Book Review of Blubber
The Children’s Book Review
Blubber
Written by Judy Blume
Ages 9+ | 192 Pages
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers | ISBN-13: 9781481414401
What to Expect: Reality Fiction, Body Image, Bullying, and School
Judy Blume’s book Blubber is a poignant and powerful literary work that serves as a warning against the devastating effects of bullying, particularly on young children. This book draws inspiration from a real-life incident in her daughter’s fifth-grade classroom and addresses the serious issue of bullying head-on. Blume’s intention in crafting Blubber was to encourage children to speak out against bullying and remind them that bullying is unacceptable.
The story revolves around Linda, a bright and sensitive fifth-grader who a group of mean girls targets after giving a presentation on whales. The girls begin calling her Blubber and subject her to a range of emotional and physical abuses that leave Linda feeling vulnerable and afraid. Through the eyes of Jill, one of the mean girls, readers are given a glimpse into the mindset of bullies and the various reasons they may become involved in such behavior. By displaying the consequences of unfettered harassment, the reader is encouraged to consider the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.
Blubber is a reminder of the consequences of bullying, and it encourages readers to stand up to this sort of abuse when they encounter it. The engaging narrative and important message is an educational and thought-provoking read that can help inspire conversations about this issue, ultimately leading us all to a kinder, more empathetic world.
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About the Author
Judy Blume, one of America’s most popular authors, is the recipient of the 2004 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. She is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of beloved books for young people, including Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (which celebrated fifty years in 2020), and novels for adult readers, including Wifey, Summer Sisters, and In the Unlikely Event. Her work has been translated into thirty-two languages.
Visit Judy at JudyBlume.com or follow her on Twitter at @JudyBlume.
What to Read Next if You Love Books Like Blubber
- Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume
- Slob, by Ellen Potter
- Confessions of a Former Bully, by Trudy Ludwig
- Wonder, by R.J. Palacio
Bianca Schulze reviewed Blubber. Discover more books like Blubber by reading our reviews and articles tagged with reality fiction and school.
