It’s been a while since I’ve done this. But I really love
(briefly) flashing back to the old days (think 1980s). So I got to thinking:
What haven’t I touched on? What was important to me when I was younger? Well,
reading, of course. So naturally, I thought of
Judy Blume.
Back in the day, many of her books were considered highly
controversial. Some of them were banned. But somehow—even while attending a
Catholic school—we junior high girls managed to consume her books as if they
were chocolate. I think it was the allure of the controversy…in a highly
sheltered parochial school setting.
We girls carried her books around and secretly talked about
them at recess time. My thoughts are that the sisters (nuns) had absolutely no
clue what was inside the pages of Judy Blume’s books.
So here are a few I read back in the day (not so very long ago--yeah, right).
Menstruation
Male puberty
Bullying
I've not read them in (um) decades, so I’m not totally sure
if they’re still considered controversial at all. I’m thinking in light of the
Twilight series and some of the other things I’ve read in YA literature (with
some books I use the term literature VERY
loosely), these books are now pretty tame. But, to me, Judy Blume was an
awesome trailblazer! And she’s still awesome today!
LOL I've read these Judy Blume posts.
ReplyDeleteHere is the link to my work's website, Susan. This should tell you what we do http://ucat.usor.utah.gov/
Thanks, Michael. I'm heading over to check it out. I have a special place in my heart for people who work with the differently-abled. It doesn't surprise me that you're one of them.
DeleteIn answer to your email since it is marked (no reply) the answer is "Yes".
DeleteI recommend you find a center near you that has an iPad lab and get introduced to the app ProLoQuo2Go. It's fantastic for those who are non-verbal. If you are in Utah, I would invite you to stop by our center.
Judy Blume was the greatest! She had a great way of relating to all the awkward things we were going through. Deenie is the one that most sticks out in my mind. Well, that and Wifey...snuck that one when I was waaaay to young for it...hmm, wonder if that's the reason my books always end up going a little naughtier than I meant for them to...
ReplyDeleteI haven't read these, but I do remember there being some controversy. Times have changed, methinks!
ReplyDeleteIn Medias Res
I got Blubber for my eighth birthday and read every Blume book after that. I can still remember my excitement for her books. A truly great childhood gift.
ReplyDelete