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Deenie
Scoliosis twists Deenie’s plans for seventh grade in this classic Judy Blume novel with a fresh new look.
Deenie’s mother wants her to be a model, with her face on magazine covers—maybe even in the movies—but Deenie wants to spend Saturdays with her friends Janet and Midge, tracking Harvey Grabowsky, the captain of the football team, around Woolworth’s. She wants to be a cheerleader, too, and go to the seventh-grade mixer to hear Buddy Brader play his drums.
Instead, Deenie is diagnosed with scoliosis. And that means body stockings to squeeze into, a roomful of strangers to face, and a terrifying brace that she’ll need to wear for years that goes from her neck to her hips. Suddenly Deenie has to cope with a kind of specialness that’s frightening—and might be hers forever.
Deenie’s mother wants her to be a model, with her face on magazine covers—maybe even in the movies—but Deenie wants to spend Saturdays with her friends Janet and Midge, tracking Harvey Grabowsky, the captain of the football team, around Woolworth’s. She wants to be a cheerleader, too, and go to the seventh-grade mixer to hear Buddy Brader play his drums.
Instead, Deenie is diagnosed with scoliosis. And that means body stockings to squeeze into, a roomful of strangers to face, and a terrifying brace that she’ll need to wear for years that goes from her neck to her hips. Suddenly Deenie has to cope with a kind of specialness that’s frightening—and might be hers forever.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
418 people are currently reading
8850 people want to read
About the author
Judy Blume
154 books12k followersJudy Blume spent her childhood in Elizabeth, New Jersey, making up stories inside her head. She has spent her adult years in many places doing the same thing, only now she writes her stories down on paper. Adults as well as children will recognize such Blume titles as: Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret; Blubber; Just as Long as We're Together; and the five book series about the irrepressible Fudge. She has also written three novels for adults, Summer Sisters; Smart Women; and Wifey, all of them New York Times bestsellers. More than 80 million copies of her books have been sold, and her work has been translated into thirty-one languages. She receives thousands of letters a year from readers of all ages who share their feelings and concerns with her.
Judy received a B.S. in education from New York University in 1961, which named her a Distinguished Alumna in 1996, the same year the American Library Association honored her with the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement. Other recognitions include the Library of Congress Living Legends Award and the 2004 National Book Foundation's Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.
She is the founder and trustee of The Kids Fund, a charitable and educational foundation. She serves on the boards of the Author's Guild; the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators; the Key West Literary Seminar; and the National Coalition Against Censorship.
Judy is a longtime advocate of intellectual freedom. Finding herself at the center of an organized book banning campaign in the 1980's she began to reach out to other writers, as well as teachers and librarians, who were under fire. Since then, she has worked tirelessly with the National Coalition Against Censorship to protect the freedom to read. She is the editor of Places I Never Meant To Be, Original Stories by Censored Writers.
Judy has completed a series of four chapter books -- The Pain & the Great One -- illustrated by New Yorker cartoonist James Stevenson. She has co-written and produced a film adaptation of her book Tiger Eyes, and is currently writing a new novel.
Judy and her husband George Cooper live on islands up and down the east coast. They have three grown children and one grandchild.
Judy received a B.S. in education from New York University in 1961, which named her a Distinguished Alumna in 1996, the same year the American Library Association honored her with the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement. Other recognitions include the Library of Congress Living Legends Award and the 2004 National Book Foundation's Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.
She is the founder and trustee of The Kids Fund, a charitable and educational foundation. She serves on the boards of the Author's Guild; the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators; the Key West Literary Seminar; and the National Coalition Against Censorship.
Judy is a longtime advocate of intellectual freedom. Finding herself at the center of an organized book banning campaign in the 1980's she began to reach out to other writers, as well as teachers and librarians, who were under fire. Since then, she has worked tirelessly with the National Coalition Against Censorship to protect the freedom to read. She is the editor of Places I Never Meant To Be, Original Stories by Censored Writers.
Judy has completed a series of four chapter books -- The Pain & the Great One -- illustrated by New Yorker cartoonist James Stevenson. She has co-written and produced a film adaptation of her book Tiger Eyes, and is currently writing a new novel.
Judy and her husband George Cooper live on islands up and down the east coast. They have three grown children and one grandchild.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,146 reviews
December 29, 2022
Well, friends it's hard to believe but a year has gone by and this is my last book for my personal childhood challenge re-read.
I don't think there is any Judy Blume book that I don't like. She is just that good at her craft. While I did like this one it was not my favourite one when I first read it. I think it had more to do with not really relating to the character as much although I sympathized with her.
Deenie is in Seventh Grade. Her mother keeps telling her she could be a model and is pushing her in that direction even though it's not really what she wants. Deenie tries out for the cheerleading squad at school but does not make it but the teacher calls her in one day. She explains that she has noticed something "off" with Deenie's spine and she will contact her mother. Deenie shrugs it off as a posture issue. Her mother takes her to the doctor and she is diagnosed with Scoliosis. Deenie is then fitted with a brace that she must wear for 4 years to correct her spine. She is mortified! We go through all the emotions with Deenie and her family.
I did not remember this book very well so I once again decided on listening to the story. I found the narration entertaining. Like all other Judy Blume books she does incorporate a mix of teenage issues within the story. I totally forgot about this one. Ms. Blume really was a pioneer for her day and quite brave for her time. This story also touches on sex and the dreaded...yup....teenage masturbation.🫢
I really enjoyed the author's notes at the end and Judy Blume explaining how she came about writing the story. She explained that she feels this story is more about "parental expectations." For sure that was another "issue" played out throughout the book especially between Deenie, her sister, Helen and her mother.
Originally I rated this one 4 stars and I'm still going to keep the same rating. A good one. Still, just not my favourite one.
I don't think there is any Judy Blume book that I don't like. She is just that good at her craft. While I did like this one it was not my favourite one when I first read it. I think it had more to do with not really relating to the character as much although I sympathized with her.
Deenie is in Seventh Grade. Her mother keeps telling her she could be a model and is pushing her in that direction even though it's not really what she wants. Deenie tries out for the cheerleading squad at school but does not make it but the teacher calls her in one day. She explains that she has noticed something "off" with Deenie's spine and she will contact her mother. Deenie shrugs it off as a posture issue. Her mother takes her to the doctor and she is diagnosed with Scoliosis. Deenie is then fitted with a brace that she must wear for 4 years to correct her spine. She is mortified! We go through all the emotions with Deenie and her family.
