Contact Judy
Judy says: Thank you, thank you for all your wonderful notes. I only wish I could write back to each of you personally. But in order to start a new book I need serious thinking time, which means less time for e-mail. Hope you understand.
Just want you to know that my assistant and I read this guestbook every day, and try to respond when appropriate. Your continued love and support are a constant inspiration.
978 entries.
Dear Judy,
I first read “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” during fifth grade in 2004 and felt like I was being understood in a way that was immensely comforting. I was so excited for the movie version to be released and so I re-read this powerful little novel and it took me back to a time when everything was going to be ok, despite periods and breast size. Thank you for making me feel understood in fifth grade and now. I can’t wait to share your books with my kids.
I first read “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” during fifth grade in 2004 and felt like I was being understood in a way that was immensely comforting. I was so excited for the movie version to be released and so I re-read this powerful little novel and it took me back to a time when everything was going to be ok, despite periods and breast size. Thank you for making me feel understood in fifth grade and now. I can’t wait to share your books with my kids.
Ps, I have read so many of your books and loved are you there God it’s me Margaret. And I still have not found the original book nor gotten to read it even after spending my money on it to have it taken from me.sex was not spoken about when we grew up.
I’m watching your movie about your life’s story and learning so much about you. I loooved your books as a child, I had Forever and it was taken from me because my parents thought it was inappropriate for me though I wasn’t that young. I grew up during the first years of your books when they were still thought of as controversial. Your work is wonderful in that it brings to light those things that parents tried to bury. I respect your work, your life and your relationship with readers. I had no idea I could write to you. At 52 I now know that I would have had an advocate and support in you and it makes me sad that I missed that part of my growth as a kid. You are so sweet and wonderful and did so much to bring joy, acceptance and support to kids that would not otherwise have it. I’m so glad that you were “Fearless in your writing”. Many are! I’m so glad you have had a wonderful life. You are a stunning, wonderful person.
Dear Judy,
Guess what? I am a 67 year old female who has only learned of your books that I WISH I had know about for the past 6o years! I watched Judy Blume Forever and now have a lot of catching up to do in reading them and then passing along this information to help others. Thank you!!!
Guess what? I am a 67 year old female who has only learned of your books that I WISH I had know about for the past 6o years! I watched Judy Blume Forever and now have a lot of catching up to do in reading them and then passing along this information to help others. Thank you!!!
Hello Judy,
Margaret was ME, and I thank you for writing an HONEST book about ME!!! I just became an EIGHTY-YEAR OLD granny Em, but I'll never forget the 10.5 year old's horrible experience that changed MY LIFE!!
✍️❣️🧑🦰Emily Schreiber
(That's really my name.)
Margaret was ME, and I thank you for writing an HONEST book about ME!!! I just became an EIGHTY-YEAR OLD granny Em, but I'll never forget the 10.5 year old's horrible experience that changed MY LIFE!!
✍️❣️🧑🦰Emily Schreiber
(That's really my name.)
Hi Judy,
I am in the middle of watching your Amazon piece, Judy Blume Forever. Mom and Dad watched it a few days ago and dad said he definitely recognized things from the Elizabeth part. I still tell the story of when I emailed you many years ago in the AOL days, and you replied. I wish I had that email still since my wife and daughter only sort of believe that I got a response from you. Anywho.... just figured I would try to reach out again. Oh, btw, dad has a birthday today. Wishing you all the best.
Sincerely,
Marc Whitken (Mel's son)
I am in the middle of watching your Amazon piece, Judy Blume Forever. Mom and Dad watched it a few days ago and dad said he definitely recognized things from the Elizabeth part. I still tell the story of when I emailed you many years ago in the AOL days, and you replied. I wish I had that email still since my wife and daughter only sort of believe that I got a response from you. Anywho.... just figured I would try to reach out again. Oh, btw, dad has a birthday today. Wishing you all the best.
