Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
Blubber by Judy Blume
Yes, I'm back again with a classic middle grade novel by Judy Blume. Blubber is one book that I wasn't anxious to read, since I knew it was on the topic of bullying. Yes, it's an important topic for discussion and sadly, it still goes on in schools, despite programs to educate and eliminate bullying.
In this case a plump girl, Linda, is the butt of cruel jokes and teasing by many of of the kids in her fifth grade class. Jill, the main character, also participates in the teasing, but she's not physically abusive, as Wendy is -- the ring leader, super tormentor, and most blatant bullier. Linda doesn't stand up for herself and that is what rankles Jill the most (and probably helps her to participate in the teasing). None of these girls are role models or sympathetic, but they are portrayed realistically.
Later Jill also faces bullying for crossing Wendy. When Jill is on the outside looking in, she has a better understanding and appreciation for what Linda went through. You might think this insight would bring Linda and Jill closer, but no. Now Wendy pulls Linda in to pick on Jill! The cycle continues with the players realigned. Jill now knows more about what's right and what's wrong, but nothing's really changed--the bullying continues. Wendy is still the bullying ringleader.
Since it's a slice of real life, there's no truly happy ending. The bullies don't learn from their bad behavior. The teasing and tormenting continues. Kids reading this story may see themselves in the role of a bully or one who's bullied. Since it's disturbing and all too true, they may learn something about how not to be and why. It was disappointing to me that the adults--mainly the teachers--were so clueless. If those being bullied don't get help, permanent damage could result, i.e., ostracism, even suicidal events. If those doing the bullying aren't stopped, they could go on to bully many more kids causing more psychological and physical harm. Trust Judy Blume to "tell it like it is."
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Read more about Judy Blume middle grade books at
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Tags:
Judy Blume, Blubber, Middle Grade Monday, bullying, bullies, teasing, tormenting, harm, pain, fifth grade, mean girls
Hi Penny, I remember fondly reading Blubber. Unfortunately, bullying continues today. It's important to teach our children not to be push overs for the bullies and it's even more important to teach them to stand up for those that need to be stood up for. Best, Donna
ReplyDeleteHi Donna, thanks for commenting. I didn't discover Judy Blume's middle grade novels until I chose that genre to write. I'm reading all her M\G stuff and Kate DiCamillo's, I just read two of Louis Sachar's, too, so will be reviewing them. I need more picture books to review, too. Hugs and blessings to you. Penny
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