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.
838 entries.
Judy,
Like so many others have expressed, your books have been a huge part of my life and childhood. Upon watching Judy Blume Forever, it occurred to me that I could and should have written to you as a child! It would have been a thrill for me to correspond with you. I wanted to be a writer then; in many ways I still do and have never given it a shot. I wonder if writing to you could have given me more courage to try.
Even so, I’m grateful that now I realize it can be done and it’s easier than ever with the internet! I loved watching the documentary and hearing how so many others have resonated with your books just as I did, and it comes as no surprise that they have influenced many other creative people whom I admire. Something that I found funny was the idea that your books were controversial—as a child, I think you must accept whatever is presented to you for what it is because you don’t have as much to compare it to. I’m so grateful for that, that I was able to read your books and not know that there were adults out there making a fuss over talking about periods and bras. (In some way, I think I perceived that adults appreciated your books because they could fill in where the adults were uncomfortable. My fourth grade teacher must have asked me a thousand times, “Did you read Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret yet?”) I loved that you said you and your friends talked so openly about yourselves and your bodies, but my friends didn’t do that, and I was able to live out those conversations through the characters in your books. Through Margaret, whose anxieties about getting her period mirrored my own fears that I would never develop a chest. Through Jill, who was a bystander to bullying as I, upon reading the book, realized I sometimes was, and began to question my behavior. Perhaps most importantly, through Stephanie, with her “Benjamin Moore” poster (the arguments I had with my dad about damaging paint by taping posters to my wall were infinite!) The dynamic among Stephanie and her friends was so similar to mine, and I learned so much from the way Stephanie, Rachel and Alison navigated their social dynamics. I learned to see that someone’s weird behavior is probably a cover for something going on underneath the surface, and I believe I began to develop more compassion because of that. Just as Long as We’re Together wasn’t even mentioned in the documentary, but it was a book that I must have read fifty times! I still have my old dog-eared copy, and I’ll never get rid of it.
Some years ago, I spotted a modern edition of Margaret in a bookstore where the title is printed inside what look like text message bubbles, and I was overjoyed to see that these stories continue on for young people today. It was a delight to relive some of the memories of reading these cherished books in the documentary, and to learn more about you and your life. I wish that I could be as clear on my goals and desires as you have been, as fearless to do something that everybody didn’t just accept. Your life is as influential to me as your books, and I’m so thankful you exist.
Like so many others have expressed, your books have been a huge part of my life and childhood. Upon watching Judy Blume Forever, it occurred to me that I could and should have written to you as a child! It would have been a thrill for me to correspond with you. I wanted to be a writer then; in many ways I still do and have never given it a shot. I wonder if writing to you could have given me more courage to try.
Even so, I’m grateful that now I realize it can be done and it’s easier than ever with the internet! I loved watching the documentary and hearing how so many others have resonated with your books just as I did, and it comes as no surprise that they have influenced many other creative people whom I admire. Something that I found funny was the idea that your books were controversial—as a child, I think you must accept whatever is presented to you for what it is because you don’t have as much to compare it to. I’m so grateful for that, that I was able to read your books and not know that there were adults out there making a fuss over talking about periods and bras. (In some way, I think I perceived that adults appreciated your books because they could fill in where the adults were uncomfortable. My fourth grade teacher must have asked me a thousand times, “Did you read Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret yet?”) I loved that you said you and your friends talked so openly about yourselves and your bodies, but my friends didn’t do that, and I was able to live out those conversations through the characters in your books. Through Margaret, whose anxieties about getting her period mirrored my own fears that I would never develop a chest. Through Jill, who was a bystander to bullying as I, upon reading the book, realized I sometimes was, and began to question my behavior. Perhaps most importantly, through Stephanie, with her “Benjamin Moore” poster (the arguments I had with my dad about damaging paint by taping posters to my wall were infinite!) The dynamic among Stephanie and her friends was so similar to mine, and I learned so much from the way Stephanie, Rachel and Alison navigated their social dynamics. I learned to see that someone’s weird behavior is probably a cover for something going on underneath the surface, and I believe I began to develop more compassion because of that. Just as Long as We’re Together wasn’t even mentioned in the documentary, but it was a book that I must have read fifty times! I still have my old dog-eared copy, and I’ll never get rid of it.