Sincerely,
Marc Whitken (Mel's son)
Hi Judy -
I’m in the middle of “In the Likely Event” and there’s a small error. Shiva only lasts 7 days, not eight as per the text on page 165. The Jewish mourning period known as Shiva derives from the Hebrew word “shiva”, meaning seven). Not sure if this was corrected in later editions, but something to correct for accuracy.
It’s amazing, as are all of your books that filled my preteen and teen years.
Stay well,
Deb
I’m in the middle of “In the Likely Event” and there’s a small error. Shiva only lasts 7 days, not eight as per the text on page 165. The Jewish mourning period known as Shiva derives from the Hebrew word “shiva”, meaning seven). Not sure if this was corrected in later editions, but something to correct for accuracy.
It’s amazing, as are all of your books that filled my preteen and teen years.
Stay well,
Deb
Hello Judy Blume,
My name is Judy Ivany. I am from a little village in Newfoundland Canada. An Island with a population about 500,000 people. I just finished Are you there God? It's me Margaret. My mom's name is Margaret and my daughters name is Margaret. Your writing is one of my favorites. As a young girl and still to this day my sister Blanche always called me blooms. I always read your books as a young girl. I belive in God. I am a child of our coming king. Blessings Judy. Keep writing. My one dream was to meet you. You shared your writing with me I would like to share a poem j wrote with you.
Loyalty
A hundred years in a city park
Oak and Chestnut grew six feet apart
A hundred years as seasons passed
Both trees send roots beneath the grass.
The water source each had to find compelled their roots to entwine and bind.
As wind force tested underneath
Never did oak and chestnut compete.
Judy Ivany
My name is Judy Ivany. I am from a little village in Newfoundland Canada. An Island with a population about 500,000 people. I just finished Are you there God? It's me Margaret. My mom's name is Margaret and my daughters name is Margaret. Your writing is one of my favorites. As a young girl and still to this day my sister Blanche always called me blooms. I always read your books as a young girl. I belive in God. I am a child of our coming king. Blessings Judy. Keep writing. My one dream was to meet you. You shared your writing with me I would like to share a poem j wrote with you.
Loyalty
A hundred years in a city park
Oak and Chestnut grew six feet apart
A hundred years as seasons passed
Both trees send roots beneath the grass.
The water source each had to find compelled their roots to entwine and bind.
As wind force tested underneath
Never did oak and chestnut compete.
Judy Ivany
Dear Judy,
I hope you don't find my using your first name disrespectful but I feel like you and I have been best friends in my head for about 40 years. I was in the 3rd grade (for the second time) and could not read. I had been placed in remedial classes for students who were struggling. My parents had tried tutors, reading programs, interventions...you name it and...I STILL COULD NOT READ.
I started 3rd grade round two I met a teacher who changed my life. She was my remediation teacher and she DETERMINED to teach me how to not only read but to LOVE reading. She started each session reading to me. No questions no information to remember, no meaning to extract...just reading for fun. The first book she began reading was your Tales of the Forth Grade Nothing. I fell in love. The story made me laugh (I didn't know books could do that). Books had only made me anxious and cry before then.
Three times a week I was taken to her class and she would always start the lesson reading to me. I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next. My teacher would stop after about 5 minutes and each time I wanted more. We would move on to our assigned activities but I wanted to get back to the book. I wanted to read it myself. I WANTED to read!
This went on for two years. We would start our lessons with a Judy Bloom book. Somewhere in that two years I learned how to read! I will NEVER forget the first book I ever read alone. It was your book Are you There God It's Me Margaret. I ready it by myself. From there I got my first library card and checked out another of your books. From then it was a blurr...book after book after book. I read every chance I got. I was on fire and in love with reading and that fire still burns in me today.
At the end of my 4th grade school year I was tested to see where my reading level was. To the amazement of my teachers my parents and myself I was reading on an 11th grade reading level and it all started with Tales of The Forth Grade Nothing. I was taken out of the remedial class and was no longer afraid of books or reading in class.
