Judy Blume | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : April 10, 2025

Who is Judy Blume?

Judy Blume is a renowned American author known for her influential works in children's and young adult literature. Born Judith Sussman on February 12, 1938, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, she started her writing journey in the 1960s. Blume gained immense popularity with her 1970 coming-of-age novel, "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." This book, which candidly explores themes of adolescence, faith, and family, resonated with young readers and solidified her status as a leading voice in children's literature. Her honest portrayal of sensitive subjects has empowered generations of readers to navigate their own challenges.

Throughout her prolific career, Blume has penned over 85 million books, encompassing beloved titles such as "Forever..." and "Blubber." While many of her works cater to a younger audience, she has also written for adults, with novels like "Wifey" and "In the Unlikely Event." These explorations of complex human experiences demonstrate her versatility as a writer. Additionally, Blume has faced censorship due to the candid nature of her narratives, leading her to advocate for intellectual freedom and the importance of literature in addressing real-life issues. Her contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including the Margaret A. Edwards Award and recognition as a Living Legend by the Library of Congress.

Early Life and Education

Judy Blume was born Judith Sussman on February 12, 1938, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She was raised in a nurturing environment as the second child of Esther, a homemaker, and Rudolph, a dentist. From an early age, Blume exhibited a deep passion for storytelling, engaging in imaginative play and exploring her creative impulses through various activities, such as piano and dance lessons. Her love for reading and crafting stories became foundational in paving her path as a gifted author.

Blume attended Battin High School, an all-girls institution where she further cultivated her love for literature. The start of her college journey at Boston University was cut short due to a bout with mononucleosis, leading her to transfer to New York University. It was during her time at NYU that she met her future husband, John Blume. In 1959, shortly after the passing of her father, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education, setting the stage for her future writing career.

Famous Books and Career Start

Judy Blume, a celebrated author known for her impactful role in children's and young adult literature, began her writing journey in the 1960s. She made her debut with the illustrated children's book "The One in the Middle Is the Green Kangaroo", published in 1969, which marked her entry into the literary world after years of persistence amidst numerous rejections. Following this early success, she published "Iggie's House" in 1970, setting the stage for the iconic work that would solidify her reputation—"Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret". This novel resonated deeply with adolescents, tackling topics of faith, puberty, and personal identity, which became hallmark themes in Blume's writing.

Throughout her career, Blume crafted several bestsellers that addressed sensitive subjects faced by young readers. Notable titles include "Deenie" (1973) and "Forever…" (1975), both of which candidly explored body image and sexual awakening. Her ability to portray the complexities of childhood and adolescence has not only captivated millions of readers but also sparked significant discussions around censorship and intellectual freedom. Beyond her famed children's books, Blume also ventured into adult fiction with works such as "Wifey" (1978) and "In the Unlikely Event" (2015), showcasing her versatility and commitment to storytelling across generations.

Major Career Success and Achievements

Judy Blume's literary journey took flight in the 1960s, quickly establishing her as a prominent voice in children's and young adult literature. Her groundbreaking 1970 novel, "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret", resonated with young readers and addressed themes of adolescence, faith, and identity, making it a staple in school libraries. Following this success, Blume published notable works such as "Blubber" (1974) and "Forever…" (1975), both of which candidly explored sensitive topics like body image and teenage sexuality, further solidifying her connection with youth during a formative time in their lives.

Throughout her career, Blume has not only achieved remarkable sales, with over 85 million copies of her books sold globally, but she has also garnered critical acclaim and recognition. Among her accolades, she received the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement from the American Library Association in 1996 and the Library of Congress's Living Legends Award in 2000. Despite facing censorship challenges, her commitment to intellectual freedom has been unwavering, leading her to advocate against censorship and support writers under pressure. Today, Blume continues to engage with her audience through social media and new works, such as her 2015 novel "In the Unlikely Event", showcasing her enduring impact on literature.

Censorship Challenges

Judy Blume has faced significant challenges regarding censorship throughout her illustrious writing career. Despite her widespread popularity, several of her books have been targeted for removal from libraries and schools due to their candid exploration of sensitive topics. Notable titles such as "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret," "Forever…," "Deenie," "Tiger Eyes," and "Blubber" were among the American Library Association’s list of the 100 most frequently challenged books during the 1990s. This scrutiny was often due to themes involving teenage sexuality, body image, and complex familial relationships, reflecting the concerns of parents and educators regarding age-appropriate content.

In response to these censorship challenges, Blume has emerged as a prominent advocate for intellectual freedom. She joined the National Coalition Against Censorship to speak out against restrictions on literature and promote the unencumbered distribution of ideas. Her commitment to this cause led her to edit "Places I Never Meant to Be," a collection of short stories from authors who have also encountered similar censorship pressures. Through her activism, Blume not only defends her own work but also supports the literary rights of many other authors whose voices are stifled.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Judy Blume's personal life reflects both the joys and challenges of love and family. Born Judith Sussman, she married lawyer John Blume shortly after completing her education at New York University, a significant event that followed the death of her father in 1959. Together, they welcomed two children: a daughter, Randy, and a son, Lawrence. However, her marriage to John was short-lived, and they divorced in 1975. Blume's experiences as a young mother navigating family life would later inform many of her beloved children's books.

In the late 1970s, after her divorce, Blume married physicist Thomas Kitchens. Although this union was brief, it contributed to her rich tapestry of relationships. In 1987, she found enduring happiness in her third marriage to George Cooper, a former law professor. This partnership has provided her with both emotional support and stability over the years. Together, they enjoy a life that spans Key West, New York City, and Martha's Vineyard, fostering a secure environment that encourages her creative pursuits while embracing the joys of family, including stepmotherhood to Amanda Cooper, a political consultant.

Net Worth and Earnings

Judy Blume is not only a celebrated author but also a successful entrepreneur in the literary world. As of 2023, her estimated net worth exceeds $10 million, largely attributable to her prolific writing career that spans over five decades. Blume's works have sold more than 85 million copies worldwide and have been translated into nearly 30 languages, exemplifying her widespread appeal and influence. Additionally, her involvement in adaptations of her works, such as the film "Tiger Eyes," has contributed to her overall earnings, showcasing her versatility beyond the pages of her books.

In addition to book sales, Blume's earnings are augmented by royalties from her published works, which include numerous bestsellers for both young readers and adults. Her engagement with fans through social media platforms allows her to maintain relevance within the literary community and public eye, potentially leading to further income-generating opportunities. Blume has also enjoyed a successful career as a speaker, participating in events and conferences that focus on the importance of literature, reading, and intellectual freedom, all of which enhance her brand and contribute to her financial success.