I did not remember this book very well so I once again decided on listening to the story. I found the narration entertaining. Like all other Judy Blume books she does incorporate a mix of teenage issues within the story. I totally forgot about this one. Ms. Blume really was a pioneer for her day and quite brave for her time. This story also touches on sex and the dreaded...yup....teenage masturbation.🫢
I really enjoyed the author's notes at the end and Judy Blume explaining how she came about writing the story. She explained that she feels this story is more about "parental expectations." For sure that was another "issue" played out throughout the book especially between Deenie, her sister, Helen and her mother.
Originally I rated this one 4 stars and I'm still going to keep the same rating. A good one. Still, just not my favourite one.
November 7, 2022
I read DEENIE, originally, as a young teen, and I thought I remembered it well. It turns out, I only really remembered that it was a book about a girl who gets diagnosed with scoliosis and has to wear a big, cumbersome back brace.
But now that I've reread it, I can say that this review is a solid reminder of WHY it's a good idea to rate/review a book while it is still fresh in one's mind.
Case in point: did I remember, from my first read, about Deenie's “special place” on her body, and how she loves to rub it and rub it, until she gets that good feeling?
Um, nope.
Did I remember Deenie's preoccupation with intercourse and how startled she is to learn that her 16-year-old sister still hasn't had sex yet?
No, I did not.
(Did I mention that this was a read-aloud with my 12-year-old?).
I get frustrated when writers don't “assign” the right ages to their protagonists, and the 7th graders in this story were a lot more like 9th graders, and my 6th grader is a lot more like a 4th grader, so this was a read-aloud that required this mom to make a few detours.
There are some fast 7th graders in this story: kids with mature speech who take city buses and talk of masturbation and being felt up and meeting with boys in dark closets.
We just weren't ready for this one yet!
Beyond that, yes, Deenie is diagnosed with scoliosis, and her reaction to being “different” does feel authentic and her newfound compassion for others with differences is inspiring (Deenie was once a real sh*t when it came to the kids in the “handicapped” room).
The writing is as good as always, but, as far as Judy Blume books go, the connection to the characters seemed off, and the topic felt somewhat contrived.
And, you know, there's all of that rubbing. . .
But now that I've reread it, I can say that this review is a solid reminder of WHY it's a good idea to rate/review a book while it is still fresh in one's mind.
Case in point: did I remember, from my first read, about Deenie's “special place” on her body, and how she loves to rub it and rub it, until she gets that good feeling?
Um, nope.
Did I remember Deenie's preoccupation with intercourse and how startled she is to learn that her 16-year-old sister still hasn't had sex yet?
No, I did not.
(Did I mention that this was a read-aloud with my 12-year-old?).
I get frustrated when writers don't “assign” the right ages to their protagonists, and the 7th graders in this story were a lot more like 9th graders, and my 6th grader is a lot more like a 4th grader, so this was a read-aloud that required this mom to make a few detours.
There are some fast 7th graders in this story: kids with mature speech who take city buses and talk of masturbation and being felt up and meeting with boys in dark closets.
We just weren't ready for this one yet!
Beyond that, yes, Deenie is diagnosed with scoliosis, and her reaction to being “different” does feel authentic and her newfound compassion for others with differences is inspiring (Deenie was once a real sh*t when it came to the kids in the “handicapped” room).
The writing is as good as always, but, as far as Judy Blume books go, the connection to the characters seemed off, and the topic felt somewhat contrived.
And, you know, there's all of that rubbing. . .
February 13, 2017
The brace looks like the one Dr. Kliner showed us three weeks earlier. It's the ugliest thing I ever saw.
I have to give the story credit - to my adult mind this vintage YA is still five stars.
I read it at least three times growing up, but reading again was not boring in the slightest. Some of it came back to me, most I'd forgotten. It starts a little awkward but settles in fast thanks to Judy Blume's talented hand. She keeps the wording simple and the sentences short, but she's able to convey a wide range of emotion in doing this.
Deenie would be an invaluable book for someone that age having to struggle with the diagnosis of scoliosis and wearing that life-changing brace for four years - it's inspirational, it feels real, and it's encouraging. Deenie isn't perfect - Blume rarely writes characters who are - but the short hand she's dealt in life does have the positive purpose of transforming her outlook on other people who also have issues. It changes the way she sees Barbara with her eczema, the 'special needs kids', and the elderly woman with the hunchback.
I know some may see this as a condition she received to teach her a lesson, that there are those different from her, but I prefer to think the author meant that by a coincidence Deenie was able to open her eyes further when she herself receives the unsettling diagnosis. I don't think the event was created to make Deenie change - I just think the author showed how events like this can make people change in positive ways.
Masturbation isn't discussed too much, but it's brought up a few times, including Deenie writing an anonymous question about it to the gym coach. I'm so saddened this book has been banned before because it discusses this just to say there's no shame. In 2004, the American Library Association labeled Blume the second most censored author in the past 15 years. Here is a good article discussing the issues of why Deenie has been so banned. Read these endearing children's letters about this and the aftermath to Judy Blume on this website, it was illuminating.
Do normal people touch their bodies before they go to sleep and it is all right to do that? (p 82)
Blume could have just written about an average girl getting scoliosis, but she threw in another issue some teens will relate to - parents who try to shape their kids into what they want them to be. Mothers who separate children by talents. "Deenie's the beauty, Helen's the brain." In fact, Blume based the inspiration off of meeting a 14 year old girl who wore a brace and was adjusting, but her mother was the one on tears and coping poorly.
The book wins because it's not focusing on a certain condition, but an unchangeable event that will make a kid feel even more different than they already do. It touches briefly upon (and it was amusing really) masturbation and questions about this as well. It shows how some people stand out as different due to conditions, but that everyone is still the same and to be treated well.
It's a short book but it holds a powerful punch. Especially great for teenage minds who already feel isolated because of their age and those pesky hormones.
May 16, 2023
Another one of everyone's childhood favorite, that I read too late in life, and thus failed to get on board the rave train with everyone else. I probably need a middle-grader to explain all the hype, or just stop reading any more books aimed at this age group.
