Blubber (Judy Blume)

I like Judy Blume's Fudge series, but her other books aren't that great. This book has no redeeming qualities. One of the rules in writing children's books is that the main character should be likeable. But the main character was the most horrible, spoiled, rude, rotten bully. She constantly makes fun of an over weight girl in school along with her fellow bullies, puts rotten eggs in a neighbor's mail box, talks back to her parents, etc. Absolutely a horrible character, so it was hard to like the book (and I tried). This book was written in the 1970's, and I was surprised to see the word "bitch" in the book (the main character called an adult a bitch). I don't believe this is a very good book for a child to read. It might give them ideas on how to be a rotten child. I was surprised this book was even published.

It is incredible that "Blubber," first published in 1974, is just as relevant today in presenting the problem of bullying and showing the powerlessness of the victims and the damage done by silence. It is not often that an author will address the issue at the conclusion of the book, but Judy Blume does. "Being bullied feels so humiliating, it's such a terrible and frightening experience, that kids are often afraid to tell anyone, even their parents. But keeping a secret doesn't help anyone. It just makes it worse. It leaves the bully thinking she or he can get away with anything." Blume continues by advising the reader/bully victim to talk to trustworthy people and not to worry alone. In "Blubber," Wendy is the most popular girl in fifth grade but abuses her power by bullying one person, the least powerful, the weak link in the human chain. Linda is overweight. After Linda gives her report on whales and describes how blubber is removed, Wendy opts to call her "Blubber" from th... Read more

it is true this book was written in the mid 1970s but it could take place today - 30 years has not changed the under 12 social dynamics or the message put for in the narrative. We are supposed to identify with/ like Jill though she can be harsh and Kenny is meant to be a stabilizing force. He is a likeable character who shows a different side of Linda at the Bar Mitzva. JIll does get a taste of her own medicine when she stands up to Wendy. there character types are recognizeable to most of us at some point in our lives. I liked the book as a teen ager and still like it now as an adult.

I find it amazing that there are reviewers on here that are 'appalled' at the way the kids in this story treat each other and 'swear'. I am a fifth grade teacher, and I can tell you, this is reality people. Not only have I been called a 'b..tch' to my face, I've heard other kids call teachers this and worse. I've seen kids trying to fit in by going along with the ring leader of the class, or singling out the weakest link in order to show their power. As for no resolution; this isn't a Disney Movie. This is how it happens in real life. Not every book should end with all the characters sitting around the campfire singing 'Kumbayaa'. And as for the reviewer who took her complaint about the book to the principal of the school to have it immediately removed. That is what I find appalling! This is America lady! Land of the Free, freedom of speech, press, and all that. Just because you find it offensive, doesn't make you are the judge for what every other child should be allowed to r... Read more