the eponymous Margaret, an 11-year-old girl navigating the complexities of growing up. The book’s frank discussion of menstruation and its portrayal of a young girl facing a crisis of faith has led to its frequent challenges. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. has been on the ALA’s most frequently challenged books lists for the 90s, 2000s, and 2010-2020.

Despite these challenges, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. continues to reach new generations of young girls with a feature film that was released in 2023. Women all over the world credit the book with making them feel understood and less alone during their tumultuous pubescent years.

“Why do they wait until sixth grade when you already know everything?”
– Judy Blume, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret

Deenie

Deenie tells the story of a 13-year-old girl pressured by her mother to become a model, while her sister is pushed to excel academically. The novel explores themes of personal identity vs. parental expectations. It also references masturbation, leading to its place at #46 on the ALA’s most frequently challenged books list for the 90s.

Blubber

Blume addresses the issue of bullying through the story of a young girl who becomes ostracized by her classmates and seeks revenge. Inspired by a real-life incident in her daughter’s 5th grade class, Blume wrote Blubber to show children how to speak up against bullying. Despite this important message, Blubber appeared on the ALA’s most frequently challenged books lists for the 90s and 00s.

“It’s very foolish to laugh if you don’t know what’s funny in the first place.”
– Judy Blume, Blubber

Forever…

This 1975 novel was groundbreaking in its portrayal of teenage sexuality, depicting it as a normal aspect of adolescence. The story follows high school senior Katherine and her decision to lose her virginity after falling in love with a boy she meets at a New Year’s party. By far the most controversial of Blume’s works, Forever… ranked at #7 on the ALA’s most frequently challenged books list for the 90s and #16 on the list for the 00s. It was also among 13 books banned by Utah’s state board of education in 2024 as a result of HB29, a controversial law that has led to state-wide book bans.

“I still get angry when older people assume that everyone in my generation, screws around. They’re probably the same ones who think all kids use dope. It’s true that we are more open than our parents but that just means we accept sex and talk about it. It doesn’t mean we are all jumping into bed together.”
– Judy Blume, Forever…

Tiger Eyes

Tiger Eyes follows 15-year-old Davey Wexler as she copes with her father’s death, experiences panic attacks, and ultimately attends therapy for help in coping with her grief. In a rare moment of self-censorship, Blume agreed to remove a masturbation scene in order to reach a younger audience, but the book still landed at #89 on the ALA’s most frequently challenged books list for the 90s.

“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. To experience adventure or to be limited by the fear of it.”
– Judy Blume, Tiger Eyes

Blume joined the National Coalition Against Censorship in the 80s and has remained passionate about the subject. In 2015 she said “I felt sad and lonely when my books were banned. I wrote many in the ’70s, but it was the reaction to them in the ’80s that was awful. But once you say you are going to do something about it and stand up against it, your whole attitude changes and you feel better.”

Blume’s works have not only sparked controversy but have also ignited discussions about censorship and the importance of addressing real-life issues in literature. Her commitment to tackling subjects that matter to young readers has solidified her legacy as a courageous and influential author. Although she hasn’t published a book since 2015, Blume continues to write and her work continues to inspire across the globe. Judy Blume’s legacy is more than just her books – it’s a testament to the power of literature to challenge, comfort, and change lives. As book bans persist, her work reminds us why the fight for the freedom to read matters now more than ever.

“I never thought my books broke taboos. I decided that I was going to write for young people because it was what I knew best and related to, as I was only in my 20s myself when I started. If there was one thing I wanted to do in my books, it was to be honest.“
– Judy Blume

Unite Against Book Bans.