Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret
What’s inside...
The story follows Margaret Simon, a sixth-grader who is growing up without a religious affiliation, as she confronts the challenges of puberty, searching for a single faith and dealing with the social dynamics of a new school. Margaret Simon, almost twelve, likes long hair, tuna fish, the smell of rain, and things that are pink. She’s just moved from New York City to Farbook, New Jersey, and is anxious to fit in with her new friends—Nancy, Gretchen, and Janie. When they form a secret club to talk about private subjects like boys, bras, and getting their first periods, Margaret is happy to belong. However, her friends are puzzled by her lack of religion and not attending the Y or the Jewish Community Center. Despite this, Margaret has her own unique relationship with God, whom she confides in about everything, including her family, friends, and her secret crush, Moose Freed. Margaret's character is portrayed as funny, genuine, and highly relatable, making her thoughts and feelings resonate deeply with the reader.
Age
10-13
Length
152 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Margaret Simon
Janie Loomis
Gretchen Potter
Nancy Wheeler
Sylvia Simon
Herb Simon
Barbara Simon
Laura Danker
Discussion points
How did Margaret's feelings about growing up change throughout the book?
Why do you think it's important for Margaret to talk to God about her worries?
What does Margaret learn about friendship and being true to oneself?
How do Margaret's experiences relate to the changes you might be going through or will go through?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own experiences with growing up to create a comfortable environment for open dialogue.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about changes they are anticipating or experiencing, just like Margaret.
Discuss the importance of asking questions and seeking guidance during uncertain times, using Margaret's conversations with God as an example.
Connect the book's themes with real-life scenarios your child might encounter to enhance understanding and relevance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance and personal growth
Explanation: Margaret, the protagonist, navigates various changes and challenges as she matures, demonstrating the importance of accepting oneself during transitional periods.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace their own unique journey of growth, understanding that it's normal to have uncertainties and that self-acceptance is key.
Example Lesson: Religious and cultural tolerance
Explanation: Margaret explores her religious identity, caught between her Christian mother and Jewish father, showcasing the significance of understanding and respecting diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to respect and learn from different religious and cultural perspectives encountered in school or their community.
Example Lesson: Communication with adults
Explanation: Through her candid talks with God, Margaret demonstrates open communication about her feelings and challenges, showing the importance of seeking guidance from trusted adults.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings openly with adults they trust, whether parents, teachers, or mentors, fostering a supportive dialogue.
Example Lesson: Navigating friendships
Explanation: Margaret experiences the dynamics of changing friendships and learns to make choices about whom she trusts and values as friends.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of choosing friends who respect and support them, and how to handle common social situations in school or other social settings.
Example Lesson: Understanding bodily changes
Explanation: The book addresses the physical and emotional changes during puberty, providing Margaret and her peers a platform to learn and discuss these topics openly.
Real-World Application: Children can be more prepared for the changes they will undergo and can feel more comfortable discussing these topics with peers and adults.