This was an interesting overview of Judy Blume’s career and work, her impact on culture and her readers across the span of decades. As a GenX-er/Xennial, Blume and her books were quite endearing to me as an adolescent. I have not read any of her adult novels, but now I really want to! 

The general commentary on literary gatekeepers and book banning is timely and informative. Bergstein offers insight into how this affected Blume but also how steadfast the iconic writer remains on the value of her books for her audience. When few writers were doing so, Blume addressed real and complicated topics that young readers were wondering about, talking about, and grateful to explore in characters and situations in Blume’s books.