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(Entries are unedited. Messages posted through date of top message.)
Jo
Your latest novel of three plane crashes within 3 months in Elizabeth, NJ and it's effect on the people who lived there is wonderful. I loved it. I was born in St Elizabeth's Hospital and lived on the corner of Rahway Ave. and Applegate Ave. most of my entire life. I went to Hamilton Jr. High and graduated from Battin High. I had ice cream and Awful Awfuls at Schutzes and hamburgers at Pamels. Went to The Elmora Theatre and to the Ritz and Regent. We shopped at Levy Brothers, Goerkes and Fishmans. I worked 2summers in the circulation dept. of The Elizabeth Journal. I was there near the first plane crash in the Elizabeth River. It was horrible. My sister who was a nurse and on duty at St. Elizabeth's hospital was at the crash at Battin. AND I remember The Janet Memorial. We all thought it was sabotage. I was about 11 years old and terrified to go to sleep. Every time a plane flew over my home to land at Newark Airport my house would shake and windows would vibrate. I would hold onto my headboard and pray that it would not crash into my home. There were times when, although I could not see the actual passengers, I was able to see the windows of the plane. That was how low they would be on the approach to the airport. I met Mrs. Kirkegard at Elizabeth General. I was a volunteer Candy Striper then. Although you wrote of tragedy it made me smile to remember those years and those events. I was there. Thank you
Anjali A
I just finished reading your book, Tiger Eyes, and I have a few questions about the ending.
Did Wolf and Davey actually meet again after she moved back to Atlantic City? And did Jane and Davey keep in contact?
By the way, this is now one of my favorite books. 
Wings Park 4th Grade-Miss Reed's Class
We just started reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and we we think it is a funny book. We think you are an awesome author and we are excited to read some of your other books. Thank you for being creative and making reading FUN!
Lay lay
Hello how many kids did you have and how are you doing
Long
Dear Judy
Why do you wrote the Fude Books ?
maja
Dear Judy. I remember reading your books as a kid. I never knew they were considered controversial! All I knew was that I liked them.
Today I'm writing a paper for college on the topic of book censorship and using Harry Potter as a modern example. That's how I came across your site. It filled me with a sense of pride to see just how active you are in questions of book censorship. As one of my childhood heroes, you have just left an even bigger impression on me! Thank you for everything.
Devon
I would just like to say thank you for all the wonderful books that you have wrote especially tales of a fourth grade nothing and the sequels. Those books mean a lot to me I used to be a big reader but I listened to books on tape more. I had about 6 series that meant the world to me I never wanted them to end and I would listen to them over and over again. I never got bored with these series. The fudge series is one of them and I know you are busy writing new books but you should seriously consider writing more of them or talk about making a movie out of it this series was amazing and meant a lot to me as a kid and now so I just wanted to say this and if you have any ideas for fudge books or if there is any hope for a continuation of the book either in writing or in movies I would love to get feedback. Thank you, Sincerely Devon
01
I Love your book
harmony
Hey Judy Blume i love you and your books I have been reading your books for 5 years my favorite book is are you there God its me Margaret i was worrying so much about being a girl but when i read are you there God its me Margaret thank you for that -harmony
Natasha
Enjoyed sharing your books with students. I am a retired school librarian. Had to look you up in Something about the Author and was surprised to learn you were just 2 days older than my brother in law who went to Hamilton. Shortest boy in the class. In Sally J Friedman I knew you took ballet with Miss. Heilich, because you described her so well. I am 3 yrs. older than you and in the older class. Ballet costume with blue trim and yours was probably pink. Saw a prom pic with 4 couples. the girl next to you looks like another ballet student. Cohen I think. You sound so level headed. Lots of guts, too. Thanks for the memories. I remember those crashes well. Someone mailed a letter to Plane Crash, NJ. It got there. One was behind my husband's house on Pingry Place.
Kristen P
hi judy your books are awesome I've almost read all of them I've read acutllyim not almost finished haha your awesome
Sandy
Judy: I've always been a fan, but I just have to tell you how much I have enjoyed "In the Unlikely Event." I could not put it down. You brought these characters and events to life for me. Thank you so much for the most enjoyment I've had in years from a book. I can't keep thinking about it.
