Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume (Atheneum, 1973, grades 3-7, ages 10+, 172pp PB, $8.99) Now a major motion picture. Review by Skye Anderson
Who hasn't heard of Judy Blume or the phrase, "Are you there, God? It's me, Margaret."
This reviewer missed not only the beginning of the Judy Blume craze but also grew up before Barbie dolls and McDonalds. But, she often says it's never too late to read, as she encourages adults to peruse the children's section of bookstores and libraries. You can always say you are picking out books for your grandchild!
And try picking out what makes author Judy Blume an East Coast writer, besides the obvious settings of New York City, New Jersey and Florida along with New York concerts. Enjoy identifying 'old' things such as telephone books and nylons, along with numerous women's hats in church.
Criticism and Controversy, Yet Comfortable
In her third book, reviewed here, the author remembers what it's like to be 11 going on 12, new in town, discovering boys and starting a secret club with her three best girl friends. But what makes Blume an author for the ages is her magically seamless style of putting the reader smack dab into the storyline as well as a fast-paced story that keeps you guessing. Are You There, God is a fairly short book which ends gracefully but with so many loose ends that you just know there will be sequels.
Blume tackles arguing, lying, a first kiss, and changing bodies with aplomb and Margaret has simply the best parents in the world (too good to be true?) as she enters into the world of adolescence.
Blume has garnered more than 90 literary awards* but is also routinely nominated for the banned books list for her portrayal of issues like puberty, death, first love and many others.
If you read it as a youngster, read it again and relive your experiences!
Other Blume books include Deenie
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*including an ALA award and an EBWhite award for children's and young adult literature.
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