Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
What’s inside...
In Judy Blume's beloved classic 'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret', young readers follow Margaret Simon, a sixth-grader grappling with puberty and spirituality. Through her heartfelt prayers, Margaret seeks answers about faith, friendship, and her changing body. The novel delves into personal growth and self-discovery, encouraging open dialogue among pre-teens. Now adapted into a major motion picture starring Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates, this coming-of-age story remains a vital exploration of adolescent anxieties and a young person's relationship with God.
Age
10-13
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Margaret Simon
Janie Loomis
Gretchen Potter
Nancy Wheeler
Mr. Benedict
Sylvia Simon
Herb Simon
Barbara Simon
Discussion points
How does Margaret's journey of self-discovery resonate with experiences you've had?
What do you think about the different perspectives on religion and growing up presented in the book?
Margaret often feels unsure about her beliefs and body changes. How do you cope when you’re feeling uncertain?
What role do friends and family play in Margaret's life and in yours when it comes to discussing sensitive topics?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open dialogue by sharing your own experiences relevant to the themes in the book. Listen actively and validate your child's feelings, showing that their thoughts are important and respected. Use the questions as a starting off point but allow the conversation to naturally evolve. This can make discussions of sensitive topics more approachable and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding puberty and personal growth
Explanation: The protagonist, Margaret, navigates the complexities of puberty and the changes that come with it, providing a realistic portrayal of the emotional and physical transformations during adolescence.
Real-World Application: Children reading this book can foster an understanding of the changes they may experience during puberty, helping them to feel more prepared and less alone in their journey.
Example Lesson: Exploring faith and personal beliefs
Explanation: Margaret explores her religious identity, questioning the beliefs of her family and her own personal feelings about God, which provides a framework for young readers to think about their own beliefs.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to reflect on and discuss their own spiritual beliefs and respect the diverse beliefs of others around them.
Example Lesson: Navigating friendships and peer pressure
Explanation: The book addresses the challenges Margaret faces with new friendships and peer pressure, highlighting the importance of making choices that align with one's values.
Real-World Application: Children can learn strategies to deal with peer pressure and the importance of choosing friends who respect and support their personal values.