Dear Judy Blume:

            Thanks for all the wonderful stories that you’ve written for young people. You put into words their thoughts and fears, their worries as well as things they celebrate.

            Your characters are fully-formed, making them realistic representations of children that age.

            I’m sorry that some find your topics threatening and so have organized book bans, pulling your work off library shelves.

            I wonder what that feels like? To have poured heart and soul into writing, hoping it reaches your intended audience, receiving accolades for your work, then suddenly finding yourself as a “hared” author. It must be disheartening.

            We can hope that as time passes, saner individuals will restore your stories to their rightful spots on shelves. That once again young people, especially girls, will see themselves reflected in your work, reflected in your characters.

            Thanks for giving the world topics that are timely, meaningful and accessible to a wide variety of readers.