Today...40 years later because of the story you just read and the desire to light that same fire in children who struggle with reading, I am now a Special Education teacher in Fort Worth, Texas. I have spent the past 23 years of my life helping light that fire and love for reading in children. I have told this story to my students for each of those 23 years. I share my story so that they know that they too can come back from behind in anything they with to accomplish. I have literally said "Find your Judy Blume". Find the thing that lights the fire in you.
I have thanked my remediation teacher over the years but never got the chance to meet you or thank you in person...until now. Thanks you for the fire. Thank you for creating a love for reading but not only that. Thank you for showing me that I can do hard things and that nothing is beyond my grasp. You changed my life and your books helped me see my purpose and how I will leave my mark on this world.
Thank you!
I hope you don't find my using your first name disrespectful but I feel like you and I have been best friends in my head for about 40 years. I was in the 3rd grade (for the second time) and could not read. I had been placed in remedial classes for students who were struggling. My parents had tried tutors, reading programs, interventions...you name it and...I STILL COULD NOT READ.
I started 3rd grade round two I met a teacher who changed my life. She was my remediation teacher and she DETERMINED to teach me how to not only read but to LOVE reading. She started each session reading to me. No questions no information to remember, no meaning to extract...just reading for fun. The first book she began reading was your Tales of the Forth Grade Nothing. I fell in love. The story made me laugh (I didn't know books could do that). Books had only made me anxious and cry before then.
Three times a week I was taken to her class and she would always start the lesson reading to me. I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next. My teacher would stop after about 5 minutes and each time I wanted more. We would move on to our assigned activities but I wanted to get back to the book. I wanted to read it myself. I WANTED to read!
This went on for two years. We would start our lessons with a Judy Bloom book. Somewhere in that two years I learned how to read! I will NEVER forget the first book I ever read alone. It was your book Are you There God It's Me Margaret. I ready it by myself. From there I got my first library card and checked out another of your books. From then it was a blurr...book after book after book. I read every chance I got. I was on fire and in love with reading and that fire still burns in me today.
At the end of my 4th grade school year I was tested to see where my reading level was. To the amazement of my teachers my parents and myself I was reading on an 11th grade reading level and it all started with Tales of The Forth Grade Nothing. I was taken out of the remedial class and was no longer afraid of books or reading in class.
Today...40 years later because of the story you just read and the desire to light that same fire in children who struggle with reading, I am now a Special Education teacher in Fort Worth, Texas. I have spent the past 23 years of my life helping light that fire and love for reading in children. I have told this story to my students for each of those 23 years. I share my story so that they know that they too can come back from behind in anything they with to accomplish. I have literally said "Find your Judy Blume". Find the thing that lights the fire in you.
I have thanked my remediation teacher over the years but never got the chance to meet you or thank you in person...until now. Thanks you for the fire. Thank you for creating a love for reading but not only that. Thank you for showing me that I can do hard things and that nothing is beyond my grasp. You changed my life and your books helped me see my purpose and how I will leave my mark on this world.
Thank you!
Hello from Fort Lauderdale!! I work in the library at an elementary school in Fort Lauderdale and our kids just love your books! I recently viewed your documentary on amazon and learned you live in Key West. I know it's a MAJOR long shot but, for our kids, I thought I'd take a chance and ask if you would ever consider visiting our school for a day and reading a little of one of your books to our AMAZING students? What a treat it would be. A memory to last a lifetime.
Thanks for your time and your contribution to the literature!
-Harriett Hutcheson aka The Library Lady! 🙂
Thanks for your time and your contribution to the literature!
-Harriett Hutcheson aka The Library Lady! 🙂
Hi Judy,
You dedicated starring sally j. freedman as herself to your aunt, Frances Goldstein. Your dedication reads, "For my favorite aunt, Frances Goldstein...who is also my friend." My questions for you are -
Do you have other aunts aside from Aunt Frances? And if so, how did you find the courage to print for the world that she's your favorite aunt?