Wilmadeenie (a.k.a. Deenie) Fenner is your everyday pretty and entitled 13-year-old, plagued by the usual problems of the popular: friends, boys, cheerleadimg, and of course, outsiders to avoid. But most importantly, finally pass one of those damned modelling auditions, because all her mother's nagging is really annoying. Plus, she's weary of walking around with books on her head.
A failed cheerleading audition gets Deenie sent to the doctor, where she's eventually diagnosed with scoliosis, doomed to wear a brace for the next four years. I say doomed, but it's mainly her mother getting needlessly excited over it, not that her ignorance isn't utterly painful and enraging to watch. At the same time, beyond Deenie's immediate bonus of getting to drop the modelling auditions, is the uncomfortable revelation that she is now one of the handicapped kids, that she's been avoiding all these years.
This is your usual cautionary tale, of not being needlessly judgmental, because one day it could happen to you, mixed with a heavy dose of little girls can be anything they want, so stop pushing them into ready-made boxes. And on that note, let's hear three cheers for Helen, Deenie's older sister: the brains and empathy of the family.
To the author's credit, she addresses a whole host of teenage issues: prejudice against handicapped people, overbearing mothers, people with skin conditions, adoring fans, dating, masturbation, that one friend the boys always overlook... Unfortunately, as the book is only 164 pages long, only the first two get properly explored.
That said, overall I was truly impressed with everyone's kind and reasonable response to Deenie's affliction: starting with the heroine's best friends, followed by Helen, and even Deenie's love interest... if in a somewhat questionable manner. But then there was also Mrs. Fenner, who just needs to be throttled: three separate doctor's appointments and she still suspects her daughter's bad posture is intentional!
Score: 2.7/5 stars
Deenie is an educational story wrapped in some very cute packaging, definitely recommended to middle-grader girls all around, even 50 years after it was written. Proof that this is one of those books that does, in fact, age well. Well, mostly: describing someone's skin condition as creeping curd conjured some rather disgusting images in my mind.
Wilmadeenie (a.k.a. Deenie) Fenner is your everyday pretty and entitled 13-year-old, plagued by the usual problems of the popular: friends, boys, cheerleadimg, and of course, outsiders to avoid. But most importantly, finally pass one of those damned modelling auditions, because all her mother's nagging is really annoying. Plus, she's weary of walking around with books on her head.
A failed cheerleading audition gets Deenie sent to the doctor, where she's eventually diagnosed with scoliosis, doomed to wear a brace for the next four years. I say doomed, but it's mainly her mother getting needlessly excited over it, not that her ignorance isn't utterly painful and enraging to watch. At the same time, beyond Deenie's immediate bonus of getting to drop the modelling auditions, is the uncomfortable revelation that she is now one of the handicapped kids, that she's been avoiding all these years.
This is your usual cautionary tale, of not being needlessly judgmental, because one day it could happen to you, mixed with a heavy dose of little girls can be anything they want, so stop pushing them into ready-made boxes. And on that note, let's hear three cheers for Helen, Deenie's older sister: the brains and empathy of the family.
To the author's credit, she addresses a whole host of teenage issues: prejudice against handicapped people, overbearing mothers, people with skin conditions, adoring fans, dating, masturbation, that one friend the boys always overlook... Unfortunately, as the book is only 164 pages long, only the first two get properly explored.
That said, overall I was truly impressed with everyone's kind and reasonable response to Deenie's affliction: starting with the heroine's best friends, followed by Helen, and even Deenie's love interest... if in a somewhat questionable manner. But then there was also Mrs. Fenner, who just needs to be throttled: three separate doctor's appointments and she still suspects her daughter's bad posture is intentional!
Score: 2.7/5 stars
Deenie is an educational story wrapped in some very cute packaging, definitely recommended to middle-grader girls all around, even 50 years after it was written. Proof that this is one of those books that does, in fact, age well. Well, mostly: describing someone's skin condition as creeping curd conjured some rather disgusting images in my mind.
September 5, 2023
I remember when I was reading Judy Blume's Deenie in 2007 (as I never actually did manage to read this novel as a child or a young adult), wondering with rather angry consternation and almost a bit of rage at what ALL the frigging online and offline fuss has been about with regard to the book supposedly describing masturbation. Yes, there is I believe a question posed in Deenie that "might" perhaps be about the latter and which main protagonist Deenie asks at school and indeed, there are also a couple of scenes where she is described as touching herself on a special spot in order to calm her nerves, in order to destress herself mostly whilst she is lying in bed (and why indeed should she not, considering that she has just been diagnosed with scoliosis of the spine and that she also is having to deal with her mother and her mother's best friend who had only ever thought of Deenie as a model, as some kind of fashion queen and who now, after Deenie is being forced to wear a large brace day in and day out for years, have basically and sadly pretty well dropped her like a proverbially hot potato).
And at lesst in my humble opinion, these above mentioned bone of contention scenes in Deenie are absolutely NOT in any manner scenarios that describe sexual perversion or masturbation (for if one actually and with intelligence and an open mind reads these scenes, they are basically simply examples of Deenie using hands on relaxation techniques to self-soothe, to basically with and by physical contact therapy try to take some of her stresses away). And truly, the only individuals who are seeing this as sexual and are wanting Deenie banned for this, are to and for me either reading something, seeing something in the novel that is not even there to begin with or have problematic sexual issues THEMSELVES so that they see anything that is remotely about someone touching themselves in any manner as inappropriate and sexually charged, which is at best really and problematically sad and depressing (not to mention that ANYONE who wants to ban and censor children's and yound adult books and remove them from libraries or classrooms is in my opinion at best a Fascist, a Stalinist, an entitled, undemocratic and dangerously dictatorial ignoramus, for even if Deenie did actually contain scenes of sexuality and gasp, masturbation, it should NOT ever be censored or banned in any manner.
