Blubber
Written By: Judy Blume
Recommended for ages: 9-12
Random House $8.99

The topical issue of bullying is the theme throughout this old classic. First written in 1974 , this story still has relevance (perhaps more now than in 1974). Blume has given a different perspective on this problem by writing the story from the point of view of one of the instigators. Jill is not the ringleader however she does nothing to stop the malicious treatment that Linda receives. Perhaps this is as bad as being the leader!

Linda is a quiet child who makes the mistake of doing an oral report on whales and mentioning the word blubber. It is at this time that Wendy, the mastermind behind the cruelty, decides this should be Linda’s nickname since she is slightly overweight. The rest of the class joins Wendy in her taunting. This no doubt is because they are all afraid of Wendy themselves. Readers are made aware of the mob mentality that encourages people to say things they would never say on their own.

Jill learns that her friendship with Wendy is not as rock solid as she thought. When Wendy calls Jill’s other friend, Tracy, a derogatory name, it is the demise of their friendship. Wendy soon finds other accomplices whom she can boss around. It is then that Jill sees Wendy’s true colours and also sees Linda in a different light.

In my opinion this novel should be required reading for all elementary school-aged children. The timeless problem of bullying must be stopped and we will only succeed if children are taught what it is like to be on the other end of the treatment. Judy Blume has written many popular books for young readers including Are You There God, It’s Me, Margaret?, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and Freckle Juice.