Some years ago, I spotted a modern edition of Margaret in a bookstore where the title is printed inside what look like text message bubbles, and I was overjoyed to see that these stories continue on for young people today. It was a delight to relive some of the memories of reading these cherished books in the documentary, and to learn more about you and your life. I wish that I could be as clear on my goals and desires as you have been, as fearless to do something that everybody didn’t just accept. Your life is as influential to me as your books, and I’m so thankful you exist.
Dear Judy,
My name is Jill. I’m now 42 and I have to admit I’ve never read it’s me, Margaret. I watched a documentary about you and the controversy surrounding the book is what drew me in, but then I realized that I needed to read this book. I have dissociative identity disorder. It’s a disorder formed from trauma in childhood. My brain didn’t have a chance to develop the way a normal child’s do so I am learning these things now at 42 almost 43. I can relate to how you tell the stories from your experience and as an adult because I am experiencing these things as an adult from a child’s mindset. I’d like you to know that there are people out there like me who benefit from your books as adults too. Thank you so much for everything that you do and the connections that you help us to feel. I recently remembered that I love to read. I forget a lot because of the disorder but I remember one of my favorite books is super fudge. I read many of your books when I was young I just don’t remember them. I’m going to reread them. Thank you for being honest. Thank you for helping people like me. I know I didn’t take the time to do the punctuation and everything perfect in this email, but I thank you for reading it. It took a lot of courage to write it. I don’t usually do things like this, but I feel that it’s important to educate and shed a light on people like me. I hope someday you’ll write me back. Take care and good luck on the movie. I will write again after I’ve read the book.
Best wishes,
Jill.
My name is Jill. I’m now 42 and I have to admit I’ve never read it’s me, Margaret. I watched a documentary about you and the controversy surrounding the book is what drew me in, but then I realized that I needed to read this book. I have dissociative identity disorder. It’s a disorder formed from trauma in childhood. My brain didn’t have a chance to develop the way a normal child’s do so I am learning these things now at 42 almost 43. I can relate to how you tell the stories from your experience and as an adult because I am experiencing these things as an adult from a child’s mindset. I’d like you to know that there are people out there like me who benefit from your books as adults too. Thank you so much for everything that you do and the connections that you help us to feel. I recently remembered that I love to read. I forget a lot because of the disorder but I remember one of my favorite books is super fudge. I read many of your books when I was young I just don’t remember them. I’m going to reread them. Thank you for being honest. Thank you for helping people like me. I know I didn’t take the time to do the punctuation and everything perfect in this email, but I thank you for reading it. It took a lot of courage to write it. I don’t usually do things like this, but I feel that it’s important to educate and shed a light on people like me. I hope someday you’ll write me back. Take care and good luck on the movie. I will write again after I’ve read the book.
Best wishes,
Jill.
Dear Judy Blume,
Growing up I genuinely had no idea you could write authors. You're everywhere in the news now and I wanted to finally find a way to send a message to you, even if I never get a response. Although I'm sad my letter writing skills are being wasted, I thought you would still use snail mail!
When I was in fourth and fifth grade I got introduced to your series Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and got super hooked. I've also read Are You There God It's Me Margaret but the Fudge series is my all-time favorite of yours because I relate a lot to the characters. I'm the oldest with two siblings and they got away with everything!! I liked the realism your books had, they were different from other books I read which were huge epic fantasy adventures I didn't relate to and I liked them more because I was a very quirky, creative kid growing up and saw the world differently. And I had the worst luck!
