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An American author is being recognized for her worldwide contribution to tackling pre-teen issues for girls from the 1970's and into the 1990's.
When the novel, Are you there God? It's me, Margaret, came out in 1969, the coming-of-age novel got a lot of pre-teen girls around the world through the horrors of puberty. One of her most classic lines, "I must, I must, I must improve my bust," walked young girls through the world of bra shopping.
However, the book was banned by many American libraries after parents began to speak out against her books saying they did not want their young daughters reading up on menstruation, birth control and other controversial issues.
But a little resistance certainly didn't keep Blume from writing more novels focused on the pre-teen uphill battle.
This spring, the American Academy of Arts and Letters is awarding Blume the E.B. White Award, a $10,000-prize for her achievement in children's literature.
The Academy announced the 19 names of the Literature Award Winners in early April, with prize money totaling $265,000.
The presentation ceremony takes place in New York City in May.
In an interview with WorldNews Network in December of 2013, Blume spoke frankly about the nature of her content:
"I wanted to be honest. And I felt that no adult had been honest with me. We didn't have the information we should have had," she said.
She's sold more than 85 million copies and her work has been translated into 32 languages.
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, is one of several of Judy Blume's best-selling books. She also made waves with several other titles, including, Tales of A Fourth Grade Nothing, Blubber and Summer Sisters.
In 2015, the Scotch Plains, New Jersey Town Council honored resident, Blume for her work and celebrated the 45th anniversary of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
Blume turned 79 years of age this February.
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