Deenie | 
YA author Hayley Krischer makes her second appearance on my book podcast this week, this time to discuss Judy Blume‘s Deenie. Deenie was published in 1973 and (sadly, like many of her books) was subject to tons of criticism from schools, libraries, and communities. In true SSR fashion, Hayley and I dig directly into this controversial subject matter on this week‘s episode! Link to listen in my bio. 💕
Facing down a busy and difficult week ahead, but trying to remind myself that I can do hard things. Taking refuge tonight in an old Judy Blume classic and my favorite cozy blanket. #CurrentlyReading #JudyBlume
pickReread of this story of a 7th grader dealing with a scoliosis diagnosis and also coping with preteen social issues - friendships, crushes, and puberty. Her mother wants her to be a model and Deenie learns to push back against her expectations. Deenie comes to a greater understanding about people with disabilities, her friends, and sister. Often banned for its frank discussion of masturbation. #bannedbook #booked2020
pickI am 25 years old and I am intensely relating to a Judy Blume novel for the first time.
Conforming to expectations while dealing with disability and with ableism (both external and internal)? That is my life. Genuinely just really connected to this. And seeing Deenie's views on disability change as she deals with her own felt so real.
This book just GETS me.
pickI really enjoyed Judy Blume's writing in this #audiobook. The ways in which Deenie struggles in coming to terms with and adjusting to scoliosis & her brace felt real. Her reactions show that she doesn't see herself as sick or disabled. I also liked the conflict between Deenie & her mom, since it gave another layer to the story. I'm not sure how treatments of scoliosis have changed, so I'm not sure how well the medical aspects of the book hold up.
pick#sbksept book three was Deenie and I loved it! I got massive Secret Garden vibes - the protagonist is a grumpy, sometimes mean girl whose mind is opened up by her experiences. I don't know how accurate the information about scoliosis is but I really liked that the book followed all Deenie's visits to various doctors, it made it feel more realistic. Catch the replay of my Deenie Instagram Live session here: www.instagram.com/juliannebenford
Today's garage sale find! $0.25
Well this was confronting! I did a quick google search to find books with disabled characters and one article had Judy Blume's Deenie at the top of the list. l had scoliosis and had to wear a brace and while I definitely did not see myself as disabled, I used my 'disability' to get out of gym class. Instead of playing dodge ball I was allowed to go to the school library and read books.A much better use of my time😊. #disabilities #photoadaynov16
For #FunFridayPhoto. I think there are people who would argue that this is not a middle grade book, but it's special to me. I checked it out from the library (with this cover!) when I was 9 after being diagnosed with scoliosis and told I would have to wear a back brace through puberty. I remember sympathizing with Deenie's wish to just have surgery instead (which I ended up having to undergo anyway at 19). So much love for this book.
#BannedBooks that were important to me in my "formative years". ? #SomethingForSept