I'm writing my own books now and I have you to thank for that. Had I never read you, I never would've even conceived the idea of authorhood, but I know I want to write books like yours and inspire kids with timeless messages. In fact when I was in fourth grade I wrote a story in a notebook I carried around everywhere, heavily inspired by your own books about a prank war, called 4th Grade Stinkbombs. I hope to publish it seriously one day.
Thank you for jumpstarting my own career and creating my love of writing. Your books are still important to this day and even though I'm only 25, younger than many fans of yours, your books are beloved still and mean a lot to kids everywhere. It sucks that you have to keep fighting book bans even in this day and age. I hope I get to meet you one day and talk to you in person. Thanks again for all you've done for children and women throughout your life.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
Growing up I genuinely had no idea you could write authors. You're everywhere in the news now and I wanted to finally find a way to send a message to you, even if I never get a response. Although I'm sad my letter writing skills are being wasted, I thought you would still use snail mail!
When I was in fourth and fifth grade I got introduced to your series Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and got super hooked. I've also read Are You There God It's Me Margaret but the Fudge series is my all-time favorite of yours because I relate a lot to the characters. I'm the oldest with two siblings and they got away with everything!! I liked the realism your books had, they were different from other books I read which were huge epic fantasy adventures I didn't relate to and I liked them more because I was a very quirky, creative kid growing up and saw the world differently. And I had the worst luck!
I'm writing my own books now and I have you to thank for that. Had I never read you, I never would've even conceived the idea of authorhood, but I know I want to write books like yours and inspire kids with timeless messages. In fact when I was in fourth grade I wrote a story in a notebook I carried around everywhere, heavily inspired by your own books about a prank war, called 4th Grade Stinkbombs. I hope to publish it seriously one day.
Thank you for jumpstarting my own career and creating my love of writing. Your books are still important to this day and even though I'm only 25, younger than many fans of yours, your books are beloved still and mean a lot to kids everywhere. It sucks that you have to keep fighting book bans even in this day and age. I hope I get to meet you one day and talk to you in person. Thanks again for all you've done for children and women throughout your life.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
Hi Judy,
I loved your books. I just heard you on Fresh Air. I have one piece of advice for you: get a tricycle! They're the best.
Love, April
I loved your books. I just heard you on Fresh Air. I have one piece of advice for you: get a tricycle! They're the best.
Love, April
Dear Ms. Blume, I just finished watching the documentary on your life and work on Amazon Prime. I am 56 and have read every one of your books, starting when I was about 10 years old. I am so thirlled to be able to tell you the emormous impact your books had on me, in every positive way possible. I especially connected with "Tiger Eyes". I lost my father whenI was 7 and never knew anyone else who had that happen to them growing up. It was as if you were writing about my life. I have loved every word you ever wrote. I just need to say thank you for you.
Hi, Judy Blume (as the kids call you),
I found your documentary on Amazon Prime when I was searching for something to watch last night. As a girl growing up in the 1970's and 80's, I loved your books! I also did not know how active you continue to be in the censorship "arena (for lack of a better word)," and what a strong woman you are - raw and genuine. I especially enjoyed the part about you appearing on the show Crossfire and your question to Buchanan - I laughed hard a that part of the documentary!
Well...back to last night. I was watching your documentary while working on my computer when I learned about the non-profit bookstore you and your husband started in Key West, FL where you lived. My wife was downstairs in bed when I flew off of the couch, knocked my cell phone and the remote on the floor and ran downstairs and opened the door, "Toni! We need to go to Key West!"
"Why?" she suspiciously asks
"Judy Blume has a bookstore there and she goes there."
"Cool!" she says.
I went back upstairs to finish watching the documentary. The little bit of news made my day (which was no feat, I just came home from a cancer support group)! Suddenly, our vacation plans has changed. What could be better than Key West - meeting Judy Blume, the ocean, and rainbow flags flying everywhere? I was wondering how I would find out when you would be in Key West, FL this summer (not away for some reason)? I will be coming a long way and my main reason would be to meet you. Any information for vacation planning would be helpful. Thank you Judy Blume!
