Is Judy Blume desperately uncool these days?

[randomama]

My friend's daughter turns 10 this month and I wanna get her something to read. She's very bright (G&T) and also very cool and fashionable. At her age I loved the Judy Blume books. I LOVED them. I read them all. But I'm worried they might seem dated? So is there anything similar that you could recommend? Or do you think she might enjoy Judy Blume anyway?
Thanks x

[hohoholepew]

I was thinking of getting Judy Blume books for DD who is 11. There are some good value collections on Amazon. I loved JB boks [wistful]

[belgo]

She was desperately uncool 20 years ago, but it didn't stop me reading and enjoying her books.

[randomama]

Was she uncool????

Yeah I've just seen there are some good collections on Amazon (including a fudge one). May go down that route.

Just checked out the Anne Fine Step by Step on Amazon but not sure it would be totally appropriate because she has a new (albeit very wonderful) step father. Will look at some other of hers.

JB used to do an amazing "memory book", like a journal that you'd fill in with all sorts of special boxes etc. I used to fill them in every year. Still have a few now. Anyone know if there is there an equivalent around these days? Amazon has "used" copies of the JB memory book but I'm not sure that would be so great... Although....

[randomama]

PS thanks for your replies everyone!

[hohoholepew]

My DD is reading the Just William books ATM. She's laughing like a drain.

Judy was never uncool, I read them so they couldn't possibly be

[GoldenSnitch]

I loved the books. Left me with a lifelong snigger every time someone mentions the name Ralph though

Has she read (dare I say?) the Harry Potter books? Or Philip Pullman's Dark Materials set? Or Eoin Colfer. Or Lemony Snickets "Series of Unfortuneate Events"?

Not quite so girly but very good books for that age group...

[hohoholepew]

[preens]

[LauraIngallsWilder]

Get her Back home and Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian

She might be a bit young for them now but they were my absolute favourites by the time I was 12

[LauraIngallsWilder]

Or Tom's midnight garden by philipa pearce - that is in a book set offer with book people/redhouse books atm

[GoldenSnitch]

How about "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time"?

[GoldenSnitch]

I've read it too but didn't remember the language - sorry

[Quiltedrose]

What about the Septimus Heap series? I love those. And the Spooks Apprentice series. But then I am not G&T . Or 10. I still loved my Famous Five books at 10.

[porcamiseria]

JB wasnt uncool, FOREVER was the hit hot book back in the days

I still love "are you there god its me, margarat" for pubescent girls

check amazon reviews maybe

[madamehooch]

Louis Sachar writes some very good 'real life' books aside from 'Holes'.

[BertieBotts]

What about Jacqueline Wilson?

I also liked Robert Swindells for books about ishoos, though I think that he is probably more 13+ than 10+.

[seeker]

My dd loved Judy Blume - and is reading the more - shall we say..advanced... ones now at 14!

But i think the best books of this sort of type now are by Hilary Mackay Saffy's Angel, Caddy Ever After, Indigo's Star snd Permanent Rose. They are wonderful, funny and serious, thought provoking and entertaining - perfect for pre teens and young teens - and for grown ups who like reading kids books!

[BertieBotts]

Ooh I will have to read those seeker, I like teen fiction and I haven't heard of them.

[lovechoc]

ooh I loved the Judy Blume books at that age! I was addicted to them. Bringing back loads of memories now..

OP go for it!

[horseyrider]

I used to really like Judy Blume as she was so entertaining. I thought Fudge was great especially the brother!