General | Elizabeth (1938- )With more than 80 million books sold and translated into 31 languages, Judy Blume is one of the most influential and best known authors of books for young readers. Growing up in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Judy spent her childhood making up stories, a talent she turned into a remarkable career. Not only is she beloved by readers young and old, she is applauded by the critics who have bestowed many honors on her including the Library of Congress Living Legends Award, the National Book Foundation’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and the American Library Association’s Lifetime achievement Award. Judy also is a longtime advocate of intellectual freedom and works tirelessly to protect the freedom to read. She serves on many boards and foundations, including the National Coalition against Censorship. Now, 28 books and many years later, the shy student from Elizabeth is now a member of the New Jersey Hall of Fame.