Blubber
by Judy Blume
Yearling 1974
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.8 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- bullying
- peer pressure
- bystander effect
- empathy
- friendship
- consequences
- identity
- standing up for others
About this book
Jill and her fifth-grade classmates start teasing Linda after a class report, and the joke quickly turns into something much more serious. Told from Jill’s point of view, the story explores how easy it is to follow the crowd—and how hard it is to speak up. Judy Blume’s honest, accessible writing invites readers to think about empathy, choices, and consequences. A strong pick for discussions about bullying and friendship in upper elementary and middle grades.
Setting: a suburban fifth-grade classroom, 1970s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blubber right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Blubber. The reading level is AR 3.8, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include bullying, peer pressure, bystander effect.
How long does it take to read Blubber?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Blubber takes around 4.0h to finish. The book has 32,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Blubber have an AR quiz?
Yes — Blubber has an AR quiz available, worth 4 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Blubber?
Blubber has an AR reading level of 3.8, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.