Now is Judy Blume's Deenie a perfect novel about challenges and special needs? No, it is not, but it does very well and with much understanding display how Deenie's entire world seems to fall apart for a while after her scoliosis diagnosis, especially since she really cannot in any way count on her mother for support (who only ever saw and approached her "beautiful" daughter as a potential fashion model and thus really cannot handle what has happened and behaves in a truly selfish and nastily unsupportive manner much of the time), although thankfully Deenie's father is a bit more down-to-earth and understanding towards his daughter, albeit with tough love and a demand that Deenie absolutely follow the doctor's orders with regard to the wearing of her brace (but yes, as much as I have in fact enjoyed Deenie, I do think that at least the mother and her girlfriend, the two individuals most adamantly into categorising Deenie as simply a pretty fashion plate and an opportunity for making money and attending beauty pageants and then freaking out at the fact that Deenie is no longer "perfect" now that she has a curved spine that needs a long and arduous recovery period, have in my opinion been a bit too negatively and onesidedly typecast by the author, have been made by Judy Blume rather too much into arch-villain and arch-ignoramus like entities, although I have to also agree that such individuals actually do in fact and sadly exist). Three and a half stars for Judy Blume's Deenie (rounded up to four stars)! And to and for potential banners and censurers, do grow up a bit and have children and young adults read what they want, as it is profoundly undemocratic (and that is being very much kind) to try to force your attitudes on others (for while you might well have the right to censor your own children's reading choices, you do NOT and legally should absolutely NOT in any way have the right to do this with regard to others).
And at lesst in my humble opinion, these above mentioned bone of contention scenes in Deenie are absolutely NOT in any manner scenarios that describe sexual perversion or masturbation (for if one actually and with intelligence and an open mind reads these scenes, they are basically simply examples of Deenie using hands on relaxation techniques to self-soothe, to basically with and by physical contact therapy try to take some of her stresses away). And truly, the only individuals who are seeing this as sexual and are wanting Deenie banned for this, are to and for me either reading something, seeing something in the novel that is not even there to begin with or have problematic sexual issues THEMSELVES so that they see anything that is remotely about someone touching themselves in any manner as inappropriate and sexually charged, which is at best really and problematically sad and depressing (not to mention that ANYONE who wants to ban and censor children's and yound adult books and remove them from libraries or classrooms is in my opinion at best a Fascist, a Stalinist, an entitled, undemocratic and dangerously dictatorial ignoramus, for even if Deenie did actually contain scenes of sexuality and gasp, masturbation, it should NOT ever be censored or banned in any manner.
Now is Judy Blume's Deenie a perfect novel about challenges and special needs? No, it is not, but it does very well and with much understanding display how Deenie's entire world seems to fall apart for a while after her scoliosis diagnosis, especially since she really cannot in any way count on her mother for support (who only ever saw and approached her "beautiful" daughter as a potential fashion model and thus really cannot handle what has happened and behaves in a truly selfish and nastily unsupportive manner much of the time), although thankfully Deenie's father is a bit more down-to-earth and understanding towards his daughter, albeit with tough love and a demand that Deenie absolutely follow the doctor's orders with regard to the wearing of her brace (but yes, as much as I have in fact enjoyed Deenie, I do think that at least the mother and her girlfriend, the two individuals most adamantly into categorising Deenie as simply a pretty fashion plate and an opportunity for making money and attending beauty pageants and then freaking out at the fact that Deenie is no longer "perfect" now that she has a curved spine that needs a long and arduous recovery period, have in my opinion been a bit too negatively and onesidedly typecast by the author, have been made by Judy Blume rather too much into arch-villain and arch-ignoramus like entities, although I have to also agree that such individuals actually do in fact and sadly exist). Three and a half stars for Judy Blume's Deenie (rounded up to four stars)! And to and for potential banners and censurers, do grow up a bit and have children and young adults read what they want, as it is profoundly undemocratic (and that is being very much kind) to try to force your attitudes on others (for while you might well have the right to censor your own children's reading choices, you do NOT and legally should absolutely NOT in any way have the right to do this with regard to others).
April 5, 2008
I was struck by the completely real, unedited voice of a twelve-year old teen that Blume gives us in Deenie, the protagonist of this compelling story. When Deenie discovers her scoliosis and endures the ensuing doctor's visits and eventual casting and wearing of her back brace, Blume perfectly captures Deenie's emotions. On a personal note, I was diagnosed with scoliosis at the same age as Deenie, and cast with a brace, and I could completely relate to every one of Deenie's reactions, from denial to anger to resistence and so on. I'm glad, though, that I didn't read this book when I was twelve and dealing with scoliosis. As strong as Deenie's voice is, I was frustrated by how much I could hear Blume's voice in the background, and felt the authorial intent was too obvious in some of the lessons Deenie learned through her ordeal. For example: at the beginning of the book Deenie is repulsed by Old Lady Murray, a hunchbacked woman who sells newspapers on the corner near Deenie's home, and Barbara Curtis, a girl in Deenie's gym class whom she calls Creeping Crud because of her excema. Deenie, on the other hand, is a pretty girl accustomed to getting the attention of boys, and confident in a future career as a model. When the scoliosis appears, it seems to come as a punishment for her attitudes toward the less-than-perfect, and ends up compelling her to befriend those with physical disabilities. I didn't appreciate there being such an obvious, practically self-imposed reason for Deenie to experience her scoliosis. Another area of dispointment for me was the treatment of Deenie's mother, Mrs. Fenner. The way Mrs. Fenner tries to control Deenie, and her immature reaction to the scoliosis are both terrible. In the end she tries to justify her behavior by telling her daughter: "I wanted better for you . . . Better than what I had myself." This statement is not surprising, but it hasn't been established earlier in the book. If we were to see more of this dimension of Mrs. Fenner's life she would be a richer, perhaps even more tragic character, rather than the monster she plays throughout.
March 5, 2014
I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was fourteen. At fifteen I had corrective spine surgery. I remember the brace I had to wear after my surgery and I hated it! Although braces are different now, it was still unattractive and uncomfortable. Mine actually did hurt because the most sensitive part of my spine stuck out a little and the brace dug into it roughly. The first time I had to wear it at the hospital was the day after my surgery and I cried because it caused me pain. I recall a male physical therapist snapping at me and telling me it didn't hurt. Oh, I wanted to hit him! When my doctor finally said I didn't have to wear it anymore, I drew a bikini on it with marker and slashed the padding on the inside with a pair of scissors. Hey, I was fifteen! But it felt great being able to throw it in the trash.
I've never read a story about a girl with scoliosis, and I wish I had known about this book back then. I'm thankful to Judy Blume for exploring this important subject, shining light on it, and for the young girl who inspired Deenie.