I'm 33 years old & reading starring sally j. freedman as herself for the very first time. I'm overwhelmed with feelings of bewilderment & awe because I feel like I'm reading a book about myself. Copyright says 1977. The Prologue is set in 1945. Then we're in 1947. My calculator says that means it's been 46 years since you published sally; 78 years since "...the war is over!"; & 76 years since Sally was scratching the itch from her scab after falling off her bike in Elizabeth, New Jersey. It's been 33 years since I was "published"; 3 years (1,185 days) since the WHO declared Covid 19 a pandemic; & 5 months (149 days) since I was laid off by my employer of 5 years. I suppose Gale Carson Levine has it right - "A library is infinity under a roof."
Thank you! Certain as the sun,
Megan E. Tonner
You dedicated starring sally j. freedman as herself to your aunt, Frances Goldstein. Your dedication reads, "For my favorite aunt, Frances Goldstein...who is also my friend." My questions for you are -
Do you have other aunts aside from Aunt Frances? And if so, how did you find the courage to print for the world that she's your favorite aunt?
I'm 33 years old & reading starring sally j. freedman as herself for the very first time. I'm overwhelmed with feelings of bewilderment & awe because I feel like I'm reading a book about myself. Copyright says 1977. The Prologue is set in 1945. Then we're in 1947. My calculator says that means it's been 46 years since you published sally; 78 years since "...the war is over!"; & 76 years since Sally was scratching the itch from her scab after falling off her bike in Elizabeth, New Jersey. It's been 33 years since I was "published"; 3 years (1,185 days) since the WHO declared Covid 19 a pandemic; & 5 months (149 days) since I was laid off by my employer of 5 years. I suppose Gale Carson Levine has it right - "A library is infinity under a roof."
Thank you! Certain as the sun,
Megan E. Tonner
Hi Judy! I'm watching your documentary on Amazon and reflecting on my own adolescence at the same time. I never read any of your books until I was an adult, and I read Starring Sally J Freedman as Herself and In the Unlikely Event. I loved both of them so much. I wish I had your books when I was growing up because my parents didn't talk to me about anything really when it came to growing up and the trials and tribulations that come with it. I feel like I sort of missed out. I wasn't much of a reader growing up and just didn't really know about your books. But now I wish I had. My husband and I do not have children but if we did, I would definitely introduce them to your books! And I am going to read more of your books myself. Thank you for your writings! Wish I had discovered them earlier in life!
Dear Judy,
One of my favorite books growing up was "Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself." I wanted so badly to be Sally's best friend. I just re-read it and realized how autobiographical it was. Thank you for being my friend. You are such a gift to the world.
One of my favorite books growing up was "Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself." I wanted so badly to be Sally's best friend. I just re-read it and realized how autobiographical it was. Thank you for being my friend. You are such a gift to the world.
Dear Judy,
I just watched your documentary and cried! I want to thank you. I am 56 years old and your books meant the world to me growing up! They helped me through the awkward tween and teen years. I read them over and over. Thank you for being so brae and writing what we needed to read. When books are being banned all over again - I just wanted you to know what an important part of my life you played, and I am not sure I could have gotten through adolescence without your books.
Much love,
Amy
I just watched your documentary and cried! I want to thank you. I am 56 years old and your books meant the world to me growing up! They helped me through the awkward tween and teen years. I read them over and over. Thank you for being so brae and writing what we needed to read. When books are being banned all over again - I just wanted you to know what an important part of my life you played, and I am not sure I could have gotten through adolescence without your books.
Much love,
Amy
Hi Judy,
I am 63 years old and consider myself an avid reader of many types of books. I am somewhat embarrassed that I have never read any of your books. In fact, I didn’t know who you were until I watched your biography on Prime.
I was drawn to your name because I dated a guy in the late 80s that had a band called The Judy Blume.
I never knew what that name meant and never asked.
This is crazy that I am just now discovering who you are.
With all this awful business of banning books and that you lived and are living that.. as we all are
I am now on my quest to read all your books and I will start at the beginning.
Thank you for telling your story and educating this 60 something gal.