Carol
Dear Judy, Hi. My name is Carol, age 77, and also a young teen when these plane crshes ocurred. My two older brothers were Elizabeth firemen (one a captain) and were at the horrific scenes almost immediately. So my family with me in tow, were there within minutes also. One brother pulled the pilot of one plane out of the mud in the Elizabeth River, and my other brother had a front page picture of him rescuing a young girl at the house where the second plane crash was by Battin High School, which I graduated from in 1955. This had a big impact on my young brain and never got on a plane till I was 37 years old. I can still see the flames and devastation in my mind. And I still have nightmares of plane crashes. Anyway I am going to purchase your new book "In The Unlikely Event". Glad I saw you on "The View" this morning.
Best of luck, Carol
george williams
my wife and i were watching the view and you were on there and talked about your book about the three crashes.my father george tilford williams was killed in the plane that hit the girls school thank you for writing about it i definitely will try and get the book
Deb
I was just visiting my mother's cousin in the south of France, Thomas Wiseman. I had never met him but we have written throughout my life as I have with his son Boris. My children are all adults and I just finished my Doctorate so I thought it was time to meet my relatives I've never met. My mother was also a survivor of the German Holocaust but she had been older than Tom and had joined the French resistance. Anyway, while I was there your name and new book came up when I was showing Malou how to use a kindle he said he knew you. I just thought you'd find that interesting. I know your coming here the end of September but unfortunately I will be in DC. Maybe one day we'll meet. In meantime I do enjoy your books.
Melora
Hi Judy, I just wanted to say I am so so pleased you have a new novel out!! I was a MASSIVE fan of yours growing up and Are You There God? It's Me Margaret started me off with my love of reading! Summer Sisters is my absolute favourite but I was so sad by the ending I couldn't look at the cover of it in my bookshelf! Tiger Eyes, Forever, Blubber- I just loved them! So excited to read your new book! Thank you for such lovely and so real to teenage life stories that kept me engrossed during my early years of becoming a grown up!! Xxx
David
Otherwise known as sheila the great.the book was cool,and Ilearnd that if you try maybe you can do it.
Elaine
Just read In the Unlikely Event and it brought back many memories of Elizabeth NJ. I was 7 in 1952 and do not remember the plane crashes of that summer but my maternal grandmother and uncles lived on Prospect St. in Elizabeth, the street ran off of Elizabeth Ave which in turn ran off of Broad Street. Every Saturday my family would make the trip from North Brunswick, up Rt. 1 by car to Elizabeth to visit my grandmother. I remember my grandmother lived not too far from Elizabeth General Hospital and I remember a trolley ran down Broad Street. Those were simpler times and sometimes I would walk alone from my grandmother's home to a movie theatre on Broad Street to see a matinee movie for a quarter. I loved your book and the characters, you captured the early 1950s era very well. Hope you will be publishing another adult novel in the near future!
Sam
Judy ,
I have never read any of your books although my children and grandchildren have and "In the Unlikely Event" was referred to me as a former and forever "Elizabeth boy" ...and I still remember the crashes to this day , especially the first one on Dec 17 as the plane came over our house.
I'm enjoying the accuracy of streets , names and places etc such as Shelley Ave, School 21 , Levy Bros Department Store on Broad Street ( Milton Levy davened with us at JEC on Elmora Ave) ...but I seem to recall that the newspaper at the time was the Elizabeth Daily Journal (and not Post). ...is there a reason for this discrepancy ? In any event , the book evokes feelings of nostalgia and I'm very much enjoying it.
Cata.R
Dear Judy, I read your book (The one in the middle is the green kangaroo)was very beatifull book,now I read (Tales of a fourth grade nothing)
for now its rally beatifull.You're grat writter.
I from for Buenos Aires,Argentina ,my scool is Northfield school.
Ed
Judy,
I really enjoyed your book. My fathers family owned Levy Brothers and it was wonderful to see the references in your book. We lived on DeWitt road (right off of Salem Ave near the Janet Memorial) where the 1st cash took place. I was in 7th grade at Hamilton at the time. I also wrote some articles for Diane Norek Harrison as she wanted me to write about my memories of Elizabeth in those days and in particular about Levy Brothers. By the way, I was in the same year at Hamilton and Jefferson as your friend David Kaufelt. If you ever want any specifics about Levy's let me know. I am at (408) 318 5685 (in California). My best regards, Ed Levy
marinedragonfire
hi judy I just wanted to say I love your books and you know how you came up with an idea when you were eating pancakes so did I think I should eat more pancakes to.
Wes
Hi, MS. Blube
I've just finished reading in the Unlikely Event, I loved it. Although I'm wondering what it was like for you to experience 9/11 after experiencing the crashes in the 50s. I was in 2nd grade during 9/11, and I remember the fear of flying, the fear the US was no longer safe, worrying about my Dad who was away from home and had to fly home, worrying about my uncle who worked next door to the World Trade Center. Would you say that 9/11 was easier for you after the 3 planes in the 50s crashed all by fluke accident, but knowing life went on and the country recovered. Or was 9/11 harder for you, because what you feared then had now come true?
