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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
So, I don’t remember these books enough to give them each their own review but the Fugde series is a hilariously funny, relatable series for kids and adults alike. I enjoyed reading this series even being a little bit older and I’d highly recommend this author. We follow the main character and his younger brother, Fudge and occasionally get to see his arch-enemy, Shelia. Overall, this series has very interesting characters and is an enjoyable read about kids and their everyday, funny lives.
This is going to be the same review for all of the Fudge books because I read them when I was a child and am relying on my memories from over four decades ago.
I wouldn't ordinarily write a review for a book from so long ago, but I wanted to express my gratitude to Judy Blume for this specific series. My mom had an excellent grasp of English, but because of racism and xenophobia, she had internalized a fear of being judged as stupid and unworthy. This has always made me so sad because she was brilliant, and my brothers and I got her very, very smart genes (ok, some of our dad's too).
She went out of her way to keep learning English. She took every class at the library and then started taking classes at the town library when the library tutor told her that she'd taught my mom as much as she could. Then the community college told her to stop coming because she had nothing left to learn. But she had a heavy accent and had a hard time getting the grammar perfect (who has perfect grammar?????). Then one day, my sister-in-law gave my mom these Fudge books. She started reading them and gaining confidence from them and enjoying them. This was an important point - she needed some humor and levity in her life. We all loved my dad fiercely, but being his wife was very challenging. And for a perfectionist like my mom, these books gave her a small respite.
So for my mom's sake, I give this whole series five stars.
I wouldn't ordinarily write a review for a book from so long ago, but I wanted to express my gratitude to Judy Blume for this specific series. My mom had an excellent grasp of English, but because of racism and xenophobia, she had internalized a fear of being judged as stupid and unworthy. This has always made me so sad because she was brilliant, and my brothers and I got her very, very smart genes (ok, some of our dad's too).
She went out of her way to keep learning English. She took every class at the library and then started taking classes at the town library when the library tutor told her that she'd taught my mom as much as she could. Then the community college told her to stop coming because she had nothing left to learn. But she had a heavy accent and had a hard time getting the grammar perfect (who has perfect grammar?????). Then one day, my sister-in-law gave my mom these Fudge books. She started reading them and gaining confidence from them and enjoying them. This was an important point - she needed some humor and levity in her life. We all loved my dad fiercely, but being his wife was very challenging. And for a perfectionist like my mom, these books gave her a small respite.
So for my mom's sake, I give this whole series five stars.
Enjoying listening to this series with the kids! I’m surprised that they like it since it’s older .
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not as good as super fudge but still provided some good giggles,
While I enjoy the Fudge books more that the Ramona books as one-offs, props to Beverly Cleary for giving those books a real arc, rather than just literally writing the same book four times and changing around the plot.
Like the other books in the Fudge series, this was very fun to share with my children. It's a highly enjoyable read for kids and adults alike. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because I enjoy other books int he Fudge series more than this one.
Too much going on, not enough completed to develop a theme. No character growth. How were these books so successful?
I use to love reading Judy Blume books as a child this was a walk down memory lane for me
*** Warning: This review contains spoilers!! ***
I have to admit, it does seem like Peter wasn't treated entirely fairly by his parents. They really ought to have told him about the shared summer home!
For the most part, what I've really liked about this series is its relatability. Characters are realistic, and events are more or less believable. (Even when Fudge swallowed Dribble, I had read that it was inspired by a true news story!) In the last book, Frank Fargo's painting just happening to show up in Peter's new neighborhood was a little out there, but a coincidence within the realm of possibilities. But now they have a retired Red Sox player for a neighbor, and a wedding just three weeks after the couple meets... It's all happy and fun, but more over the top, more along the lines of "only in a book" instead of "fiction reflecting real life".
Still, I think Judy Blume did an excellent job depicting Peter's emotions. He's just a kid, and he doesn't always think rationally, but his perspective is valid. I think many young readers would be able to relate to how he felt like a loser for having made mistakes in front of what seemed like the whole world, or how he felt jealous and left out when his best friend actually got along with his sworn enemy, or just how disappointed he was when nothing was going the way he imagined it would.
But hopefully, readers would also see how Peter came to realize that having a good friend and a supportive family are more important than most other things, and they really can cheer you up.
I have to admit, it does seem like Peter wasn't treated entirely fairly by his parents. They really ought to have told him about the shared summer home!
For the most part, what I've really liked about this series is its relatability. Characters are realistic, and events are more or less believable. (Even when Fudge swallowed Dribble, I had read that it was inspired by a true news story!) In the last book, Frank Fargo's painting just happening to show up in Peter's new neighborhood was a little out there, but a coincidence within the realm of possibilities. But now they have a retired Red Sox player for a neighbor, and a wedding just three weeks after the couple meets... It's all happy and fun, but more over the top, more along the lines of "only in a book" instead of "fiction reflecting real life".
Still, I think Judy Blume did an excellent job depicting Peter's emotions. He's just a kid, and he doesn't always think rationally, but his perspective is valid. I think many young readers would be able to relate to how he felt like a loser for having made mistakes in front of what seemed like the whole world, or how he felt jealous and left out when his best friend actually got along with his sworn enemy, or just how disappointed he was when nothing was going the way he imagined it would.
But hopefully, readers would also see how Peter came to realize that having a good friend and a supportive family are more important than most other things, and they really can cheer you up.