Otherwise Known as Judy the Great: A Poetic Ode to Judy Blume -- Selina Alko, Hardcover

Beloved and trailblazing author Judy Blume comes to life in this poetic picture book about her childhood.

Judy Blume is known for fearlessly discussing topics that were once considered taboo. As a young girl, Judy was not encouraged to share her feelings, so instead she invented stories as a way to understand the world around her. Growing up Jewish, during and in the aftermath of WWII, dramatically shaped Judy's childhood. Her younger years were full of fear. Judy processed her conflicted emotions by making up stories where she could control the conflict as she worked through challenging life scenarios. These stories became the subjects of the books she later published for children, tweens, teens, and adults including Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, Freckle Juice, and the Fudge series. This inspiring collection of poems celebrates the childhood years of Judy Blume, one of the most beloved American writers of all time.

Author: Selina Alko
Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books-Little Brown and Hach
Published: 02/17/2026
Pages: 48
Binding Type: Hardcover
Size: 11.25h x 9.25w x 0.38d
ISBN: 9780316570633
Audience: Ages 4-8

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 10/15/2025
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2025
School Library Journal 10/31/2025 pg. 1
Publishers Weekly 11/24/2025

About the Author
Selina Alko is an award-winning author-illustrator of many books for young readers, including I Is for Immigrants, B Is for Brooklyn, Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama, and The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage -- illustrated by Sean Qualls. She lives in Brooklyn with her family and invites you to visit her online at selinaalko.com.