I really liked how Blume wrote about Deenie's posture, because my own posture always bothered me and still does to this day. When I was in ninth grade, one of my shoulders was higher than the other and one of my hips stuck out more. I felt like a freak! I also like that Deenie had to see many doctors, because I lost track for how many doctors I had to see to get diagnosed, to get measured for my brace, and to prepare for my surgery.
Deenie is a quick, nice read that explores scoliosis and the thoughts of a young girl who has to wear a brace to fix her spine. This story will not only help teens and parents in this situation, but everyone who doesn't understand what scoliosis is.
I've never read a story about a girl with scoliosis, and I wish I had known about this book back then. I'm thankful to Judy Blume for exploring this important subject, shining light on it, and for the young girl who inspired Deenie.
I really liked how Blume wrote about Deenie's posture, because my own posture always bothered me and still does to this day. When I was in ninth grade, one of my shoulders was higher than the other and one of my hips stuck out more. I felt like a freak! I also like that Deenie had to see many doctors, because I lost track for how many doctors I had to see to get diagnosed, to get measured for my brace, and to prepare for my surgery.
Deenie is a quick, nice read that explores scoliosis and the thoughts of a young girl who has to wear a brace to fix her spine. This story will not only help teens and parents in this situation, but everyone who doesn't understand what scoliosis is.
December 15, 2023
5/5 🌟
Judy Blume was my very first favorite author. I started reading her books in 6th grade circa 1982-1983.
This is one of her books that I started but never finished. I finally have closure. I still think her books are some of the best books for grade schoolers and middle schoolers. From helping children to acclimate to a new sibling to the trials and tribulations of adolescence and puberty and even sexual maturation.
I am so happy these books were recommended to my mother by my special reading teacher. Blame’s books got me hooked on reading my 6th grade year and I haven’t stopped reading since then.
Thank you Judy Blume and Mrs. Lee ❤️
Judy Blume was my very first favorite author. I started reading her books in 6th grade circa 1982-1983.
This is one of her books that I started but never finished. I finally have closure. I still think her books are some of the best books for grade schoolers and middle schoolers. From helping children to acclimate to a new sibling to the trials and tribulations of adolescence and puberty and even sexual maturation.
I am so happy these books were recommended to my mother by my special reading teacher. Blame’s books got me hooked on reading my 6th grade year and I haven’t stopped reading since then.
Thank you Judy Blume and Mrs. Lee ❤️
September 30, 2009
This was one of the first Judy Blume books I read as a child, and I laugh now at how I thought Deenie was so old and sophisticated next to how I felt... However, I read this book over and over, because Judy Blume captures how teenagers think and feel, the awkwardness, the shyness, the way we are around our friends, and around boys! She really got it, and this book has readers in a whole new place, somewhere that we didn't know about, a diagnoses of scoliosis. I learned a lot of different things that people go through by reading Judy Blume books. She was great that way. I think she sums up my youth really well!
May 30, 2024
Having grown up outside of the US, my first Judy Blume book was the renowned "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." that I read just last year and thoroughly enjoyed. I found "Deenie" recently and decided to buy it because 1) my name is pronounced similarly as the main character, and 2) I loved the eye-catching cover.
Deenie is 13 years old, in seventh grade, good friends with Janet and Midge, and on a journey to become a model (according to her mother). One day, Deenie receives a scoliosis diagnosis from her doctors and has to wear a brace to help correct her spine. In a way, the book describes Deenie's "stages of grief" to deal with her health changes and her changing perception of persons with disabilities.
The book also talks about masturbation and curiosity about sex and attraction, which I didn't have any qualms about, but they felt somehow unaligned with the rest of the story. Overall, it was an enjoyable quick read.
Deenie is 13 years old, in seventh grade, good friends with Janet and Midge, and on a journey to become a model (according to her mother). One day, Deenie receives a scoliosis diagnosis from her doctors and has to wear a brace to help correct her spine. In a way, the book describes Deenie's "stages of grief" to deal with her health changes and her changing perception of persons with disabilities.
The book also talks about masturbation and curiosity about sex and attraction, which I didn't have any qualms about, but they felt somehow unaligned with the rest of the story. Overall, it was an enjoyable quick read.
July 12, 2023
Yes, I’m going to count the books I read with my daughter in my GR Challenge. They’re books, aren’t they? And you think I’m not learning anything, I’m not experiencing anything profound from a YA master about the lives of preteens? Huh. If anything, I’m being taken out of that comfort zone, learning a new culture. Even better, I get to share it with my daughter, reading it out loud while she squeezes play-slime in her hands. That’s a reading experience for you.
So there.
The Acknowledgments page says it all: Judy Blume met a plucky girl with scoliosis, saw that the parents were more affected than the girl, and off we went. Deenie was meant to be a supermodel, if her hover-mother has anything to do with it. Everyone seems to notice her slouching, she goes to the doctor and learns that she’ll need to wear some contraption called a Milwaukee Brace. So, a regular girl has to deal with an extraordinary problem, and she frets about what people will think.
Like Rosie, I liked how Deenie handled it all. She asserts herself and channels her anger in a positive way, eventually. She begins to see her brace as part of her identity and moves to craft it her own way. The plot moves just as it did in previous Blume novels, essentially taking an everyday girl and giving her a big problem. No big conflicts or climaxes, but a solid look at life with a serious diagnosis. The mother is really awful, so get ready for that. Also, some birds-and-bees moments which might not be appropriate…for us grownups.
Not as dramatic as Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, but still a sweet and easy read. Good to share with your preteen. And sometimes I caught her reading on her own, forcing me to catch up with her at night. She gave it 3.7 stars, me, a little less.
But 5 stars for maybe starting a healthy habit.
So there.
The Acknowledgments page says it all: Judy Blume met a plucky girl with scoliosis, saw that the parents were more affected than the girl, and off we went. Deenie was meant to be a supermodel, if her hover-mother has anything to do with it. Everyone seems to notice her slouching, she goes to the doctor and learns that she’ll need to wear some contraption called a Milwaukee Brace. So, a regular girl has to deal with an extraordinary problem, and she frets about what people will think.
