Blubber

Author(s) Judy Blume
Illustrator(s)
Age Group 9-12
Publisher Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
ISBN 9781481410137
Year 2001

When overweight Linda gives an oral report on whales, the cruel and power-wielding class leader, Wendy, starts calling her "Blubber." The name-calling escalates into more intense bullying and humiliation. The novel's narrator, Jill, is a full participant from the start. Over time, though, she comes to question everyone's behavior, including her own. Finally, she challenges Wendy's power and learns that there are consequences, as well as rewards, to taking a stand.