I found your documentary on Amazon Prime when I was searching for something to watch last night. As a girl growing up in the 1970's and 80's, I loved your books! I also did not know how active you continue to be in the censorship "arena (for lack of a better word)," and what a strong woman you are - raw and genuine. I especially enjoyed the part about you appearing on the show Crossfire and your question to Buchanan - I laughed hard a that part of the documentary!
Well...back to last night. I was watching your documentary while working on my computer when I learned about the non-profit bookstore you and your husband started in Key West, FL where you lived. My wife was downstairs in bed when I flew off of the couch, knocked my cell phone and the remote on the floor and ran downstairs and opened the door, "Toni! We need to go to Key West!"
"Why?" she suspiciously asks
"Judy Blume has a bookstore there and she goes there."
"Cool!" she says.
I went back upstairs to finish watching the documentary. The little bit of news made my day (which was no feat, I just came home from a cancer support group)! Suddenly, our vacation plans has changed. What could be better than Key West - meeting Judy Blume, the ocean, and rainbow flags flying everywhere? I was wondering how I would find out when you would be in Key West, FL this summer (not away for some reason)? I will be coming a long way and my main reason would be to meet you. Any information for vacation planning would be helpful. Thank you Judy Blume!
Dear Ms. Judy,
I wanted you to know how much of an impact you had on my childhood, tween years and early teen years. I was a very shy girl growing up and I was also terrified of losing my father. Your books gave me a safe place to learn about my place, learn about the world and made me feel safe to feel big emotions.
My first book that I ever read was Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great. I have been such a huge fan of yours and I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a champion for young people, women and just lovers of literature in general.
Fun fact - I’ve read all of your children and young adult books. Thank you so so much. You’re a light in this world. Thank you for creating a safe space for me to lose myself in and have a great imagination. I hope you know how much you’ve touched my life all the way on the tiny island of Jamaica.
I wanted you to know how much of an impact you had on my childhood, tween years and early teen years. I was a very shy girl growing up and I was also terrified of losing my father. Your books gave me a safe place to learn about my place, learn about the world and made me feel safe to feel big emotions.
My first book that I ever read was Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great. I have been such a huge fan of yours and I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a champion for young people, women and just lovers of literature in general.
Fun fact - I’ve read all of your children and young adult books. Thank you so so much. You’re a light in this world. Thank you for creating a safe space for me to lose myself in and have a great imagination. I hope you know how much you’ve touched my life all the way on the tiny island of Jamaica.
Dear Ms Blume, I recently saw an advertisement they are promoting the movie “Are you there God, it’s me, Margaret.” I cannot tell you how thrilled I was to see this and I will look forward to seeing the movie. I am now a 60 years old woman. When I was an adolescent, I chose that book to read, and at the time I was going to a different school than my families religious beliefs. I got in trouble for reading your book because it was not school appropriate. I was admonished and my religion belittled. Regardless, I had a little rebellion, and my open-minded parents, let me read it in the quiet of my home. Your book made a big impact on me and helped me to figure out things that were scary and confusing about my body, my religious views, and about figuring out who were my true friends, I’m really not trying to emphasize what happened during that time, but wanted to share with you that, even after all these years, you made a huge impact on my life. I was able to understand myself, I was able to embrace and understand my.body changes, my religious identity, and I was also able to make true friends. I think some writers, write merely for story telling alone, and not really think about the impact it might have on people that read the stories. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, Ms. Blume. KNOW you are one the first people that wrote in a way for me to truly understand at my level, to impact my life and to quiet a lot of fears and confusion that I had. With the most humbleness of thanks and gratitude. Lisa W
Do you recall Joe Lieberman from Elizabeth New Jersey? He was my father but he died months after my birth. I was in an orphanage and finally got adopted. His dad was a pediatrician in Elizabeth. According to a childhood neighbor, Gail, you and Joe hung out at the YMCA together. I sure would love to hear stories.
