‘Judy Blume Forever’: Where To Buy All The Author’s Books — And Banned Books

Ahead of the theatrical release of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Prime Video is celebrating the woman behind the novel that inspired it: Judy Blume.

Judy Blume Forever is a new documentary that debuted on Prime Video on April 21. It covers the author’s life, works, and legacy featuring new interviews with her, archival footage, and testimonial appearances from public figures who Blume’s work has impacted. These include actresses Lena Dunham, Anna Konkle, and Molly Ringwald, comedian Samantha Bee, and authors Jaqueline Woodson and Mary H.K. Choi.

Blume is perhaps most well-known for her young adult (YA) novels, the last of which she released in 1993, which just goes to show that her impact is long-lasting. Many of these novels, which tackle topics like sexuality, illnesses, grief, death, and the more taboo elements of coming-of-age, have been challenged or banned since their release. It’s led Blume to become an advocate against book banning.

If you checked out the documentary and are interested in reading some of these challenged books or just want to reread a childhood favorite, we’ve compiled a guide to Blume’s young adult novels, including where to get them in every format.

• Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (1970)

  Blume’s first YA novel also catapulted her to fame in the genre. It’s a realistic and relatable novel that follows Margaret, a young girl coming-of-age and experiencing anxiety related to menstruation, boys, bra shopping, and more.

  A movie adaptation starring Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, and Abby Ryder Fortson will be released in theaters on April 28.

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• Then Again, Maybe I Won’t (1971)

  Released a year later, Blume’s follow-up novel Then Again, Maybe I Won’t, covers a lot of the same coming-of-age anxieties from the perspective of 11-year-old Tony as he transitions to manhood.

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• Deenie (1973)

  13-year-old Deenie is the protagonist of Blume’s third YA novel, which follows the girl as she’s diagnosed with scoliosis and must adjust to life in a large neck-to-hips body brace, which ruins the plans her mom had for her to become a model.

  Like many of Blume’s books, this one is frequently challenged.

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• Forever… (1975)

  Perhaps the most challenged and banned of all of Blume’s books is Forever…, which takes a candid approach to topics like teen love and sex. It was groundbreaking for the time, as the first novel to really portray teen sex in a normal, not-dangerous way.

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• Tiger Eyes (1981)

  Tiger Eyes is the only one of Blume’s novels that she admits was censored pre-publication. The story follows 15-year-old Davey, who becomes depressed and angry following the sudden death of her father. A scene where Davey masturbates on-page was cut before the book was printed after Blume’s editor said the book could have more widespread appeal without it.

  The book is also the first of Blume’s to be adapted into a movie, which was released in 2012.

  BOOK

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• Just as Long as We’re Together (1987)

  Just as Long as We’re Together follows Stephanie, who’s dealing with a lot of changes all at once following her 13th birthday, but chief among them is the fact that her lifelong friendship with Rachel is threatened when new girl Alison moves to town, and their duo becomes a trio.

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• Here’s to You, Rachel Robinson (1993)

  A companion novel to Just as Long as We’re Together, it follows Rachel, an overachiever, perfectionist, and gifted kid dealing with family problems and insecurities in her friendships and romantic relationships.

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Judy Blume Forever is now available to stream for all Amazon Prime members. If you’re not already subscribed, you can for $14.99/month after a 30-day free trial.