Jody
I am 63 years old and consider myself an avid reader of many types of books. I am somewhat embarrassed that I have never read any of your books. In fact, I didn’t know who you were until I watched your biography on Prime.
I was drawn to your name because I dated a guy in the late 80s that had a band called The Judy Blume.
I never knew what that name meant and never asked.
This is crazy that I am just now discovering who you are.
With all this awful business of banning books and that you lived and are living that.. as we all are
I am now on my quest to read all your books and I will start at the beginning.
Thank you for telling your story and educating this 60 something gal.
Jody
Dearest Judy,
My husband has written three good size historical fiction novels but will not publish them. The characters good and bad are funny and sensitive. I cried after reading them. He is on his fourth. How can I help him get over this hurdle?
Chris my husband has such a command of the English language and was taught to read by his technical writer father. He was given the Titian Missile technical manuals to read back to his father.
Any recommendations on where to go from here?
Thank you and we hope to travel to Florida Keys to visit your book store.
Much appreciation and love for your writings.
Crystal
My husband has written three good size historical fiction novels but will not publish them. The characters good and bad are funny and sensitive. I cried after reading them. He is on his fourth. How can I help him get over this hurdle?
Chris my husband has such a command of the English language and was taught to read by his technical writer father. He was given the Titian Missile technical manuals to read back to his father.
Any recommendations on where to go from here?
Thank you and we hope to travel to Florida Keys to visit your book store.
Much appreciation and love for your writings.
Crystal
Have just read "Unlikely Event". Loved all the '50's detail. I graduated from Asbury Park High School in 1952 and I can see that all the schools were the same then: Psalm readings, Even the Jewish kids singing carols. You even wrote of a teacher named Lois, which I'm sure disappeared from name books around 1940!! I loved the Dixie cup lids, the home ec classes in middle school, the argyle socks, "Seventeenth Summer", the wedding announcement including dress (just like mine in 1957). I even remember the La Reine in Bradley Beach. And we, in a small way, had a similar disaster in the Woodbridge train accident in 1951 in which many of the casualties were commuters living in Monmouth County and from our town.
Dear Judy,
I just finished watching the documentary on you, Judy Blume Forever, and it inspired me to write. I’ve often wanted to write my favorite authors, but didn’t think my letters would be read, until I saw the documentary. What I’ve wanted to tell you for years is the impact you made on students that I read your books to. I worked as a special education assistant for 40 years with 7th and 8th graders. They had learning disabilities and because reading was very difficult, and impossible for some, they didn’t enjoy books. Many had behavioral and attention problems. I would always start out reading to them Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Before starting the book, I would ask them how many of them had younger brothers or sisters. I would ask them to tell me the irritating things they did. Then I would tell them about Fudgie and to wait and see the things Fudgie did. At first it was hard for the students to pay attention. But, I would act out the parts and use voices for “Peta,” Fudgie, their mom, and dad. It wasn’t long before they couldn’t wait for each days installment. They, as well as I, hated when each book came to an end. These books sparked their interest in the worlds books could take them into and made them want to work harder at reading. These are my favorite memories of being with the students and I hope memories they will always have. No other books I tried reading to them, prior to the Fudgie books, held their attention. After we’d finish all four, the students were more conditioned to sitting and listening and I was able to introduce more books to them. But…..they always said Fudgie was their favorite! The impact on these students is something I’ve wanted to share with you for years and now I have! Thanks for writing such amazing books!
