by Judy Blume

Deenie Fenner is an extraordinarily beautiful seventh grader who wants to be a typical junior high school student--despite the fact that her ambitious mother has plans for her to become a fashion model. When a teacher notices that Deenie’s posture is uneven, Deenie is sent to an orthopedist and diagnosed with scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. As part of her treatment, Deenie must wear a body brace for the next four years of her life--almost all through high school. As Deenie struggles to come to terms with her condition, she must also deal with how her family and friends cope with her news and how the fact that she has scoliosis affects her perception of herself and others. Exploring such themes as body image, family dynamics, and developing sexuality, DEENIE is one of author Judy Blume’s most banned books due to its non-graphic, yet straightforward, depiction of masturbation. DEENIE is set in Blume’s childhood hometown of Elizabeth, New Jersey where Deenie and her friends attend Blume’s own alma mater.