Through addressing white flight and prejudice, Blume offers young readers an approachable way to begin discussing privilege and discrimination. She likes to think of herself as fearless, but soon she’s confronted with her own limitations, from cynophobia (fear of dogs) to aquaphobia (fear of water)—and Sheila has to figure out which version of herself she wants to be.

Deenie – Judy Blume on the Web

In any event, as with virtually all Blume's books, this is a poignant and beautifully told story that I would wholeheartedly recommend if you haven't read it. While Thelma is emotionally manipulative and reacts to situations as if she were the victim or tries to even blame Deenie and Helen, Frank is very calm and doesn't hesitate to comfort his daughters when they need him and yet also firm in that Deenie needs to wear her brace which she eventually realizes is right of him to do. This story will not only help teens and parents in this situation, but everyone who doesn't understand what scoliosis is. But most importantly, finally pass one of those damned modelling auditions, because all her mother's nagging is really annoying.I probably need a middle-grader to explain all the hype, or just stop reading any more books aimed at this age group. No amount of exercise could correct it, there was only the horrid Milwaukee brace, but it’s large, painful, and covered her from neck to hips. I decided to read it now, because I have Judy Blume on the brain with the movie adaptation of Are You There God? It also let me step into the shoes of people with a brace and made me realize I have to be thankful for what I have. The potion does not give him freckles, but it does teach him an important lesson about being happy in the skin you’re in—a message that’s as valuable for adults as it is for kids.

Deenie by Judy Blume | Goodreads

I know some may see this as a condition she received to teach her a lesson, that there are those different from her, but I prefer to think the author meant that by a coincidence Deenie was able to open her eyes further when she herself receives the unsettling diagnosis. The lack of details such as this made for an increased sense of helplessness, with Deenie’s future controlled by adults who did not provide her with all the information she would need to fully understand what was happening. Blume addresses grief with a tender and nuanced touch in Tiger Eyes, a novel that centers on 15-year-old Davey as she reels from the shocking death of her father. At the party, she and Buddy end up kissing and she changes her mind and decides to leave the brace on. But now that I've reread it, I can say that this review is a solid reminder of WHY it's a good idea to rate/review a book while it is still fresh in one's mind.The two meet in a sixth-grade classroom and become “summer sisters” after a season spent together at Martha’s Vineyard, leading to an annual vacation tradition. Also, for those keeping track of Judy Blume controversy, this is the masturbation book, and I love the fact that Deenie touches herself literally could not be less of a big deal.

Deenie by Judy Blume | Goodreads Deenie by Judy Blume | Goodreads

I would have expected that a 13-year-old would squirm or at least flinch away, but Deenie doesn't DO anything. With so much Blume-ing (sorry) this spring, I had proposed an interview in Florida; I was already planning an Orlando vacation.She also not only still has her good friends Janet and Midge, she has a new friend in Barbara and Buddy Brader reciprocates her feelings. And in the end, she hasn't changed her mind at all (which is par for the course in most Blume novels). And in the middle-grade area, a dedicated Judy Blume shelf was packed with Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great, Superfudge, Blubber, Deenie, Tiger Eyes, Forever … and of course, Margaret. Like most issue books, this is not an easy read, but it's poignant and transcendent as Charlie breaks more and more before piecing herself back together.