In "Blume"

By Melissa Amster

A few years ago, I read "Everything I needed to Know about Being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume". It's a series of essays from different authors who had experiences with Judy Blume books that affected their lives. It made me think back to when I used to read her books all the time. I even read a few more than once, if they really affected me. I don't know a girl who hasn't read at least one of her books, but if I'm wrong here and you're on that list, please let me know.

When I read this book, I was thinking about how the house we were renting at the time was like the summer house they stayed at in "Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great". Anyone who has read that book will know what I'm talking about.

I think it's because her books feel so real and so easy to relate to, which is why a bunch of authors came together to write about how the stories impacted their lives. It is making me want to go back and read her books again.

I think it would be hard for me to pick my favorite of all her books. "Blubber" stands out because I could relate to the situations Linda went through. That even average girls get bullied and deal with peer pressure. I also liked "Deenie", "Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself", and "Just as Long as We're Together".

What is your favorite Judy Blume book, and why?