This summer, we kicked off Read with Jenna Jr., a special initiative close to my heart,

with one simple goal, to make reading fun for kids one book at a time.

I handpicked 22 incredible books for young readers of all ages. And today I want to

celebrate one of my all-time favorite read-with-Jenna authors, someone who has had a profound

impact on generations of young readers, Judy Blume. Her books have shaped childhoods, opened up

conversations, and made so many kids feel seen for the very first time.

She's written 29 books, sold more than 90 million copies worldwide,

and her work has been translated into 39 languages.

From Tales of a Fourth grade nothing to Are You There, God, it's me, Margaret.

Judy's stories continue to resonate with readers of all ages.

Bloom's love for literature started early.

Growing up in New Jersey, she spent her childhood dreaming up stories in her head.

And lucky for us, she spent her adult years bringing those stories to life.

What began as picture books for her two young children, a labor of love and a creative escape,

blossomed into a career that changed the landscape of children's literature.

She's also written best-selling novels for adults, including Summer Sisters,

one of my personal favorites and a read-with-Genna Book Club pick.

And in her latest chapter, Judy turned the page once again, opening her very

own independent bookstore in Key West Florida called Books and Books with her beloved husband, George.

I visited Bloom to talk about her love of reading, her connection to her fans, and how she wants to be

remembered. I'm Jenna Bush-Hager.

Welcome to my podcast, Open Book, with Jenna.

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