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
Genre: Fiction

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
Genre: Fiction

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
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy

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
Genre: Fiction

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
Genre: Fiction

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
Genre: Fiction

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
Genre: Fiction

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
Genre: Fiction

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
Genre: Fiction

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

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

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
Genre: Fiction

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.

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"Oh, magic hour, when a child first knows she can read printed words!" — A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, 1943