Mother-Daughter Love for Judy Blume

Judy Blume turns 80 this month, but her writing feels as fresh as ever to the young girls just discovering it. At a birthday celebration hosted by Symphony Space in Manhattan, mothers and daughters shared an inter-generational love of Blume, who has written dozens of young adult novels,  including Blubber and Freckle Juice.

Ella Watkin, 11, said reading Blume's books helped her understand that being different is OK.

"I'm taller than most kids and I'm bigger than most kids and it just makes me feel a little uncomfortable sometimes," she said after the event, which featured Blume alongside authors and illustrators she's inspired.

Ella's mother, Katie, said Blume has helped her to guide her daughters through the challenges of childhood.

"Kids don't always listen to you as a parent saying, 'Oh, I did that as a kid,' but you have this sort of timeless book" to use to start tough conversations.

Katie said Blume's books still feel relevant. She took a copy of Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, one of her favorite Blume novels, with her to college and then grad school. She still has it, and said she's glad her daughter, Ella, has her own copy now, so they don't have to share.