BTW, I taught fourth grade and my students and I loved your books!
BTW, I taught fourth grade and my students and I loved your books!
Dear, judy Blume
I'm a kid in 3rd grade in Ms wolf's class I'm nine years old.
I love all of your books the one I'm reading is Super Fudge It's funny and also fun to read Super fudge is also in fact my favorite book your books are so fantastic I love reading them all. I am a great fan of your too.
from:Mike to: judy blume
I'm a kid in 3rd grade in Ms wolf's class I'm nine years old.
I love all of your books the one I'm reading is Super Fudge It's funny and also fun to read Super fudge is also in fact my favorite book your books are so fantastic I love reading them all. I am a great fan of your too.
from:Mike to: judy blume
I really love superfudge it's very funny and a good book to read.At first i didn't like the book but now I love it.
Hi, Judy!! My class is reading SuperFudge right now and I love the book!! My favorite part of the series is when Peter becomes friends with Alex Santo!! It's fun! I really love the book and I hope you make another one!! But just remember, take your time if you need to!! You don't need to make books all the time! Bye bye!! 🙂
I’ve been an activist since I was 18 years old
When I was a nurse in training
It was before Roe and I saw too many poor and uneducated young women that died from blood loss and septicemia
Now my kids and grandchildren are activist🥰
When I was a nurse in training
It was before Roe and I saw too many poor and uneducated young women that died from blood loss and septicemia
Now my kids and grandchildren are activist🥰
I’m on psychiatric boards at UCLA and I was an RN at Harvard University. I’ve seen too many attempted suicides in both places because they didn’t get the grades that their parents wanted
Very sad
Now I speak on learning disabilities
I do
my want to stop
Very sad
Now I speak on learning disabilities
I do
my want to stop
I do appreciate your books for my children
I’m 79 years old and I wish I had your books then
My sister and I have written a book. September Somewhere based on my crazy young adult life
We are called “Two Grandmas with a purpose
My sister and have always worked and always learned
Thank you Judy
Susan Lerner
I’m 79 years old and I wish I had your books then
My sister and I have written a book. September Somewhere based on my crazy young adult life
We are called “Two Grandmas with a purpose
My sister and have always worked and always learned
Thank you Judy
Susan Lerner
I watched Judy Blume Forever today. I have been a huge fan since I was a young kid. I have read almost every book. I remember thinking so many times reading the stories as a kid.....how does she know? The hidden thoughts. Because my childhood was not a good one, I would lose myself in books. When I read, I imagine myself as the main character. It was an escape from my reality. Thank you for taking a chance and becoming a writer. You have made such a difference in so many lives. You will forever be one of my favorite authors.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Stacy
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Stacy
Hi Judy!
Now what does age have to do with anything, just another label..... I was so blessed to get my period at 8 1/2 years old..Huh??..Oh my!!!! What is this in life? I don't even brush my hair nor combed, my hair back then...and did not care, tomboy girl playing in the woods climbing trees, playing tonka trucks!!! lol
Thank Goodness for YOU! You awesome woman.....Have you ever thought about running for President of the USA....We need a smart intelligent woman as you are. Peace!!!!! Love, Teesha
Now what does age have to do with anything, just another label..... I was so blessed to get my period at 8 1/2 years old..Huh??..Oh my!!!! What is this in life? I don't even brush my hair nor combed, my hair back then...and did not care, tomboy girl playing in the woods climbing trees, playing tonka trucks!!! lol
Thank Goodness for YOU! You awesome woman.....Have you ever thought about running for President of the USA....We need a smart intelligent woman as you are. Peace!!!!! Love, Teesha
I love your books from the very beginning when I was 12 years old. I couldn’t wait to get to the library and check out. Are you there? God it’s me, Margaret and Forever…. I watched your documentary on Prime. And I like what you said about women that we could have it all just not all at once.