Like Rosie, I liked how Deenie handled it all. She asserts herself and channels her anger in a positive way, eventually. She begins to see her brace as part of her identity and moves to craft it her own way. The plot moves just as it did in previous Blume novels, essentially taking an everyday girl and giving her a big problem. No big conflicts or climaxes, but a solid look at life with a serious diagnosis. The mother is really awful, so get ready for that. Also, some birds-and-bees moments which might not be appropriate…for us grownups.
Not as dramatic as Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, but still a sweet and easy read. Good to share with your preteen. And sometimes I caught her reading on her own, forcing me to catch up with her at night. She gave it 3.7 stars, me, a little less.
But 5 stars for maybe starting a healthy habit.
May 11, 2023
Deenie is one of the few books for young people by Judy Blume that I missed when I was the right age to read them. This was in a book collecting 3 novels: It’s Not the End of the World, Then Again, Maybe I Won’t and Deenie, that I bought for my son. I decided to read it now, because I have Judy Blume on the brain with the movie adaptation of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret coming out.
This book is ground breaking. I know that it’s been banned many, many times and continues to be banned to this day. There are 4 mentions of masturbation of just a line or two at a time for most of them and one that is a little longer in the context of sex education class. I wish I’d read this when I was the right age. It would’ve cleared a lot of things up. I’m glad it exists.
But the book isn’t about masturbation. It’s about a 7th grader going through all that a 7th grader goes through not least of which she is diagnosed with scoliosis and has to be fitted for and wear a back brace to correct the curvature. Deenie is so much like me and probably all girls at that age, even though I’m really nothing like her. But we all have the same kinds of thoughts and feelings and insecurities.
Highly recommended.
This book is ground breaking. I know that it’s been banned many, many times and continues to be banned to this day. There are 4 mentions of masturbation of just a line or two at a time for most of them and one that is a little longer in the context of sex education class. I wish I’d read this when I was the right age. It would’ve cleared a lot of things up. I’m glad it exists.
But the book isn’t about masturbation. It’s about a 7th grader going through all that a 7th grader goes through not least of which she is diagnosed with scoliosis and has to be fitted for and wear a back brace to correct the curvature. Deenie is so much like me and probably all girls at that age, even though I’m really nothing like her. But we all have the same kinds of thoughts and feelings and insecurities.
Highly recommended.
August 30, 2020
3.5 stars
being an idiopathic s-shaped scoliosis patient myself, this was a somewhat relatable read - i'm all too familiar with the pain, the discomfort, and the blaming. it was interesting seeing how much the testing and bracing procedures have changed since the late 70s. i also appreciated the positive discussions about sex and masturbation, which i believe helped many children with their coming-of-age curiosity and struggles.
being an idiopathic s-shaped scoliosis patient myself, this was a somewhat relatable read - i'm all too familiar with the pain, the discomfort, and the blaming. it was interesting seeing how much the testing and bracing procedures have changed since the late 70s. i also appreciated the positive discussions about sex and masturbation, which i believe helped many children with their coming-of-age curiosity and struggles.
May 18, 2025
Amazing. It's become one of my favourite Blume books. I loved the contrast between this and Splendor in the Grass. This Deenie had much better support than film Deenie.
Third Reading: A realistic portrayal of a girl dealing with scoliosis. Deenie's friends still loved her with her brace, and her father and sister were supportive.
Third Reading: A realistic portrayal of a girl dealing with scoliosis. Deenie's friends still loved her with her brace, and her father and sister were supportive.
September 25, 2022
Simple book, I love Judy Blume; so anything she writes is great!
March 27, 2009
This book is about a teenage girl named Deenie. She has a spinal problem and has to wear a brace. Deenie trys to hide it at first and tries her hardest to take it off but her boyfriend ends up finding out. She gets invited to a party and tries to go behind her father's back and take her brace off but decides not to leaving a "Take me as I am or leave me." attitude with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend ends up liking her as she is and she realizes that she had nothing to worry about.
I can connect Deenie to many teenagers or pree teens at our school, and their insecurities. I can understand how Deenie did not even want her friends to know about her brace.
I rate this book 4 stars because it teaches you alot about what people go through and how they feel. It also let me step into the shoes of people with a brace and made me realize I have to be thankful for what I have. I would recommend this book to teens or pre teens who have similar problems and anyone who likes realistic fiction books.
I can connect Deenie to many teenagers or pree teens at our school, and their insecurities. I can understand how Deenie did not even want her friends to know about her brace.
I rate this book 4 stars because it teaches you alot about what people go through and how they feel. It also let me step into the shoes of people with a brace and made me realize I have to be thankful for what I have. I would recommend this book to teens or pre teens who have similar problems and anyone who likes realistic fiction books.
May 29, 2008
I was actually reading this book, in secret, right when my mother heard about it being "nasty" from some other PTA lady. It was under my pillow, five feet away, when my mom asked me if I had ever read it, and ordered me to never touch it. Fortunately, I am a good liar.
Isn't that terrible?
Anyway. Deenie is going to be a model, or so her mother has always insisted. But when she has to wear a scoliosis brace, she's not sure who is more upset: her, or her mom. She rebels, against the modeling, against the way she's treated at school, against her parents, and who could blame her? She doesn't do anything particularly shocking, what she does do proves that she is both stronger and cleverer than anyone thought, including Deenie herself.
(PS-What I believe the PTA lady and my mother were up in arms about is a bit of mild kissing followed by a boy feeling her up. Let's face it: in today's world, that's pretty PG.)
Isn't that terrible?
Anyway. Deenie is going to be a model, or so her mother has always insisted. But when she has to wear a scoliosis brace, she's not sure who is more upset: her, or her mom. She rebels, against the modeling, against the way she's treated at school, against her parents, and who could blame her? She doesn't do anything particularly shocking, what she does do proves that she is both stronger and cleverer than anyone thought, including Deenie herself.
(PS-What I believe the PTA lady and my mother were up in arms about is a bit of mild kissing followed by a boy feeling her up. Let's face it: in today's world, that's pretty PG.)
February 12, 2013
Still today.... I will always remember this title and the letter I received from Judy Blume. I related to the character with her struggles.
"When Deenie finds out that she has scoliosis, she’s scared. When she sees the brace for the first time, she wants to scream."
It was a tough time and I had rough years going thru this ordeal from 5th grade til 9th grade. No one ever looks at you the same, even when you don't wear the brace in high school. Thank goodness there were 3 middle schools coming into the high school and I was able to meet individuals without them knowing I had worn a brace.
