I love Judy Blume. I grew up reading her books like “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” and “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing”. “Tiger Eyes” was probably my all time favorite of her adolescent books. So I was over the moon when I got to meet her last year and get an autographed copy of her latest book “Soupy Saturdays with the Pain and the Great One”.Okay, so the title is kind of lame…I mean long. Still it’s a Judy Blume book! And it’s part of a series that’s clearly geared towards younger kids. And I’m old now, perhaps I just don’t know what a good kids book is anymore.

Well all those things may be true, but I still feel confident in saying that this is not a great kids book. If your child loves “The Pain” and “The Great One” then I’m sure they’ll find something to love in this book.

If you’re just looking for a Judy Blume book for your child because you remember her fondly (as I do), stick to “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” and “Super Fudge” for younger kids, then graduate them up to her teen books (like “Tiger Eyes”) as they get to be 10-13 years old.

I still love you Judy! I just wish think your classic works are your best. If it’s any consolation, I’d say the same thing to George Lucas (why DID he have to go and ruin Star Wars by making those 3 newer ones??!).