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youthjournalism.org
At a Hartford book signing, author Judy Blume recalls inscribing one of her books years ago for fan Tracey Sondik before signing another one for Sondik’s daughter.
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HARTFORD, Connecticut, U.S.A. – Author
Judy Blume’s lecture last week for the Mark Twain House drew fans of all ages.
Judy Blume’s lecture last week for the Mark Twain House drew fans of all ages.
Tracey Sondik of Bolton, Connecticut,brought her eight-year-old daughter, Sam Sondik, to meet the author.
In her arms, Sondik carried books Blume
had signed for Sondik’s grandparents – her grandfather had once worked for
Blume – and one she’d autographed for Sondik herself when she was a girl.
had signed for Sondik’s grandparents – her grandfather had once worked for
Blume – and one she’d autographed for Sondik herself when she was a girl.
“She was my favorite author growing up,”
said Sondik, who said she found meaning in Blume’s honest books about
friendship and growing up.
said Sondik, who said she found meaning in Blume’s honest books about
friendship and growing up.
Sondik said she appreciated that at atime when the Jewish religion wasn’t often a topic in children’s literature, Blume took it upon
herself to make it an issue for the world.
Sondik showed Blume the books she’d
signed years ago and then asked her to sign one more – for Sam, a young fan.
signed years ago and then asked her to sign one more – for Sam, a young fan.
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youthjournalism.org
Author Judy Blume with two generations of fans,Tracey Sondik and her daughter Sam Sondik
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“I like how she puts it all in a kid’s point of view,” said
Sam Sondik, who attends Bolton Center School in Bolton. She said her favorite
Blume books are Starring Sally J. Freedman As Herself and
Blubber.
Sam Sondik, who attends Bolton Center School in Bolton. She said her favorite
Blume books are Starring Sally J. Freedman As Herself and
Blubber.
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youthjournalism.org
Alex Fox
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youthjournalism.org
Nara Beckett
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Eight-year-old Alex Fox, who is in third
grade at the Somers Academy in Ellington, Connecticut, said the Fudge books,
like Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, are her
favorite.
grade at the Somers Academy in Ellington, Connecticut, said the Fudge books,
like Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, are her
favorite.
Fudge, Fox said, is “little and funny.”
Her grandfather,
Ted Fox of Berlin, Connecticut, was at the lecture with her.
Ted Fox of Berlin, Connecticut, was at the lecture with her.
Fox said he
attended junior high school with Blume 59 years ago. She was just another
classmate then, he said, adding that she hasn’t changed much.
attended junior high school with Blume 59 years ago. She was just another
classmate then, he said, adding that she hasn’t changed much.
Nara Beckett, a 12-year-old student at Eagle Hills School in
Greenwich, Connecticut, said she wants to be an author.
Greenwich, Connecticut, said she wants to be an author.
Beckett said she hadn’t ready any of Blume’s books – yet.
But she was researching Blume, she said, and seemed happy to be able to hear
her speak.
But she was researching Blume, she said, and seemed happy to be able to hear
her speak.
Youth Journalism International Junior Reporter Avery St. Germain and
Senior Reporter Mary Majerus-Collins contributed to this story.
Senior Reporter Mary Majerus-Collins contributed to this story.
See the rest of Youth Journalism International’s five-part package on Judy Blume’s visit to Hartford:
Author Judy Blume Tells Her Own Stories
Video: Writing Advice From Judy Blume
Author Judy Blume’s Censorship Began With Her Children’s School Principal
Longtime Judy Blume Fan Meets The Author
Author Judy Blume Tells Her Own Stories
Video: Writing Advice From Judy Blume
Author Judy Blume’s Censorship Began With Her Children’s School Principal
Longtime Judy Blume Fan Meets The Author
