“When I see kids standing next to their mothers at book signings, clutching a copy of 'Forever,' I know what's coming. They'll say to me, 'How old do I have to be to read this?' hoping I'll give them permission. But I can't do that.”

American writer of children’s, young adult, and adult fiction

Judith Marcia Blume is an American writer of children’s, young adult, and adult fiction. She began writing in 1959 and has been a major voice in American children’s and young adult literature. She has published more than 26 novels, including Superfudge, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret., Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Deenie, Blubber, and Double Fudge. Her work has had a significant impact on children’s and young adult writing, and Time named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023.