I just finished watching the documentary on you, Judy Blume Forever, and it inspired me to write. I’ve often wanted to write my favorite authors, but didn’t think my letters would be read, until I saw the documentary. What I’ve wanted to tell you for years is the impact you made on students that I read your books to. I worked as a special education assistant for 40 years with 7th and 8th graders. They had learning disabilities and because reading was very difficult, and impossible for some, they didn’t enjoy books. Many had behavioral and attention problems. I would always start out reading to them Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Before starting the book, I would ask them how many of them had younger brothers or sisters. I would ask them to tell me the irritating things they did. Then I would tell them about Fudgie and to wait and see the things Fudgie did. At first it was hard for the students to pay attention. But, I would act out the parts and use voices for “Peta,” Fudgie, their mom, and dad. It wasn’t long before they couldn’t wait for each days installment. They, as well as I, hated when each book came to an end. These books sparked their interest in the worlds books could take them into and made them want to work harder at reading. These are my favorite memories of being with the students and I hope memories they will always have. No other books I tried reading to them, prior to the Fudgie books, held their attention. After we’d finish all four, the students were more conditioned to sitting and listening and I was able to introduce more books to them. But…..they always said Fudgie was their favorite! The impact on these students is something I’ve wanted to share with you for years and now I have! Thanks for writing such amazing books!
I'm 58 years old, and grew up in the 70's, when most parents didn't know how to talk to their kids about *anything* important. I was an anxious child, who didn't trust easily, and never felt comfortable asking for help. I was also shy, overweight, wore glasses, had red hair- and was not like the other kids in sunny California. But I loved to read!
Your books saved me. They reassured, and educated me. They made me feel normal- and I connected with other girls who were reading the same books.
You made me feel ok about myself, and changed my preteen life.
You then helped me be an honest, open Mom- my own kids thank me all the time, for all the ways I let them BE, and how they always felt safe with me.
And now I thank you for that, too.
With deepest gratitude and respect-
Julie
Your books saved me. They reassured, and educated me. They made me feel normal- and I connected with other girls who were reading the same books.
You made me feel ok about myself, and changed my preteen life.
You then helped me be an honest, open Mom- my own kids thank me all the time, for all the ways I let them BE, and how they always felt safe with me.
And now I thank you for that, too.
With deepest gratitude and respect-
Julie
Today is June 2023. As I sit her alone and cry. My realization of who I am just hit me with a ton of bricks at 16 years old. I lost my dad although I was adopted he was my dad is my mom dealt with her grief I was the last one home in the house I got no support of therapy to deal with the loss of my own, I did them things I am not proud of had three abortions through using my sister‘s ID as a group with a learning disability. I never questioned why I didn’t have therapy on the same crying because it dawned on me I was 15 1/2 and my dad had cancer and went crazy. Now I’m a mama 52 boys and triple girls who are not grown and out of the house divorced for three years contemplating if I live. As I sit here and cry to my dogs, came up to me with my face and sat with me. I have so much to write about being an adopted person. The lies. I told to be known the abortions I have done because I want to be loved the divorce I went through, because I started drinking the children I argue with stilts this day I don’t understand but why should day I gave them everything they could have. I love the understanding and the help that I never got. How is John Kim writing a book on how easy it was to find my adoptive parents 24 hours I was smart on things like that was not smart in school. Everyone thought I had everything going on myself and every day and still to this day I do I’m trying to keep up the hidden secrets of hiding. I should’ve had help back then I was only 15 for the state still haunts me. I’m surprise my kids are all OK and they are great although my ex-husband hates me we both had a faults but I laid it on him thick and I think about him often and the things I put him through and him I I am on my wits end as my mother would say. Not sure if I’ll make it tomorrow. Not sure if I’ll see you next week. I just felt that I needed to reach out to you. Maybe a glimmer of hope that you would see this my friends make fun of me because I talk backwards to this day they laugh at me they think it’s cute. I can’t communicate to my children because I’m afraid I’ll say something wrong anyway Judy I love you reading your books as a kid I can’t be going , even though I had a read each page for 56 times remember what that page is about every waiting day for movie to come out. But I just want to see my hero. All my love, Suzie.
In this Section
- Judy’s Official Bio
- Photo Gallery
- How I Became an Author
- Questions for Judy
- What’s Up With Judy
- Contact Judy
U.S. Mail:
Judy Blume
c/o Tashmoo Productions
1075 Duval Street
Suite C21 #236
Key West FL 33040
Judy’s Agent:
Suzanne Gluck
William Morris Entertainment
11 Madison Avenue, 18th floor
New York, NY 10010
Email:
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