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Are You There God, It's Me Margaret. (by Judy Blume)

common sense media says

Classic coming-of-age story rings true decades later.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this book presents a pretty realistic take on what it's like to be a sixth-grade girl (which means it's fine for girls a bit younger since they are always looking ahead): Readers will find it easy to relate to honest Margaret, who says "I want to be like everybody else." There's some talk about periods, boys, bras, and bodies -- and Margaret sneaks her father's Playboy for her curious friends to look at. She and her friends gossip about the most-developed girl in class, and, at a party, the kids play "Two Minutes in the Closet" and other kissing games. Margaret grapples with some big questions about growing up, including what religion she should be (if any). She talks to God in a very personal way and at one point even gets so angry at him that she refuses to talk to him anymore. Ultimately, tweens learn that they're not alone in wishing that they would hurry up and grow up. 

Educational value: This book could be used by parents to start many tricky discussions, from periods and bras, to boys, religion, and more. See our Families Can Talk About section for some specific ideas.
Positive messages: This is a classic coming-of-age novel. Tweens learn that they're not alone in feeling unsure of who they are or in wishing that they could hurry up and grow up (normally). Margaret's greatest strength comes from her willingness to grapple with her feelings and identity, even if she doesn't always reach a conclusion.
Positive role models: Readers will find it easy to relate to Margaret, who says "I want to be like everybody else." In her one-sided conversations with God, she's very honest with her feelings, even when she has to admit that she's jealous. She's not perfect, but she feels badly when she hurts other people and is quick to say she's sorry.  
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Margaret sneaks her father's Playboy for her friends to look at. She and her friends talk about periods, bras, and the boys in class that they like. They also gossip about the most-developed girl in class, even saying that their male teacher can't stop looking at her. At a party, the kids play "Two Minutes in the Closet" and other kissing games.     
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Are You There God, It's Me Margaret.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the fact that author Judy Blume is the author of five books that appear on the American Library Association's Top 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 2000-2007. Are you surprised that this book is on the list? What do you think makes it controversial?

  • Margaret worries a lot about being normal, and she wants to grow up -- but she still gets embarrassed by things like bra shopping. This book was written in 1970 -- do you think a lot has changed since then? Do you feel like you relate to Margaret?

  • Margaret's friend Nancy spreads gossip about Laura -- she says that Laura lets boys feel her up and that even their teacher can't keep his eyes off her figure. What do you think it's like to be Laura? Do you think girls who develop early still get targeted in this way?

  •  

What's the story?

What's the story?

When Margaret Simon moves from New York City to the New Jersey suburbs, she's swept up into a group of sixth-grade girls abuzz about all the stuff that fills most teen and tween minds: boys, bras, bodies, friendship, and more. In addition, Margaret, born to a Christian mom and Jewish dad, is also trying to figure out which religion she should be, if any. She has frank one-sided conversations with God in which she discusses not only the changes she's going through, but her search for a religion that feels right.  

 

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

ARE YOU THERE GOD, IT'S ME MARGARET was first published in 1970, but tweens will find that it still it pretty much rings true today (especially since this updated version has the girls using pads instead of sanitary belts to deal with their first periods). Margaret is such a relatable character -- she worries about being normal, sometimes says the wrong thing, and even hides her true feelings to be accepted by her friends. Readers will appreciate her honest narration -- which will make them feel a whole lot better about that their own anxieties about growing up.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Judy Blume
Publisher: Yearling Books
Publication date: January 1, 1970
Number of pages: 149
Paperback price: $5.50
Read Aloud: 9
Read Alone: 10

This review was written by Katherine Olney
 
 

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What parents & educators say

12

Most useful reviews by all members

hamstergurl09
teen, 17 years old
 
Not One of My Favorites.
A lot of girls I know really enjoyed this book, because it was, in their words, "an excellent coming of age novel." I read it when I was 10. Personally, I couldn't relate to it, because Margaret is obsessed with physically developing, which I never really cared about. Also, she kind of just follows the herd, and listens to whatever everyone else says. I'm not like that at all. This book is also a little dated, considering it was written in the early 1970s. I guess a "girly" girl might like it.

