Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Schultz
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny, realistic family takes Fudge on vacation.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In her fourth Fudge book, FUDGE-A-MANIA, author Judy Blume sends the Hatcher family on vacation in Southwest Harbor, Maine, along with their neighbors the Tubmans. Sheila Tubman, the protagonist in the second Fudge book, Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great, and Peter Hatcher are sworn enemies, and they are disappointed about sharing their summer vacation. Meanwhile, Fudge wants to marry Sheila because, he believes, a friend to sleep with will keep scary monsters away, Peter meets a beautiful girl and a baseball hero, and an older couple fall in love -- all part of an eventful three weeks in a small harborside town.
Is It Any Good?
Fudge-a-Mania is very funny and always rings true, like the other books in Judy Blume's Fudge series. This novel takes a very amusing look at sibling rivalry, as well as at romance, for the young and old. With so many characters, conflicts, and amusing situations, the book moves along quite quickly. Fudge is a wonderfully entertaining character, and his long-suffering older brother is a wonderful foil for Fudge's childish antics.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Peter and Sheila have such a hard time getting along. Why do these two struggle so much? Do you think they really hate each other?
How do you think this fourth book in the series compares with the previous Fudge books. Is it as good? Is it as funny? Do you look forward to the next one?
Do you think Peter is nice to Fudge? Would you like to have a little brother like Fudge?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Family Life
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Penguin Group
- Publication date : September 30, 1990
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 7 - 11
- Number of pages : 160
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged)
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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