Freedom to Read Week: Judy Blume

Judy Blume has written books that have spoken to adolescents for decades, and done so in a way no one else will.  Tackling subject deemed embarrassing, awkward and even taboo, Blume's books opened a line of communication for many pre-teens and young teens, and let them know that they were not alone.  Because she wrote about such forbidden topics as menstruation, body changes in puberty, sexuality, and religion, her books have been banned and challenged in schools and libraries across the world.  

"Censorship grows out of fear and, because fear is contagious, some parents are easily swayed. Book banning satisfies their need to feel in control of their children’s lives. This fear is often disguised as moral outrage. They want to believe that if their children do not read about it, their children will not know about it. And if they do not know about it, it will not happen."

-Judy Blume

Judy Blume speaks on censoring books.

Makers has an interview with Blume on the reason given when her book, Are you There God? It's Me, Margaret was banned in her children's school.  Find it through this link to the Makers page.