This universal aspect of Blume’s storytelling is what appealed to television mogul Mara Brock Akil when she was 12 and read “Forever” for the first time.

Forever, one of beloved young adult author Judy Blume‘s most iconic books, started with a simple request: “My daughter Randy asked for a story about two nice kids who have sex without either of them having to die.

Creator Mara Brock Akil's take on the 1975 YA classic moves the action to 2018 Los Angeles, following two Black teens as they navigate the ups and downs of first love.