Blubber

Judy Blume

Cover of Blubber

Blubber

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Judy Blume

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

Find on Amazon

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be picked on? Jill watches her classmates tease a girl named Linda, called 'Blubber,' but when the teasing turns toward her, everything changes. How will Jill handle being on the other side of the playground?

Themes

FriendshipComing of AgeSocial ThemesAdolescence & Coming of AgeGirls & Women

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel explores themes of bullying, peer pressure, and empathy through the story of Jill, a fifth grader who experiences both sides of tormenting behavior. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers a thoughtful look at the social challenges children face in school settings. Parents should note the book deals with bullying and emotional conflict in a realistic but age-appropriate manner.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate ←
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Bullying Fear & Anxiety Identity & Self-Discovery
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

5/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
10
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

Blume J

Judy Blume

Cover of Blume J

Blume J

Judy Blume

Level 5 Mild

Judy Blume (For Lower Grades)

Judy Blume

Cover of Judy Blume (For Lower Grades)

Judy Blume (For Lower Grades)

Judy Blume

Level 7 Mild

Judy Blume

Jill C. Wheeler

Cover of Judy Blume

Judy Blume

Jill C. Wheeler

Level 2 Gentle

Judy Blume

Elisa Ludwig

Cover of Judy Blume

Judy Blume

Elisa Ludwig

Level 4 Mild

Integrating the Literature of Judy Blume in the Classroom

Tom Palumbo

Cover of Integrating the Literature of Judy Blume in the Classroom

Integrating the Literature of Judy Blume in the Classroom

Tom Palumbo

Level 4 Gentle

Fourth Grade Loser

Judy Blume

Cover of Fourth Grade Loser

Fourth Grade Loser

Judy Blume

Level 4 Mild
See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

176 pages
ISBN
9780689849749
Pages
176
Publisher
Simon and Schuster
Published
1972
Type
Fiction
Era
Vintage (1972)

Genres

Juvenile Fiction

Subjects

Girls & WomenSocial ThemesAdolescence & Coming of AgeFriendshipBullyingSelf-HelpPeer PressureStamp CollectingJewsHippiesYogaClass PresidentsChinese AmericansPranksMock TrialsOverweightSchoolsConduct of LifeTeasingInterpersonal ConflictSpanish Language MaterialsObesity in ChildrenOverweight ChildrenFifth GradeChildrenInterpersonal RelationsGirlsAdolescenceCurrency QuestionMoney

People

Jill BrennerWendyCarolineLinda FischerKenny BrennerTracy WuGordon BrennerAnn BrennerRochelleDonna DavidsonRobby WintersBruce BonaventuraMr. MachinistWarren WinklerMrs. SandmeierGreat MaudieMrs. MinishIrwinBig Bird

Places

RadnorPennsylvaniaHillside SchoolHidden Valley