Katherine and Michael cannot imagine a life without the other. Instead, that evolution can be welcomed as a healthy aspect of growing up and allowing our expectations to change. Teens see that things do change, and it does not have to be a catastrophe. The analysis of the evolution of a loving relationship is important. While this is a story about teens having a sexual relationship for the first time, it is also an examination of that feeling of forever and how that feeling changes as people grow and mature. Blume said her inspiration to write Forever was because her daughter was tired of stories where teens who have sex end up dead or pregnant with no other option to be had. There is no moral objective, no hidden judgement behind the story. That frankness of the teen experience is a main reason this book is still picked up to be read by teens. Being a teen can feel so immediate, so amplified, and Blume captures these emotions so well. The realness and truth of Katherine's feelings for Michael are exquisitely expressed, as are her struggles when she realizes that she is starting to have feelings for a different boy. Blume's novels have a timeless quality to them, and this one is no exception. While many adults might be horrified by the idea, it is reality for many teens, and a frank discussion of concepts like birth control, consent, commitment, the evolution of relationships, and sexuality as just as important as when they were written about in 1975. Judy Blume uses her signature ability to discuss taboo subjects with honesty, this time examining the desires of teens and their choices to begin having sex. What does this mean about loving someone forever? What does this mean about her? As Katherine explores these thoughts and feelings, she begins to understand what it means to mature and open yourself up to the world of love. Katherine finds herself developing feelings for another boy. Then they spend the summer apart from one another. They cannot imagine living without the other. They are wholly committed to each other and even end up losing their virginity to each other. What is forever? What is true love? Katherine and Michael met on New Year's Eve and it felt like their love story was one that would pass the test of time.

Edwards Award, runner-up Best Book of the Year Award Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young ReadersĪwards: Margaret A.

Judy blume book about losing virginity