10+ Best Judy Blume Books for 11-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you searching for the perfect Judy Blume books for 11-year-olds? You're in luck! Judy Blume has captured the hearts of young readers for generations with her engaging and relatable stories. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or a young reader yourself, this blog will guide you through various lists of Judy Blume books tailored specifically for 11-year-olds. Keep reading to discover your next great read!

Fun Judy Blume Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: The story follows Margaret Simon, an eleven-year-old girl who moves to a new town and struggles with questions about religion, puberty, and friendships as she grows up.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses many of the questions and concerns that preteens have, making it a great book to help them feel understood and less alone.
  • Perfect for: Preteens experiencing changes and seeking answers about growing up.

• Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book introduces readers to Peter Hatcher and his little brother Fudge, who often causes trouble that interferes with Peter's life. The story captures the trials and tribulations of having a younger sibling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with humorous situations and relatable sibling dynamics, making reading enjoyable and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good laugh and those who may have pesky younger siblings.

• Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: Sheila Tubman, a character from the "Fudge" series, stars in her own story where she faces her fears and learns about friendship during a summer away from home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great exploration of self-discovery and overcoming personal fears, encouraging readers to face their own challenges with courage.
  • Perfect for: Children who are dealing with fears or insecurities and could use a boost of confidence.

• Superfudge by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: In this sequel to "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing," Peter Hatcher must deal with his family's move to a new city, his quirky little brother Fudge, and the addition of a new sibling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It continues the entertaining and relatable adventures of the Hatcher family, providing laughter and light-hearted lessons on adapting to change.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy family stories and those adjusting to new life changes.

Educational Judy Blume Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Blubber by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around Jill Brenner, a fifth-grader who joins her classmates in bullying an overweight girl named Linda. However, the tables turn when Jill becomes a target herself, providing a profound look at school bullying and peer pressure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of bullying dynamics, social awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a realistic portrayal of the complexities of bullying and the importance of kindness and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking to understand more about peer relationships and the impacts of bullying.

• Freckle Juice by Judy Blume, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Andrew Marcus desperately wants freckles after noticing his classmate Nicky has them. He buys a secret recipe for "freckle juice" from a classmate, leading to unexpected and humorous results.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-acceptance, problem-solving, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging story that teaches the importance of self-acceptance and the consequences of envy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a good laugh and those learning to appreciate their own unique qualities.

• Iggie's House by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: Winnie Barringer’s best friend, Iggie, moves away, and the new family moving into Iggie’s house is black. Winnie learns about racism and friendship as she tries to make her new neighbors feel welcome in a predominantly white community.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, racial understanding, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles important themes of racism and acceptance, encouraging young readers to be compassionate and open-minded.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about diversity and the importance of inclusivity in communities.

Challenging Judy Blume Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Deenie by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: Deenie Fenner is a thirteen-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a model, but her plans are derailed when she is diagnosed with scoliosis and has to wear a back brace.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex emotional and physical issues, including self-image and disability, which can provoke thoughtful discussion and empathy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a sensitive look at dealing with physical ailments and the social challenges that come with it, promoting resilience and self-acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers facing their own challenges, whether physical or emotional, and looking for inspiration and courage.

• Here's to You, Rachel Robinson by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Family Life
  • Synopsis: Rachel Robinson is a high-achieving seventh-grader dealing with stress from school, her disruptive brother Charles, and her own internal pressures to succeed.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of familial tension, personal expectations, and the mental health struggles of a gifted child, which are sophisticated topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a realistic portrayal of the pressures faced by high-achieving children and encourages balance and emotional well-being.
  • Perfect for: Gifted children and those who often feel the weight of high expectations, both self-imposed and from others.

• Wifey by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adult
  • Synopsis: Sandy Pressman, a suburban housewife, finds herself questioning her choices and the routine of her daily life as she faces a mid-life crisis.
  • Why this book is challenging: Though primarily intended for adult readers, its inclusion challenges advanced young readers with mature themes of marital dissatisfaction and self-discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a glimpse into adult issues through accessible writing, allowing mature young readers to explore complex emotional narratives.
  • Perfect for: Mature young readers interested in understanding adult perspectives and the complexities of life decisions.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the wonderful world of Judy Blume books at 11 years old, you're in for a treat. Her stories are not only captivating but also offer great insights and lessons. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises that can help you develop good reading habits. These will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the books!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps in building a consistent reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: This reinforces what you've read and helps in retaining the story better.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and sweet; try to capture the main events and any new characters introduced.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are also reading it or have read it.
  • How it helps: Enhances your understanding and perspective of the book through discussion.
  • Tips: Try to bring up specific parts of the book or characters’ decisions to spark deeper conversations.

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read through the book.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more vivid and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Pay attention to the descriptive parts of the book to help form clearer images in your mind.

• Connect to Personal Experiences
  • What it is: Relate events or characters in the book to your own life.
  • How it helps: Deepens your connection to the story and enhances empathy for the characters.
  • Tips: Think about times when you've felt similar emotions or faced similar situations as the characters.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only improve your skills but also make your journey through Judy Blume's books even more enriching. Remember, the goal is to enjoy and learn as much as you can. Happy reading!