Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret (Module 1)

Summary
This novel tells the story of a young girl, Margaret who is simply no religion. Her mother was Christian and her father was Jewish, and when they married they decided Margaret would choose for self what to be. Margaret moves from big city New York to a suburb in New Jersey, she instantly joins a club and finds friends. Throughout the book Margaret begins to question her religion, as well as her ever changing body.

Suggested Activities
I think this book would be great to be used in a after school club for 4th, 5th, or 6th grade girls. It would be great if they could be in an all girls reading club- and the books would help them focus on their lives and all the changes going on around them at this time. Since this book talks so much about puberty, and how every girl hits milestones at different times it would be wonderful for this book to be used in a setting where the librarian could talk to girls about these issues.

Reviews
Ca n you name the author at the right,
creator of Deenie and Are You There,
God? It's Me, Margaretl Hint: Her last
name is a homophone for bloom.
If you're thinking Judy Blume, you're right. (Did you
"Fudge" the answer? Get it? Fudge, the character? Oh, well.)
Blume's books have sold more than 75 million copies and have been
translated into 20 languages. This month, she's honored at the 55th
annual National Book Awards ceremony in New York City as the
winner of an honorary National Book Award for contributions to
American letters. (That's big, really big.)
This is the first time a young-adult fiction author has taken the prize.
Last year, Stephen King won. in 2000, the winner was Ray Bradbury.
It's You, Judy!. (2004). Read, 54(7), 4.


My Thoughts

I have always wanted to read this book. The title alone is just so catchy but I just never got around to it. Seeing it on the reading list made me jump instantly at the chance to finally read it. I found this book sweet and endearing. Margaret is easy to like, and voices the questions and concerns every young 11 year old girl has. I loved the focus on her religion as well. I think it's a great way to show kids that it doesn't matter what religion you are, you can still have conversations with God. And that even if your confused you can go looking for the answers.
However, at times I found the book to be wildly outdated. The way Margaret's friends cared about Hebrew School or Sunday School, and how they cared that Margaret didn't go to either- just seemed not necessarily true for this day in age. I work in a suburb and have noticed children talking about church activities and youth groups, but never being shocked or worried when someone didn't attend. I felt like kids would be able to relate to having "no religion" but probably couldn't relate to the peer pressure of friends and religion.
Overall, this book will stand the test of time and help girls everywhere know they are not alone in their fears and their worries.



Bibliography

Blume, J. (1970). Are you there god? its me, margaret. New York: Yearling.