Blubber

Read with caution

Some content parents may want to preview or discuss.

Published: 1974
Ages: 9–12

About the book

A girl participates in the bullying of a classmate, then finds herself the target.

AI summary

A girl participates in the bullying of a classmate, then finds herself the target.

Why parents choose this book

What makes Blubber worth choosing

An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.

Best for

Age range: 9–12 (fits siblings across a range).
Reading maturity: Middle grade — richer plots and vocabulary with age-appropriate themes.
Kids who tend to love it: Classics.
Personality fit: kids ages 9–12 who enjoy a good story.

Parents love this book because

Written by Judy Blume, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.

Your child will probably enjoy Blubber if they…

Enjoy stories written for kids around ages 9–12

This book helps develop

Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 9–12 age band.

Things parents should know

Violence: cartoonish or off-page action.
Language: clean language throughout.

Reading commitment

Estimated reading time

Varies by reader

Length

Length varies by edition

Difficulty

Middle grade

Works as read-aloud

Works, but often chosen by independent readers

Good for independent readers

Yes — suits confident readers in the age band

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Why we recommend it

We recommend Blubber for the 9–12 age band with a small heads-up on content — worth previewing or discussing. It leans into classics in a way that feels genuine, not formulaic. Judy Blume's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.