I just want to touch briefly on the subject of abortion. It’s so difficult for me to think that the weakest among us, the ones that Count on us the most, which are also potentially women, we CAN discard them so easily.
I turn into a sap for babies. I’m so weak kneed when it comes to the pre-born. Some of those cells during conception are future women. They depend on us to give them a shot at life.
I error on the side of life.
I just want to touch briefly on the subject of abortion. It’s so difficult for me to think that the weakest among us, the ones that Count on us the most, which are also potentially women, we CAN discard them so easily.
I turn into a sap for babies. I’m so weak kneed when it comes to the pre-born. Some of those cells during conception are future women. They depend on us to give them a shot at life.
I error on the side of life.
Dear Judy,
I watched the Forever documentary over the weekend, and it made my own history wash over me in alternating hot and cold waves. My very first Blume book was "Margaret" and I ordered it through a Scholastic book flyer around 1978, when I was in the fourth grade.
I'm a social work professor now, and I realized in watching Forever that part of why I teach what I do - and how - comes from what I learned from you and your writing. I'm old enough to remember the first censorship wars over your books, and now, seeing them revisited, I'm confronted by the truth that cowards will always try to censor the truths they don't wish to admit are real in the name of "protecting" children. The only thing that may be more real and true than your books is the authenticity and truth in the letters you've received over the decades from youths who have demonstrated they need adults who will be honest with them in their negotiations of truth and reality. It struck me, looking at the boxes and boxes of letters that you've had a hand in carefully archiving, that you are staring at decades of youths' loneliness that, if harnessed by the power of knowing they were not alone in the world, could be a force of empowerment for others and be a collective voice against the isolation that fuels so many youths' mental health crisis today.
I would not expect you to choose an easy retirement by any means, but it appears that you continue to be a necessary footsoldier in the battle for the truth (pardon the violent metaphor). Now, as a 53-year-old professor, I am as thankful for your work and your example as I was for your books when I was an awkward early-developing kid in small-town Michigan in the 1970s.
Thanks, Judy, for being unflinching in the face of both cowardice and the truth.
Sincerely,
Claudette GD
University of Oklahoma
I watched the Forever documentary over the weekend, and it made my own history wash over me in alternating hot and cold waves. My very first Blume book was "Margaret" and I ordered it through a Scholastic book flyer around 1978, when I was in the fourth grade.
I'm a social work professor now, and I realized in watching Forever that part of why I teach what I do - and how - comes from what I learned from you and your writing. I'm old enough to remember the first censorship wars over your books, and now, seeing them revisited, I'm confronted by the truth that cowards will always try to censor the truths they don't wish to admit are real in the name of "protecting" children. The only thing that may be more real and true than your books is the authenticity and truth in the letters you've received over the decades from youths who have demonstrated they need adults who will be honest with them in their negotiations of truth and reality. It struck me, looking at the boxes and boxes of letters that you've had a hand in carefully archiving, that you are staring at decades of youths' loneliness that, if harnessed by the power of knowing they were not alone in the world, could be a force of empowerment for others and be a collective voice against the isolation that fuels so many youths' mental health crisis today.
I would not expect you to choose an easy retirement by any means, but it appears that you continue to be a necessary footsoldier in the battle for the truth (pardon the violent metaphor). Now, as a 53-year-old professor, I am as thankful for your work and your example as I was for your books when I was an awkward early-developing kid in small-town Michigan in the 1970s.
Thanks, Judy, for being unflinching in the face of both cowardice and the truth.
Sincerely,
Claudette GD
University of Oklahoma
So I’m 32years old. Not a kid. Just watched the documentary. I absolutely love all Judy Blume. Always have and thank you for putting the documentary out.I’ll even get a JB tattoo. She’s the Mother of us all 💕
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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