This may be kind of a personal question and I'm sorry, but while reading the book I couldn't help but to compare it to 9/11.
Best,
Wes
Becky Kendall
Dear Judy,
Enjoyed reading your book "In the Unlikely Effect". I grew up on Summit Rd and also sledded down Wyoming Ave. So fun to read about the old neighborhood. Will you be coming to CA for a book signing? I would love to get my copy signed. I know Pages in Manhattan Beach, CA would love to have you visit them.
Best,
Becky
Cande
Dear Mrs Blume,
We read your book "The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo". We liked it A LOT! We think it is a fantastic story.
Now we are going to read "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing". We hope you are writing a new book.
Love, students from 4th N, Northfield School.
Lucille
1952 was a very sad, happy year for me. Your book In The Unlikely Event, brought back memories I had buried so deep that I have been crying for 2 weeks. I worked for the Elizabeth Board of Health. & the records of everyone who died in Elizabeth had to be registered in Ledgers in our office. So I registered the names of all who died in the 3 plane crashes. And typed so many death certificates that after while I lost count. So now I remember the horror, where, when cause of death, over, & over, & over. Not only did I attend Battin High, but my home room faced the plan crash site. I thought I had put it all to rest, but I guess not. Who would have guessed that after all these years I can remember with such clarity the actual event. Trying to talk about it to my 6 children is difficult, so I hope they read your book, just maybe it will help them learn a little more about their Mom.
raegan
So it must me pretty exiting to have your own book. My name is Raegan my class is learing about you so I thought I would write to you they will be so exsited I am!hopfuly you will have time to write me back.
-P.S I love your books!!!
Hannah
Hi,
My favorite book is Tiger Eyes and you're coming to sign books and I know you're supposed to sign your new one but it would be an honor if you could sign Tiger Eyes
Is that okay?
-Hannah
Kelly Woodall
Hello Dear Judy,
I am just starting to read your books to my 7 year old twins and I am having a magical time! I read them when I was young and it is just amazing to read them again as an adult. I find myself laughing at so many things as a parent that I am sure I didn't pick up on as a child. Just wanted to thank you for your work and imagination. My Mom always encouraged us to read and read your books to us as children, I love that it's my turn to do the same. Thank you for making it entertaining and heartfelt for all, I find that I don't want to put them down! We are on "Otherwise known as Shelia the Great"!!!
Thank you so much!!
Kelly Woodall
Fran
Just finished reading In The Unlikely Event. I could not put it down until I finished two days later. I was a freshman at St. Mary's High School during the time of the three plane crashes. When the second crash occurred I was absent from school that day due to an illness or I would have been at the candy store mentioned in the book as that was my routine after each school day. Thank you for all the info on how many lives were lost and effected by these accidents. I remember one in particular who lived in the building that was destroyed. Can't wait to pass this book on to the rest of my family to read. Thank you for bringing me back.
Sherry
Bought my first book from Audible recently..."In The Unlikely Event"...My favorite part of the day is late at night after a shower, crawling under the quilt and listening to this book as it plays on my pillow. Judy, you never disappoint!
Aditya S
Dear Judy Blume,This is Aditya from Nepal.I am studying at Fourth grade and I have fallen in love with you books.Actually your books were the life saviour while we were going a lot of pain during an earthquake. It was the Fudge Series books which helped us forget our pain. Thank You very much and keep writing more books for us.
Lauren
Hi Judy Blume. Right now I am reading you book Blubber it is an awesome book so far. Me and my Mum are doing this thing that basically I read two chapters and then she reads the same two chapters that I have just read. Also I love reading it calm's me down when I am angry, sad or lonely. Thank's Lozza 😃
Jenna
Dear Judy, My name's Jenna and I'm an Autistic, Christian, Brain Damaged Author. My writing isn't published although, many people tell me I should get it published. I loved the Junie B. Jones series as a kid. She reminded me of me,LOL! Will you if it's not too much trouble send me 3 autographed Junie B. Jones books? One for me and one for my aunt who's a teacher, and my brother who's a teacher. I would be most excited if you did as well as my brother and aunt. Please write back sincerely your Autistic author fan, Jenna
Mary
Dear Ms. Blume, Why did you call the newspaper the "Elizabeth Daily Post," instead of the "Elizabeth Daily Journal?" The Journal was the 2nd oldest newspaper in the country before it went out of business.
