Judy Blume is known and loved by millions of readers for her funny,
honest, always believable stories. Among her hugely popular books
are
Superfudge,
Fudge-a-mania,
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and
Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great, all available
in Dell Yearling editions. Judy Blume lives in New York City.
1. Wendy is the most popular girl in Mrs. Minish's fifth grade
class. Ask the class to describe Wendy. Cite evidence from the
novel that Wendy is a "troublemaker." How does Wendy misuse her
popularity? Why does Jill fall to Wendy's power?
2. Discuss why Linda is such an easy target for bullies.
Describe her feelings when the girls do and say mean things to her.
Ask the class to discuss what Linda could have done to help her
situation.
3. Describe Jill and Tracy's friendship. How is Tracy more
perceptive about Wendy than Jill? Discuss whether Tracy would
participate in bullying Blubber if she were in Mrs. Minish's class.
How is it sometimes easier to see through a situation from the
outside?
4. Engage the class in a discussion about whether Mrs. Minish,
the teacher, realizes what is going on between the girls. Find
passages in the novel that indicate that Mrs. Minish is an
"uninformed" teacher. What can teachers and school administrators
do to eliminate problems with bullying?
5. Wendy tries to convince Jill and Tracy that it was Linda who
squealed on them for putting eggs in Mr. Machinist's mailbox on
Halloween. Tracy doubts the accusation, and Jill suggests that
Linda be given a trial. How is this incident the turning point in
the novel? What are the lessons that Jill learns?