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Featured books by

Judy Blume

Few authors are as well known as Judy Blume. Her popularity is due to her ability to capture real children and their families, growing, changing and laughing together. Join Peter and his family as they share daily life and living in New York City. Watch the Pain and the Great One engage in school adventures, and more. Even if you're beyond childhood or adolescence, Judy Blume is sure to remind you how you once were as you share these books with the young people in your lives.

Cool Zone with the Pain and the Great One
Cool Zone with the Pain and the Great One
By: Judy Blume
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Jake (aka The Pain), a first grader and his sister, 3rd grader Abigail (aka The Great One), share vignettes in alternating chapters about life and living in their school and at home. Though they are indeed sibling rivals, each child is fiercely loyal to the other and confronts familiar school problems as a duo with verve and humor.

Double Fudge
Double Fudge
By: Judy Blume
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

When the Hatchers visit Washington D.C. so that money-obsessed Fudge can see where it is printed, they run into distant cousins who then invite themselves to stay with their relatives in New York City. Chaos ensues when the families share close quarters, all creating lots of laughs for readers.

Freckle Juice
Freckle Juice
By: Judy Blume
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Andrew really wants to have freckles like his friend Nicky so badly that he buys a fake formula from his class enemy, Sharon. The results are unexpected and funny — presented with a keen eye for real children and their desires.

Freckle Juice & The One in the Middle Is the Green Kangaroo
Freckle Juice & The One in the Middle Is the Green Kangaroo
By: Judy Blume
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Children will recognize themselves and everyday problems in these two modern classics.

Friend or Fiend? With the Pain & the Great One
Friend or Fiend? With the Pain & the Great One
By: Judy Blume
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Jake (aka the Pain) and his older sister Abigail (the Great One) are back, each sharing one of their experiences, alternating perspectives and voices from one chapter to the next. Each vignette is plausible, recognizable, and often humorous. Cartoon-like illustrations enhance the characterization and their wit.

Fudge-a-Mania
Fudge-a-Mania
By: Judy Blume
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Now not only does Peter's little brother, Fudge, decide he loves Peter's sworn enemy, Sheila Tubman, his parents rent a vacation home with them! There, a grandparent from each family meets, fall in love, and decide to marry — making Sheila and Peter relatives. Rip-roaring humor abounds in this rollicking continuing family saga.

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great
Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great
By: Judy Blume
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

What happens to a city kid who spends the summer in the country? Sheila Tubman (aka as Peter Hatcher's nemesis) finds out as she confronts her fears ranging from dogs to swimming. Snappy dialog and recognizable characters come to life through Sheila's narration.

Pain and the Great One
Pain and the Great One
By: Judy Blume
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

In a shorter form, Jake and Abigail (better known as the Pain and the Great One) are introduced. As with other stories, each views the other as best loved in the family but share an abiding loyalty for the other. Anyone with a sibling will appreciate this gently humorous tale.

Superfudge
Superfudge
By: Judy Blume
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Peter is now 12 and still tormented by younger brother, Fudge. And then he learns that his parents want to leave New York City for some time in the country — and a new baby in the family. One Fudge is bad enough, but how will Peter cope with yet another? Humor abounds in this recognizable tale.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
By: Judy Blume
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Meet the Hatchers through the voice of Peter, the oldest of son, tormented (as all siblings are) by his younger and perennially "cute" brother, Farley (better known as Fudge). Their life in an apartment in New York City sparkles with humor and plausible family scenes in this first of the stories of Peter, his family, and ultimately his neighbors.

The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo
The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo
By: Judy Blume
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

It's tough being the middle child, between an older brother and younger sister. Second grade Freddy says he sometimes feels squeezed like the peanut butter part of a sandwich but happily, he establishes himself as special nonetheless. Memorable characters and recognizable situations make this book both satisfying and appealing.

Interested in wonderful interviews with tween and teen authors? Hop on over to our sister site, AdLit.org, and browse the library.

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