Morganwashere12
teen, 14 years old
 
:) Awesome.
When my mother recommended the book, I was interested. I can relate to Margret, in so many ways. I loved it. It's a quick read, but defiantly worth reading. Read it in about a day.

KawaiiPanda
teen, 14 years old
 
Judy Blume, you've done it again!
I'm in grade 8, I have read it 10+ times. It is a wonderful book, great for those going through "That time"

super52
teen, 14 years old
 
tweens will love it
i love this book its funny and very good. I would recomed this book for 10 up.

hannahfs99
kid, 12 years old
 
good for middle schoolers
best book i've ever read

Music4Life
teen, 14 years old
 
I loved this book! It was funny and very educational at the same time!! =]

konataramenfan
kid, 12 years old
 
Good for anyone who is dealing with puberty
Magret is mature but yet acts her age too. I think we are all margrets.

readyourheartout
teen, 14 years old
 
Every girl is like Margret(:
I am a 13 year old and i read this for a book report, and i have to say that it is a great book for pre-teens to read so they have a heads up on whats going to happen to them in the future. its absolutely amazing on what you read from Judy Blume. Just fantastic(: oh, and parents! i think you should talk to you daughter about whats happening in this book, because on some parts they might not understand it. So its a must read for tweens!!

ohya
parent of 14 year old
 
mild sexual behaviour

taylorswiftfan667
kid, 13 years old
 
Love It! If you are worrided about kids exposed to talking about periods dont get it

NoseStuckInABook
teen, 15 years old
 
Great middle school (pre-middle school) reading
I read this when I was ten. I loved it. To be honest, I can barely remember what happened. But it's a classic. I loved it.

Book_Worm313
teen, 15 years old
 
Every girl should read this before if not during 6th grade.
I absolutely love this book. Margaret is the type of girl we can all relate to. She has friendship problems (i.e. Nancy) and she has problems with coming into herself and her body as we most do (i.e. stiffing her bra with cotton balls). Another big part of the novel is religion. Margaret doesn't really have a religion since her mother is a Christian and her father is Jewish, so she feels the pull to choose. The book follows her search for her own self body wise (her wanting her period) and spirit wise (choice of religion). I read Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret when I began middle school, and now as I am almost done with my last year before starting the four year journey of high school, I believe that Margaret's story truly stated the confusion of being a preteen where you are just being that awkward stage of your body developing, and your starting to become more of your own person instead of your parent. I read the book at 11, but I recommend it for anyone grade 5 and up. The book does talk about something topics that are a little older such as bras, periods, and boys, but none of those topics are inappropriate for preteens. Every girl should read this book before she is 13, though it would be more informing and educational if she read it around 10-11.

popstar1049
teen, 15 years old
 
Pretty good! funny for sure!

makeupmissy123
kid, 13 years old
 
an awesome book

baby9137
kid, 13 years old
 
i never read this book b4 but i really want to. im 11 and my mom said i can so, i guess i could. im in 5th grade too.

becStarcatcher
teen, 14 years old
 
My friend read it as a 4th grader so i think its compleatly cool for about 7 and up, but you wouldent like it because you would have no clue what 1/2 the stuff is. umm... Ok well You know what, sex, and bras, and kissing, ALL PART OF GROWING UP and thats what the book IS ABOUT! so if u have a problem with that dont b annoying and say"Oh too innaproprate" Cuz its not innaproprate cuz its how U came about this world so suck it up cuz ur kids life is filled with this stuff, So she might aswell Know about it so she will feel less alone and feel better. I'd know. Im 13 and confused, and this book is a big helper.

ssara
parent of 10 year old
 
superb message
I enjoy reading the article. Its good at least there are people who think about god.Dentist NYC

Magster123
kid, 12 years old
 
I Loved this book! I am reading it again!

neonnloveeee
teen, 14 years old
 
This is a great book for tweens! it is an awesome coming of age book. It teaches girls about puberty and other topics, also Margaret is basically a normal, real life sixth grader. I read it when I was ten, and it was a huge help. A must read for tweens ages 10-11+ !!!!!

soccer_mufc13
teen, 15 years old
 
Really Good!
I read this book last year, and i really liked it, it had some stuff about periods, and boobs (bras) but asides that i think it was a pretty good book. I would recommend it for kids ages 11+

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