Perhaps I should have waited to add Otherwise Known as Judy the Great: A Poetic Ode to Judy Blume by Selina Alko to my Best of This Year Reads list, but I did not know I was going to read it when I put my list together. Besides, it is all good as I will let you know here how FREAKING awesome this book is now.
Due in February 2026 (perfectly timed as Blume’s birthday is the 12th of February) this book is set up in a poetic format and obvious nods to Blume herself. Included with each poem that highlights an influential moment in her life, is a short timeline at the end of things. Each piece allows us to peek into the child Judy’s world. We are given cleverly created illustrations that are bold, bright, detailed and artistic. Things are fun and funny, serious and sweet. It is a great introduction to a beloved author.
The artwork is bold, bright and yet has a softness that captures the essence of the time and person. Judy was known for being the “good girl” and the images are reminiscent of the 1940s and 1950s (her childhood years) but also are modernly touched. There is an energy to text and art, but the text really pops off the page. The collage look and probably a few mixed medias all come together to make a bold statement.
Each poem I enjoyed as it shows where or maybe where the ideas of Blume’s books come from. Titles of each section reference a novel to be, they are happy and exciting. Even when scary things happen (World War II, several plane crashes) there is a hopefulness to them. Perhaps this book will not become the classics her books have, but it will be a fantastic gift for pairing her books to the younger readers, or to yourself or another adult who grew up on the works of Judy Blume.
And I add my first, and favoirte, read by Blume here:
