Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself by Judy Blume

As a mom, I really liked Sally's father who, while absent, still managed to regularly communicate with his children in very creative ways. I enjoyed reading about Sally's grandmother who was a wonderful character - I loved how she would just switch into Yiddish! And Sally's mother was truly a stereotypical mother with her overprotectiveness and fear of everything. Both Sally and her family were absolutely hilarious. This book was just a joy, and I found myself laughing a lot while reading it.

I'd like to think that reading this book actually did teach me something! I'm sure I missed out on many of them as a child, but I do remember asking my mom about Esther Williams and Hitler. I can so see Sally becoming a writer when she grows up because of her wonderful insight and sense of humor! I loved that this book took place in the years following WWII because the cultural references were so interesting. What I didn't realize until recently is that this novel is somewhat autobiographical for Blume who spent a summer in Florida when she was about ten years old - Sally's age. I will admit that I might have appreciated this book a little differently this time around because my perspective has changed - I am now the mother of a daughter who is Sally's age.

I thoroughly enjoyed her commentary on life as well as her daily adventures, and Judy Blume did a marvelous job with capturing her voice. Sally is just a wonderful character with a fantastic imagination. I know that I've appreciated some of the Judy Blume books that I've read as an adult for different reasons that I did as a child however, I think I liked this one for many of the same reasons.

FREEDMAN AS HERSELF when I read it a few days ago. I remembered bits and pieces of the story, but it wasn't until I sat down with the book that it all came rushing back to me! I know I read it a number of times as a child, but I don't think I could have described this book if asked. I have had so much fun the past few weeks reading (and re-reading) so many Judy Blume books for Kathy's Shelf Discovery/Judy Blume Mini Challenge! One of my all-time favorites was STARRING SALLY J. What will school be like in Florida? Will she make any friends? Will she fit in so far away from home? Miami Beach has so many things to worry and wonder about, Sally is in for one unforgettable winter! - Yearling Summary: When Sally’s family moves to Miami Beach for the winter of 1947, she is excited and nervous at the same time.

Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself by Judy Blume