Francesca
Hi I just read tales of a fourth grade nothing I love it my favorite part is when fudge ate Peter's turtle
Jan
Judy Thank you for your latest book. I grew up in Elizabeth until I was 9 then moved to Linden. Your descriptions of the city,the names of streets and stores brought back so many memories. I was only 1 when the planes crashed but I can recall my mom and neighbors discussing the events many years later and I also found clippings of the news stories in my attic. The incidents remained fresh in my mind through out my teen years. Ironically your mention of Joseph Fluet, the national safety inspector caused me to jump out of my seat. For those who don't know , he is not a fictional character but real and my husband's uncle! Guess what hubby is reading the book.
Linda O'Hare
In your authors note you cited Ronne Jacobs which was a friend of mine from SC who died recently. Could this be the same Ronne. She was one of the classiest ladies I have ever met. WE loved to walk and talk about books at our homes at Wild Dunes in SC. Is this the same Ronne Jacobs? Saw you in Madison CT line was too long to try and chat about Ronne. Loved the book.
Doglover
So, I am in the middle of reading In The Unlikely Event Of! Brother flies in from Newark airport for a family event. Now I am a bit nervous due to book contents! Makes it here okay. Now, is going to fly back. Flight is cancelled! Must leave the next day, I am very nervous as I have now finished book! Does get back to Newark safely. Great Read! He also is a Prof. at Hunter College part time, lots of familiar places in book! A must read for everyone!
Donna
Ms Blume
Just read the story in NY Daily News about your helping a husband who I am sure quite innocently and inadvertently tossed a treasured copy of one of your best books.
You always were, are and will be one of the world's best human beings.
Thanks for being part of my world and my childrens world.
Take care
Donna Lee
ethel
I just finished "In the Unlikely Event" and cannot remember when I enjoyed a book so much. I was in high school during the early 50's so everything was so familiar to me. LOVED IT
carol
I absolutely loved, loved "In the Unlikely Event", as my daughter loved all your books when she was young. But the greatest thing was your mention of Bradley Beach. I grew up there in the 50's and loved living in a small town where everyone knew everyone. My husband is always teasing me about how small it is, etc, so I ran in with the book and showed him where a best seller writes about Bradley Beach. Brought back so many memories. Thank you.
Don
Was in Elizabeth all during the period you write about! Was at Hamilton JHS when the one went down on Westfield Ave. My family took in a classmate from the Janet Memorial orphanage when that one happened and he stayed with up permanently. My Great aunt Helen Paulmen was the principal at Battin when that one happened. Am going to get my hands on a copy of your book! Looking forward to reading it and reliving the 50's! Best wishes!! Don Laird
Karen
Hi Judy:
Love your new book "In The Unlikely Event". It brought back many memories. I lived at the Janet Memorial Home in the sixties & seventies when it was an all girls home. I remember being told the stories of the plane crashes. While reading the book, I found myself at times closing my eyes and "seeing" once again all the places you wrote about. A well written story.
Mary
Dear Ms. Blume, Thank you so much for a trip down memory lane. "Unlikely" took me back to the 50's in the geography and social habits of the time.
I loved the 3 references to Spirito's which is still a family favorite restaurant. I felt like I was reliving those wonderful days in Elizabeth.
I was in 1st grade when the terrible events happened and remember going to see the sites after to pay our respects. I taught in Elizabeth for over 40 years and have a special place in my heart for the city.Your books were a special part of my classroom reading.
Thank you so much for putting Elizabeth on the map.
Jiyoon
Hi Judy
I love your books. I want to be an author too, and you are my role model. I sent you an email, but I don't know if you would ever read it or respond to it. I just wish I could know for sure that you read this comment
But still, I really think you are amazing.
Joan
Hi Judy,
I lived in Elizabeth during the time of the three crashes. At the time we had moved from Hillsde Rd to Parker Rd. One of the crashes happened not too far from my house,another near Battin High School,but I can't remember where the third took place. Can you help me out? By the way our class president was black. I cannot remember her name. I am going to get your book and know I will enjoy it. Hopefully some memories. Joan
Miriam walker
Ms Blume,
Our book club has read your book Smart Women this month and we can not find discussion questions. Can you recommend where to find questions? We love your books and appreciate your style of writing. We humbly ask for your help in this matter.
Thank you in advance for any help.
Miriam Walker
Big fan and member of the Pagetuners book club.
Script by Dagon Design