"When Deenie finds out that she has scoliosis, she’s scared. When she sees the brace for the first time, she wants to scream."
It was a tough time and I had rough years going thru this ordeal from 5th grade til 9th grade. No one ever looks at you the same, even when you don't wear the brace in high school. Thank goodness there were 3 middle schools coming into the high school and I was able to meet individuals without them knowing I had worn a brace.
January 29, 2021
I was recently watching Judy Blume interview, and it made me miss her books. I needed a light reading after Troubled Blood, and this was a perfect choice.
Not one of her best books, but a quite good option to turn off a fuming brain.
Not one of her best books, but a quite good option to turn off a fuming brain.
March 27, 2025
Re-read 2025
I read this story when I was in 7th grade and remember being struck by how authentic the voice of Deenie was. Judy Blume truly knew how to write about teenagers. She also knew how to write parents. Her mother and aunt made me roll my eyes after learning of Deenie's scoliosis diagnosis. They treated her like she had done it to deliberately sabotage their modeling plans.
However, I am remembering a comment that an acquaintance made a few years ago, that the author didn't exactly have finesse with bringing things full circle. Re-reading this in my 40s, I must admit that my acquaintance was correct. On top of Deenie's adolescent struggles and medical diagnosis, her mother puts intense parental pressure on both Deenie and her sister, Helen. Although Deenie and her sister try and express to their mother how she makes them feel, very little changes. Even the epilogue fizzles the storyline out.
I completely forgot about Deenie and the masturbation scenes and her own curiosity about her body changes. As a teenager, having my female parental figure completely comfortable with all the topics underneath that umbrella is probably why I don't have any type of reaction to that as a teen myself.
But I can understand that it could take someone else by surprise.
For other readers, they had Judy Blume characters that assured them it was totally normal to have those questions and feelings. The scenes are little more than a few sentences.
Overall, I was glad to "meet" Deenie again.
Goodreads review published 23/03/25
I read this story when I was in 7th grade and remember being struck by how authentic the voice of Deenie was. Judy Blume truly knew how to write about teenagers. She also knew how to write parents. Her mother and aunt made me roll my eyes after learning of Deenie's scoliosis diagnosis. They treated her like she had done it to deliberately sabotage their modeling plans.
However, I am remembering a comment that an acquaintance made a few years ago, that the author didn't exactly have finesse with bringing things full circle. Re-reading this in my 40s, I must admit that my acquaintance was correct. On top of Deenie's adolescent struggles and medical diagnosis, her mother puts intense parental pressure on both Deenie and her sister, Helen. Although Deenie and her sister try and express to their mother how she makes them feel, very little changes. Even the epilogue fizzles the storyline out.
I completely forgot about Deenie and the masturbation scenes and her own curiosity about her body changes. As a teenager, having my female parental figure completely comfortable with all the topics underneath that umbrella is probably why I don't have any type of reaction to that as a teen myself.
But I can understand that it could take someone else by surprise.
For other readers, they had Judy Blume characters that assured them it was totally normal to have those questions and feelings. The scenes are little more than a few sentences.
Overall, I was glad to "meet" Deenie again.
Goodreads review published 23/03/25
February 10, 2021
I'm reading some of the ebooks I've had marked as to-read for the longest, and for the first half of the book I was questioning what drew me to it other than it being Judy Blume and probably being on sale for kindle at one point. Then halfway through I realized it probably got buzz for being a banned book for a few references to masturbation, and it is mentioned in Gilmore Girls at one point. I didn't really enjoy this book, because the main character is so obtuse, incredibly ableist, and it's painfully obvious she's going to learn a lesson and become less ableist because of her own condition - scoliosis. I have minor scoliosis and never needed to wear a brace, so this character's is more severe than I had, but for a cosmetic based condition caught early enough and fixable over time, for a character whose mother wants her to be a model while Deenie herself has no interest, this book just didn't work for me. I couldn't stand her mother, and while the characterization was intentional, it was unbearable to read. It gets a little better once Deenie starts to ease up on judging other people and starts to stick up for herself, but overall I'd say this book doesn't age well. The writing also has no style or art to it and was so simple, so that didn’t add any enjoyment either.
June 2, 2023
Judy Blume has an uncanny knack for normalizing adolescence— even when it’s not normal. She’s a pre-teen icon and hero!
Read
March 13, 2026I read this book in Y6 and after it popped into my mind recently, I thought I'd read the copy at work. This is the most tender little book and I really do think its lessons shaped me. It was really special reading this again.
July 31, 2023
*review coming soon*
February 18, 2025
11th book read in 2025
I reread this seminal book for research related to some writing I am doing.
Judy Blume, in my opinion, is a blessing from the gods who look out for teens, especially female teens. Before she came along, there was not much literature about that terrifying and confusing, yet exciting time for girls between eleven and thirteen years old. That would include me because by the time she published Deenie, I was already a mother.
When our teen bodies began to change, females my age and older had little helpful information about what was going to happen to us. In the early 1960s we had a special gym class to learn about periods and our anatomy, but we learned nothing about what else to expect. We could talk amongst our girlfriends, but it was mostly guesswork and when the onslaught of strange sensations which led to sexual sensations began, we all somehow knew we could/should not talk about it with each other.
Deenie is a wonderful, sensitive story told, not with sensationalism but with warmth, humor and reassurance. I hope it helped teens in the 1970s and beyond. Yes, all teens, because the boys need to know as well! Today, one can search the web and find out everything.
I invite you to tell me your story.
I reread this seminal book for research related to some writing I am doing.
Judy Blume, in my opinion, is a blessing from the gods who look out for teens, especially female teens. Before she came along, there was not much literature about that terrifying and confusing, yet exciting time for girls between eleven and thirteen years old. That would include me because by the time she published Deenie, I was already a mother.
When our teen bodies began to change, females my age and older had little helpful information about what was going to happen to us. In the early 1960s we had a special gym class to learn about periods and our anatomy, but we learned nothing about what else to expect. We could talk amongst our girlfriends, but it was mostly guesswork and when the onslaught of strange sensations which led to sexual sensations began, we all somehow knew we could/should not talk about it with each other.
