Forever

Title: Forever
Author: Judy Blume

Author's Website: http://www.judyblume.com/books/ya/forever.php

ISBN: 978-1-41693-400-4

Publisher: Bradbury Press

Copyright Date: 1975

Genre:  Classics

Reading Level/Interest Age: 10th-12th grade

Awards: ALA Notable Children's Books 1995, Booklist 08/01/97

Plot Summary: As soon as Katherine and Michael start dating they become inseparable, each wrapped up in the powerful emotions of first time love. As their relationship progresses Katherine debates whether or not she should lost her virginity to Michael. Against the cautions of her parents not to invest to deeply into the relationship, Katherine is convinced this is a love that will last forever. 

Critical Evaluation: I love Blume's style of writing. She is able to emulate a young adult's mindset and thought process so well. This definitely would have been a book I would have loved and benefited from as a high school student that remembers the pressure and importance of deciding when you are going to take that big step.  

Reader's Annotation: Two teenagers in love for the first time decide to take the next step in their relationship and are hopeful it will last forever.
Booktalking Ideas: STDs, Suicide, Love, Peer Pressure

Challenge issues if any (how you would defend and materials available in challenge situation: I could tell almost immediately why this book has been such a controversial one. The sexual scenes between Michael and Katherine are more descriptive and detailed than most young adult books that might allude to sexual activity but gloss over the details. I would defend this book by pointing out that Katherine is very responsible about her sexual relationship with Michael, making sure that they use a condom the first time and that she gets on birth control before their sexual relationship progresses even further. Blume also gives details about Katherine's trip to Planned Parenthood which some teens might be curious about. I also think Blume used Sybil's character (who ends up getting pregnant) as a caution for teenagers who aren't practicing safe sex.
Why did you include this book: I included this book because I think it brings up very important issues that young adults may face (sex, peer pressure, suicide) and could initiate a dialogue between parent and teenager. I think it also promotes sex safe whether you believe sex should come after marriage or not.

Quote: "Happy Graduation..." I laughed. After, we lay in each other's arms and I thought, there are so many ways to love a person. This is how it should be -- forever. (pg.186)