Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. By Judy Blume. Random House Children’s Books, 2010. 160 pages. PB $8.99 ISBN 978-0385739863

Summary: Twelve-year-old Margaret moved to New Jersey with her parents, and embarks upon the trials of middle school. She becomes friends with Nancy, Gretchen and Janie, forming the “Four Preteen Sensations.” Together they chat about boys, fashion, body changes, and acceptable behavior. The girls dislike their classmate, Laura Danker, for wearing mature clothing and drawing the attention of boys. However, at the same time they long for boyfriends. Margaret avidly awaits the arrival of her period, and expresses the anxiety that she is feeling about these changes with her friends, grandmother, and mother. She also seeks advice on how to talk and engage with boys through her friends and female relatives. A substantial component of this book rests with Margaret questioning her Jewish religion.

Critical Review: Judy Blume’s novel sparked widespread controversy during the 1970s for mentioning the unmentionable (i.e. periods, breasts, Playboy, etc.). Though more than 40 years old, the expression of adolescent body angst in the novel makes this a relatable book for today’s tween girls. Margaret learns that it is easier to confide in God than to her parents or friends about her body’s changes, however, her quest for religious faith within a synagogue and church leaves her unfulfilled. Instead of turning to an authentic church, she finds spirituality by speaking with God on a one-on-one basis.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Reading/Interest Level: 10-14 years

Similar Materials: Judy Blume’s Just As Long As We’re Together; Frances O’Roark Dowell’s The Secret Language of Girls

Subjects/Themes: religious fiction; conduct fiction; self-identity formation; girls and women

Character Names: Margaret Simon; Nancy Wheeler; Laura Danker; Gretchen Potter; Janie Loomis; Mr. and Mrs. Simon

Author Website: http://www.judyblume.com/

Brief Annotation: Twelve-year-old Margaret Simon confronts the physical, emotional, and cognitive hurdles of becoming a teenager.