I screened the excellent documentary during the Sundance Film Festival in January 2023, and loved the film.
Most know author Judy Blume books as her name is synonymous with the joy and agony of being an 11- or 12-year-old. Directors Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok present a full portrait of her life beginning in 1938 in New Jersey, from her transition to adult novels, her letter writing to adoring fans, and her retirement in Key West, FL.
Blume understood adolescence; she wrote bluntly, explaining awkward situations and exploring solutions. She dives deep into puberty, explaining what is happening while slowly guiding through the process.
Blume also wrote books for younger kids as well, “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing,” “Superfudge,” “Blubber” and “Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great,” were popular books with my fourth and fifth-grade students when I was teaching Gifted Literature. On numerous occasions, I read her books aloud to my students as they are so well-written and engaging.
An excellent biography, showcasing Blume reading her novels while lovingly reminiscing about her characters.
Sarah Knight Adamson@January 30, 2023
Hollywood 360Radio Network Podcast, April 22, 2023: https://bit.ly/JudyBlume-MarioBros