October 31, 1999
Web posted at: 4:00 p.m. EDT

Chat Moderator: Welcome to our chat room Judy Blume! Thank you for joining us!

Judy Blume: Hi everyone! Looking forward to chatting with you.

Chat Moderator: Tell us a little bit about your background..

Judy Blume: I've written 22 books and am as surprised as my readers to learn that I was once the most censored author in America.

Chat Moderator: Please tell us about the public's reaction to your book "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. "

Judy Blume: I suppose Margaret is the book that my readers remember most fondly.

When it was first published I was shocked that my children's elementary school Principal banned it from the school library because in the book the girls discuss menstruation and breast development.

Question from: <jonathan>What drives communities or individuals to ban or censor a children's book?

Judy Blume: Fear! And that fear is contagious. You want one book removed, someone wants another book removed and before you know it, you don't have much left

Question from: <JWAllen> so many other authors face what you've faced ... what prompted you to be such a visible spokesperson against censorship

Judy Blume: I'm not really sure how that happened. Probably, because so many of my books were attacked in the early 80's and also, because they were popular. The kids liked them.

I discovered the National Coalition Against Censorship when I felt totally alone in my fight to protect intellectual freedom and that group changed my life. I was no longer alone. I will honor them and work to help them help teachers and librarians and students as long as I can.

Question from: <jonathan>Is the fear legitimate, or is it irrational?

Judy Blume: I think it's irrational. What can happen if a young reader picks up a book he/she isn't yet ready for? Questions maybe. Usually that child puts down the book and says, Boring. Or I'm not ready for this. Kids are really good at knowing what they can handle.

Question from: <Philo>What is "censorship" and how is that different than a library or individual simply deciding a book "is of poor quality" and should not be used?

Judy Blume: Censorship is imposed by an outside group...professional book selection policies have little to do with it.

Question from <JWAllen> Do you think the effort to ban your works made you reconsider what you wrote? Did you ever think of writing something completely PC to keep them off your back?

Judy Blume: One of my concerns is that writers will begin to feel the censor on their backs and we won't get their very best. Instead, their fear, or the fear imposed by the publisher will limit them. When I lock myself up to write I cannot allow myself to think about the censor, or the reviewer, or anyone but my characters and their story!

Question from: <VoodooGuru> What groups or organizations do you consider to be the most dangerous in terms of their attempt at censorship?

Judy Blume: Any group that tries to force their views on everyone else.

Question from: <ariana> Are there any books that you would "censor" your children from?

Judy Blume: No, not even when my 12-year-old daughter took Portnoy's Complaint off the shelf. She brought it back fifteen minutes later. Said it was boring. What she really meant was, This isn't for me.

When I was young my parents had a library in our living room. I was always free to browse and read. And that made me into a reader.

Question from: <mouse> Has the fight against censorship advanced in the last 20 years?

Judy Blume: We've come a long way! Schools and libraries and individuals are much more aware now than 20 yrs. ago. Policies are more in place. Schools are getting better at handling the demands of the censorious parent or group. I'm getting lots of letters from students - 6th grade through grad. school - doing reports on censorship in the US

Question from: <evi>What is your favorite "Banned Book?"

Judy Blume: I have trouble choosing favorites because I've enjoyed so many.

Ann Frank's Diary of a Young Girl and Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird really spoke to me when I was young, as did Salinger's Catcher in the Rye, all of them banned regularly from classrooms and libraries.

Question from: <Philo> Is the next "censorship" battle going to be fought over access to "the internet?"

Judy Blume: Yes, probably. And it's going to be very tough.

Question from: <mouse> Has censorship changed your writing style?

Judy Blume: No! That would be disastrous for me as a writer, and would certainly affect my readers’ rights. I was told, when I wrote "Here's to You, Rachel Robinson" that if I left in one word we would lose all book club sales. And that meant money, to the publisher and me. I thought long and hard, but I knew it would be dishonest to change that word. I knew my character, an angry 15 year old boy wouldn't censor himself....and so I kept in that word and we lost book club sales, as promised. Probably we lost other sales too. But at least I feel I did the honest thing. The problem is, by that time I could afford to....what about the writer just starting out!

Question from: <mouse> if censorship has not toned down your writing style, has it made you bolder in your writing?

Judy Blume: No...it hasn't changed my writing. At least I hope it hasn't. Really, you're not thinking about anything but your story when you're writing. You're in some other place. Hard to explain.

Question from: <JWAllen> why did you edit "Places I Never Meant To Be: Original Stories by Censored Writers." 'places I never meant to be'? what message does that send?

Judy Blume: That's funny, because the book was about to be published and we still didn't have a title and I called one of the young writers whose story is part of the collection and we talked for a while and decided all the characters in these stories were in places they didn't want to be....so that's where the title comes from.

The book benefits the Nat. Coalition Against Censorship...a small but very effective organization operating on a small budget. All of our royalties from the sale of the book go to them. And every dollar helps them fight censorship and HELP the teachers and librarians and students who are under fire.

