Judy Blume

‘At last — a biography of Judy Blume that is worthy of its subject. Oppenheimer is a masterful chronicler of Blume’s remarkable life and extraordinary impact. Writers and readers alike will leave this work emboldened, inspired, and encouraged.’

-- Tayari Jones, bestselling author of An American Marriage

‘Paints a picture of a diligent, driven writer seeking a unique voice … A buoyant biography of a writer who redefined young people’s literature.’

* Kirkus Reviews *

‘If you are one of the millions of Judy Blume’s readers who ever wondered, “What is she like in real life?” this book is for you. Judy Blume: A Life is charming, candid, thoughtful, and funny, and perfectly tuned to the zeitgeist of her time, just like her bestselling novels.’

-- Debby Applegate, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Biography, author of Madam: The Biography of Polly Adler, Icon of the Jazz Age

‘A masterpiece of biography, brilliantly illuminating the life of a masterful storyteller. Blume held an unflinching light upon the challenges of growing up and a clear-eyed gaze on the adult world around her as she turned life’s trials into literature for multiple generations. Oppenheimer deftly captures Blume’s fearlessness in exposing her own vulnerabilities in her books and opens a wider lens to bring the reader into Blume’s personal life as she transforms from Sheila the Great to Wifey to tireless censorship activist.’

-- Amy Gary, author of In the Great Green Room: The Brilliant and Bold Life of Margaret Wise Brown

‘At last, a real Judy Blume biography is here! — and it’s just as warm and interesting and wonderful as you want it to be. Written in a clear and welcoming voice that will sound familiar to anyone who’s ever loved a Judy Blume book, Mark Oppenheimer’s comprehensive and extensively researched biography brings to vivid life the ups — and sometimes downs — of the groundbreaking author who made Sheila and Peter and Margaret and Fudge feel like real people, with real problems, to generations of readers. Deftly written and packed with stories you’ve never heard before — including tantalising glimpses of stories that never saw the light of day — Mark Oppenheimer’s Judy Blume is thoughtful, often funny, and never afraid to be reflective or critical — just like Judy Blume herself.’

-- Brian Jay Jones, author of Becoming Dr. Seuss

‘This beautiful biography reminded me of the gratitude I always felt reading Judy Blume’s books to my daughters, with their good-humoured portraits of quirky kids and quirky parents doing their best in a stressful world. Oppenheimer brings an insightful, clear-eyed, generous spirit to his portrait, worthy of its subject.’

* Jonathan Rosen, author of The Best Minds: A Story of Friendship, Madness, and the Tragedy of Good Intentions *

‘What a lovely, tender, and thoughtful book! As a child of the 1970s, I read this almost as avidly as I once read the works of Judy Blume herself. Mark Oppenheimer has captured not only the story but the spirit of Blume as an author, mentor, mother, and fully realised human being. This pairing of biographer and subject has produced something special.’

-- Beverly Gage, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Biography for G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century

‘Always engaging, and often surprising, Mark Oppenheimer’s deep dive into the life of one of the most beloved authors of the past century is long overdue. Though Judy Blume will no about draft off of widespread nostalgia for the groundbreaking novelist (it sent me running to my collection of Blume’s books to revisit old favourites) it’s also an inspiring tale of one woman’s abiding belief in herself. An absolute delight.’

-- Anna Holmes, author of The Book of Jezebel: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Lady Things

Praise for Squirrel Hill:

‘Propulsive … A poignant, deeply researched account of the Pittsburgh Jewish neighbourhood in the aftermath of tragedy. Oppenheimer sets the scene with details even those familiar with the story might forget … He does a lovely job of bringing the essence of this charming, walkable place to life … How “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” became the site of the most deadly antisemitic attack on American soil and what happened afterward unfold with the precision of the best suspense stories … Oppenheimer is sympathetic to the ways Jewish culture stands at the crossroads of proud resistance and self-protective withdrawal, bold activism and self-effacement. The people he highlights are treated with a knowing, affectionate wink, a landsman’s recognition.’

-- Irina Reyn * The New York Times *

Praise for Squirrel Hill:

‘Compelling … A well-researched book … Mr Oppenheimer brings more expertise and knowledge to this project than most journalists or authors could, without being too close to his subject or blinded by his own pain or grief. He chose to focus on the community and its response to the shootings, and he chose well … There are important lessons to be learned from Squirrel Hill, and we have Mark Oppenheimer to thank for capturing them in this readable and important book.’

-- Jared Cohon * The Wall Street Journal *

Praise for Wisenheimer:

‘An intimate look at the high school team — no, not the football team — the debate team! You think only physical athletes make interesting subjects, try mental athletes. Who knew? In part a play by play look at the game. In part a story of one Wisenheimer, and his transition from high school star, to starting all over as a lowly freshman at Yale. I was happy to follow him on his exceptional journey.’

-- Judy Blume, bestselling author of Summer Sisters

• Short-listed for The Schlegel-Tieck Prize 2025 (UK)