1. Jill describes Linda as being the chubbiest kid in her class but the book doesn't specifically say why they bully Linda (Blubber). Jill tells her mom that "she (Linda) looks for it". Do you think Linda "looks for it"? Do you think kids in 5th through 8th grade would agree with Jill? Is it obvious to the reader why Linda is being bullied? Why or why not?
2. Why do you think Jill goes along with Wendy in bullying Linda? Do you think kids nowadays would be like Jill, or do you think they would stand up to Wendy? Why?
* Now think about your adolescent self - could you relate to any of the
characters? Were you like Jill, Wendy, Linda, Caroline,
Rochelle .... ?
3. The book ends without a resolution, without closure - why do you think Judy Blume did that? Do you think there is a reason or a purpose for the book ending somewhat abruptly?
4. Would the book still be controversial if the bullying was resolved and/or punished? Why?
* How would it change the story if the girls were punished for bullying
Linda?
* Do you think it would change the story if the girls were in high
school? Would there still be as much controversy over the book?
5. Is there a difference between being picked on and being bullied? How has bullying changed from the 1970's to now, to 2011?
6. There are still many people who are uncomfortable with the profanity and bullying issues in Blubber. Do you think this book is controversial? Do you agree that it needs to be banned or censored? Why or why not?
* Do you think Judy Blume should censor herself since many of her
books, such as Blubber, are geared towards adolescents?
7. Judy Blume was a very popular author in the 1970's and 1980's - she could have marketed her name, her characters, etc. Do you think she should have capitalized on her popularity? Do you respect her more as an author than other authors who have made that leap into advertising and endorsements? Explain.
8. In the book Jill talks about her mom smoking - it comes up quite a bit. Do you think there is any significance to this? Why or why not?