Question from: <Philo> can you take us though an example of how you might handle "a complaint" like if someone comes to the library and "demands" that "your filthy book be removed...?"

Judy Blume: If you mean how would a school or library handle a complaint - they would ask the parent to fill out a form telling what about the book is unacceptable.

If you're asking me personally....I don't get to see such complaints. I hear about challenges to my books only if someone in that community writes to tell me or a reporter calls with info or the NCAC, ALA or other groups protecting intellectual freedom contacts me.

Question from: <jonathan> Do you see a link between reading skills and acceptance of banning books?

Judy Blume: No, I don't. Do you?

Question from: <evi> What can average people do to fight censorship?

Judy Blume: You can support the Nat. Coalition Against Censorship and other groups like the Amer. Library Assoc., that work to protect the Freedom to Read. And you can get involved in your community. Stay aware and tuned in. Censors don't like publicity. They prefer to act quietly, without bringing attention to themselves or their actions. Speak out. Take a stand. www.ncac.org is their web address.

Comment from <jonathan>: I think if a family is not a reading family, then they may be more prone to accepting the 'fear' about a book.

Judy Blume: Yes, absolutely. Most of those who wish to censor aren't readers. They often/usually haven't read the very book they would like banned. They underline passages. Take them out of context. Look for words and phrases.

Question from: <Jelacy> Do you think censorship has gone too far?

Judy Blume: Any censorship is going too far. And I don't mean what an individual parent decides is appropriate for his or her child at home.

Censorship is contagious. It's spread from the extreme religious right to the PC crowd to every parents who thinks she can control her child's mind.

Question from: <evi> What is the most ludicrous book banning you have heard of? In your opinion, what book was banned for the dumbest reason?

Judy Blume: That's a question I can't answer. Too many examples, not enough time. I always think of Maurice Sendak's naked baby floating through the air...That book is "In the Night Kitchen." But, hey...I just got an angry letter from a father who said Fudge in "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" should be banned because it was teaching his child to disrespect parents. Pul....eese!!

Question from: <evi> are there still book burnings in America?

Judy Blume: Every now and then you hear about a group who has publicly burned books.

I can't give you any recent examples because I don't track everything having to do with book banning. I'm still trying to find the time to write books.

Question from: <Jelacy>As an author, when someone wants one of your books banned, do you have any say in the matter before it is done?

Judy Blume: No, none whatsoever. They don't ask the author's permission.

Question from: <mouse>How many of your books have been banned?

Judy Blume: I don't have the numbers in front of me. I can tell you this...Blubber, which I think is one of my stronger books, has been the target of the censors. Deenie may be my most banned book...but if you ask young readers why they won't know.

Masturbation is probably more frightening to adult censors than intercourse. Puberty is a scary subject for those who don't want their children to go through it. Some parents will never be able to talk with their kids about real life and that includes sexuality. Sad for those kids. There are those who think puberty is pornographic.

Question from: <Vaz> what economic censorship? e.g. stores refusing to stock them?

Judy Blume: No, I don't think so. Stores are less afraid than schools. When a book is banned in school all the kids and parents run to their nearest bookstore to buy the book and find out why. The message sent to young readers is, there's something in that book we don't want you to know.

Question from <jonathan> Isn't it interesting that there's been no backlash over the Harry Potter books? After all, it has witchcraft and spells and "disrespect" for adults....

Judy Blume: Very interesting! My almost 8 year old grandson loves Harry Potter.

Let's hope it escapes. But, of course, anything to do with witchcraft and satan is going to be challenged in America.

Question from: <IDPOIRP> is book banning good for sales then Judy Blume?

Judy Blume: I'd gladly give up the extra sales .

Comment from <sharonka> i just wanted to tell Judy Blume that her book "Are you there, God, It's me Margaret" Was and is required reading in my home.

Judy Blume: Thanks a lot. And thanks to the adults in your home who encouraged you.

Comment from sharonka: I am amazed how many parents of children allow their children to read books they have never read themselves

Judy Blume: Yes, I agree. I always encourage parents to read what their kids are reading. Though you can't always read everything. Try to share sometimes...it's fun! But at the same time, try not to be judgmental. You may not want your kids reading "series" books but if your kids are into them...well, it's important that they get the message that reading is good. It's fun! It's something they want to do on their own.

Question from: <jonathan> Judy, can parents use websites like ALA for guidance on books their kids are reading? I can't read everything my 3 voracious reader-children get their hands on!

Judy Blume: And you don't need to get your hands on everything. The whole point is to create readers and to create an atmosphere that let's your kids know you're glad they're reading. If you set up a situation at home where they feel free to ask you questions, great!

Chat Moderator: Any final thoughts?

Judy Blume: For parents - try not to be afraid. Trust your kids. After all, you've been talking with them for years. They know you. You know them. Share with them. Laugh with them. And continue to read with them and to them. Ideas aren't scary. They're what learning is all about.!

Thanks for your thoughtful questions. Wish I'd had more time to consider each one.

Chat Moderator: Thank you for joining us today, Judy Blume and for chatting with us!