Perspective

Longtime Judy Blume Fan Meets The Author

Youth Journalism International reporters meet author Judy Blume in Hartford on Thursday. From left: Mary Majerus-Collins, Avery St. Germain, Judy Blume, Kiernan Majerus-Collins, Yelena Samofalova
HARTFORD, Connecticut, U.S.A. – After growing up with Judy Blume, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I got the chance to meet her.
Some authors write such meaningful novels, and then go on to make such terrible decisions in life.
y first sight of Blume was when she walked through the doorway, talking with some friends and signing fans’ books. She was older than I had thought, but her eyes, so like the characters she wrote about, were lively and full of energy.
Youth Journalism International reporters circulated around the room, asking younger children about their own experiences with Blume.
The author had been in families for generations, her books teaching and inspiring people everywhere.
When we finally got to talk to her, the way she spoke reminded me of all her characters. Margaret, Steph, Sally, Peter, and so many others – her writer’s voice showed through in her conversation.
During the Clemens lecture for the Mark Twain House, Blume was smart, funny, and personal. She shared her experiences with the audience about how her stories came to be, some difficulty with fan mail, talked about her family, and even gave her aspiring novelists some advice. 
“Read,” she told us. “Never, ever give up.”
The advice seemed so direct, so real, so simple. Blume has been an inspiration to me my whole life, her words reaching out to people everywhere, changing lives and the way people choose to act.
Avery St. Germain is a Junior Reporter for Youth Journalism International.

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