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Fudge-a-Mania
Common Sense says
- Judy Blume
- Family Life
- 1990
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Fudge-a-Mania is the fourth book in Judy Blume's series of Fudge books about the Hatcher family: Mr. and Mrs. Hatcher; their oldest child, Peter; Peter's younger brother Farley Drexel (whom everyone calls "Fudge"), and 2-year-old Tootsie, who was born in the previous book, Superfudge. In this installment, the Hatchers share a Southwest Harbor, Maine, vacation home with their neighbors the Tubmans and some friends. With humor and honesty, Blume addresses issues such as sibling rivalry, adolescent feelings and moods, and a love relationship between senior citizens. The older folks kiss, and Peter has a strong attraction to an older girl, but nothing in either case is age-inappropriate or disturbing. There are a couple of slightly scary moments, when Mr. Hatcher does a poor job of sailing a rented boat full of family and friends, and when a pet goes missing, but any tension is quickly resolved.
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Very good
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: Judy Blume
- Genre: Family Life
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, 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)
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.