Selina Alko launches "Otherwise Known as Judy the Great"

Author Selina Alko will be joined by writer Rachelle Bergstein for a reading, conversation, and reception.

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Judy Blume is known for fearlessly discussing topics that were once considered taboo. As a young girl, Judy was not encouraged to share her feelings, so instead she invented stories as a way to understand the world around her. Growing up Jewish, during and in the aftermath of WWII, dramatically shaped Judy’s childhood. Her younger years were full of fear. Judy processed her conflicted emotions by making up stories where she could control the conflict as she worked through challenging life scenarios. These stories became the subjects of the books she later published for children, tweens, teens, and adults including Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, Freckle Juice, and the Fudge series. This inspiring collection of poems celebrates the childhood years of Judy Blume, one of the most beloved American writers of all time.

Advanced Praise

“In 21 poems, Alko celebrates the boundary-breaking writer. These beautifully crafted, deeply intimate entries brim with delighted reverence…In Alko’s charming illustrations, collaged text from newspapers and Blume’s own novels underpin bright, richly detailed acrylics. A sparkling introduction to a literary powerhouse’s oeuvre.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“[A] vibrant, poetic exploration of Blume’s own youth… Alko’s colorful collages bring text and image together in layers that read as tactile; they are carefully crafted and engage with each line of text, making for a sensory experience. Every time readers return to Alko’s book, they will notice something new in the interplay between the art and the narrative... Purchase this artful, colorful book for budding authors, for classes on writing, and to expand on Blume’s works in young-reader collections.” —School Library Journal

"Peppered with references to titles that ought to be familiar to American readers of any age, this set of short free-verse poems takes a biographical slant to celebrate a truly iconic writer... 'In a way, Judy Blume helped raise me,' Alko writes in her personal afterword. There are millions who would relate." —Booklist

Selina Alko is an award-winning author and illustrator known for blending lyrical storytelling with vibrant mixed-media art. Raised in Vancouver by a Turkish Jewish father and Jewish mother, she grew up immersed in culture, creativity, and diverse perspectives that continue to shape her work. Selina has a degree in art history from University of British Columbia and a BFA in illustration from the School of Visual Arts. She has created more than twenty-five acclaimed children's books, with features in The New York Times, NPR, People, and Time Out New York Kids. A National Jewish Book Award winner, her titles have also been honored as Junior Library Guild Gold selections and Bank Street Best Books of the Year. She is the recipient of the Mills Tannenbaum Award for Excellence in Children’s Literacy.

Rachelle Bergstein is a lifestyle writer, author and editor. She's the author of three books, most recently, The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood, which was a national bestseller. She lives in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

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