Judy Blume is one of the most popular writers of young adult fiction in the world. For over three decades Blume's books have been embraced by young girls everywhere. She has sold over 75 million books, which have been translated into more than twenty languages. Much of Blume's success is due to her insistence on portraying 'tweens and teens in realistic situations. But that same dedication to the truth has also made Blume one of the most controversial authors of the last fifty years. No other writer has had more books banned from libraries and schools than Blume because of her straightforward depiction of teen issues. As a result, Blume has become one of America's most vocal advocates against censorship and a champion of the First Amendment to ensure that the next generation of writers will have the same creative freedom she has enjoyed.