Deenie is a wonderful, sensitive story told, not with sensationalism but with warmth, humor and reassurance. I hope it helped teens in the 1970s and beyond. Yes, all teens, because the boys need to know as well! Today, one can search the web and find out everything.
I invite you to tell me your story.
November 17, 2014
Deenie, is an over all great book it really keeps you hooked and never gets boring. This book is very good and has a really interesting and ending. The main character is unique because she is not this rich princess. I think that this book is so great because of the authors abiltiy to get the story and main idea across in an exiciting manner. I never wanted to put the book down. The book is amazing i think because it is not all drama and like they have no life outside of school. This book gives you a better view of a real girl who has real life struggles, not just dramatic like the model that peole will think she is.
Did not finish
November 20, 2020Started reading to see if I should re-order a copy for the library to replace the battered one we had. Answer is no; it reads like a really old story (which it is...) and not in a good way. For a more contemporary take on scoliosis (that doesn’t involve a weird modeling career), try Braced by Alyson Gerber.
June 5, 2013
I like how Judy Blume followed Deenie through her scoliosis, from the diagnosis down to the doctor's visits with details of the medical procedures, like how the brace was made. And Deenie's character development, where she realises she can relate to people like old lady Murray and Barbara and Gena, although that was a little too preachy. I also the development of her relationship with her sister Helen. This book would be m great for young children or preteens with scoliosis or a major illness, or those who know someone who does.
But one thing that struck me about this book is that Deenie's emotions or reactions aren't described. There's nothing about how she feels or what she thinks. I noticed it particularly in the chapter where she's getting the brace made. There's long descriptions of what happens, from being wrapped in the plaster, to the doctor telling her what to do, and wanting the plaster changed, etc. But you don't see Deenie being nervous or wondering what's going on, or feeling uncomfortable being held in the equipment in such an awkward position, or thinking that it's taking a long time. Her only reaction is being embarrassed that they're touching her body while creating the mould. She thinks, "I didn't like it at all when he had to smooth out the strips (with his hands) across my chest." But there's absolutely nothing else besides that. I would have expected that a 13-year-old would squirm or at least flinch away, but Deenie doesn't DO anything.
Or how about the scene where Barbara helps her with her shoes? There's just a description of their conversation, and Deenie thinks "I felt like the world's biggest jerk". But there's nothing about how she feels about Barbara doing the shoe laces for her. Does she feel embarrassed that she can't do them herself, and that someone else has to do it for her like she's a little kid (something that I've heard a lot of preteens complaining about when they have to wear a brace)? Does she resent Barbara's interference? Does she feel grateful for Barbara's help? Nothing. In fact, when I read that paragraph, I expected her to react the same way she did when Helen offered to help her with the pad, like "I can do it myself". That was her attitude at first -"Don't treat me like a freak". But there was nothing to indicate that she didn't feel like that about Barbara's offer to help. Just that one line about feeling like the world's greatest jerk. I was actually surprised when she picked Barbara for a partner later, indicating that they became friends. I thought she would resent Barbara for butting in.
The book is filled with such scenarios, but I don't want to go through it again listing them all. It gave me the sense that I didn't understand Deenie. I couldn't quite connect with her because of this.
But one thing that struck me about this book is that Deenie's emotions or reactions aren't described. There's nothing about how she feels or what she thinks. I noticed it particularly in the chapter where she's getting the brace made. There's long descriptions of what happens, from being wrapped in the plaster, to the doctor telling her what to do, and wanting the plaster changed, etc. But you don't see Deenie being nervous or wondering what's going on, or feeling uncomfortable being held in the equipment in such an awkward position, or thinking that it's taking a long time. Her only reaction is being embarrassed that they're touching her body while creating the mould. She thinks, "I didn't like it at all when he had to smooth out the strips (with his hands) across my chest." But there's absolutely nothing else besides that. I would have expected that a 13-year-old would squirm or at least flinch away, but Deenie doesn't DO anything.
Or how about the scene where Barbara helps her with her shoes? There's just a description of their conversation, and Deenie thinks "I felt like the world's biggest jerk". But there's nothing about how she feels about Barbara doing the shoe laces for her. Does she feel embarrassed that she can't do them herself, and that someone else has to do it for her like she's a little kid (something that I've heard a lot of preteens complaining about when they have to wear a brace)? Does she resent Barbara's interference? Does she feel grateful for Barbara's help? Nothing. In fact, when I read that paragraph, I expected her to react the same way she did when Helen offered to help her with the pad, like "I can do it myself". That was her attitude at first -"Don't treat me like a freak". But there was nothing to indicate that she didn't feel like that about Barbara's offer to help. Just that one line about feeling like the world's greatest jerk. I was actually surprised when she picked Barbara for a partner later, indicating that they became friends. I thought she would resent Barbara for butting in.
The book is filled with such scenarios, but I don't want to go through it again listing them all. It gave me the sense that I didn't understand Deenie. I couldn't quite connect with her because of this.
June 5, 2019
One of my favorites from childhood. Deenie is a great story.
Honestly? There are few Judy Blume books I have not liked. I really was touched by this particular story though.
In this book, Deenie has Scoliosis which is a problem with the spine. She is told she must wear a brace and is ashamed and scared of what her friends will think of her.
I get that..at that age, anything that makes one different or stand out can be an issue. Children can pick up on weakness so easily. So I really understood Deenie's issues.
I too had the same diagnosis although mine was not severe enough to warrant a brace. I wonder though how I'd have felt if it had.
In any event, as with virtually all Blume's books, this is a poignant and beautifully told story that I would wholeheartedly recommend if you haven't read it.
Honestly? There are few Judy Blume books I have not liked. I really was touched by this particular story though.
In this book, Deenie has Scoliosis which is a problem with the spine. She is told she must wear a brace and is ashamed and scared of what her friends will think of her.
I get that..at that age, anything that makes one different or stand out can be an issue. Children can pick up on weakness so easily. So I really understood Deenie's issues.
I too had the same diagnosis although mine was not severe enough to warrant a brace. I wonder though how I'd have felt if it had.
In any event, as with virtually all Blume's books, this is a poignant and beautifully told story that I would wholeheartedly recommend if you haven't read it.
December 15, 2023
Very good I would totally read it! 8 or 9 years old it is a little inappropriate but I would still read it!
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