51 pages • 1 hour read
Judy BlumeBlubber
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1974A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Judy Blume’s Blubber, fifth-grader Jill Brenner becomes embroiled in her class’s ruthless bullying of a classmate named Linda after Linda is mocked for a school report. The bullying, led by a domineering girl named Wendy, includes physical and emotional abuse, causing Jill to reflect on her own behavior and its consequences, ultimately learning about the complexities of right and wrong. The novel depicts racial slurs and minor cursing.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Blubber by Judy Blume tackles the serious issue of bullying through the eyes of fifth graders. Reviewers appreciate its honest and unflinching narrative, though some criticize its harsh depiction of pre-teen behavior. The book is lauded for its realistic characters, but some readers find the lack of resolution troubling. A powerful read that stirs significant conversation.
Who Should Read Blubber?
Readers who would enjoy Blubber by Judy Blume are typically pre-teens and teenagers who appreciate realistic, coming-of-age stories. They are fans of engaging yet relatable narratives about social challenges in school, similar to those found in Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret and Deenie, also by Blume.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
610LBook Details
Bullying
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Realistic Fiction
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Children's Literature
Relationships: Friendship