Judy Blume 1938–

American young adult and adult novelist. Blume is one of the most controversial authors today writing for young adults for her frank consideration of such topics as menstruation, masturbation, and teenage sexuality. Although her books are popular with young adults, having sold more than six million copies, many school libraries consider them inappropriate for adolescent readers. With the publication in 1970 of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, Blume became a leading writer of teenage fiction. This novel has two themes: Margaret's preoccupation with the physical signs of puberty, and her search for a religious identity. Blume was praised for her accurate rendering of teenage dialogue and her warmly humorous treatment of a universal female concern, although several critics considered her descriptions of Margaret's bodily changes overly graphic. Forever …, with its detailed description of a first sexual encounter, is even more controversial. Blume does not moralize, although her books do emphasize the importance of social responsibility. Her books are set in suburbia, reflecting her own East Coast, middle-class background. While adults may criticize her work, citing her lack of depth and stylistic limitations, her popularity with young adults indicates that she has an accurate sense of their concerns. (See also Children's Literature Review, Vol. 2, Contemporary Authors, Vols. 29-32, rev. ed., and Something about the Author, Vol. 2.)