This 1970 Judy Blume book opens with one of Margaret Ann Simon’s many talks to God. “Are you there, God? It’s me, Margaret. We’re moving today. I’m so scared, God. I’ve never lived anywhere but here.”
She goes on, telling God of her fears. What if she hates her school? What if everybody hates her?
Are You There God? It’s me, Margaret begins with Margaret’s family moving from a New York apartment to a house in New Jersey This comes as a complete surprise to her.
She usually knows about important family decisions. She thinks they are leaving the city because of her grandmother Simon, who, according to Margaret’s mother, has too much influence on Margaret.
As they are unpacking at their new house, Margaret meets her first new friend and neighbor, Nancy Wheeler. Nancy already knows Margaret’s name and that she is in the sixth grade.
She soon meets two of Nancy’s best friends, Gretchen and Janie. The four girls form their own secret ‘club’, and decide to meet once each week. As they are discussing which day to hold their meetings, Gretchen says that Tuesdays and Thursdays are out, as she has to go to Hebrew school on those days. Janie asks Margaret if she goes to Hebrew school. She says that she doesn’t, and that she doesn’t go to Sunday school, either, as she is “not any religion”. Janie asks what her parents are, and Margaret answers, “nothing”.
- Judy Blume (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 192 Pages - 04/29/2014 (Publication Date) - Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Publisher)
She explains that her father was Jewish and her mother was Christian. Her mother’s parents “didn’t want a Jewish son-in-law”, and never accepted him. Margaret’s parents had eloped. Her grandmother Simon wasn’t happy about having a Christian daughter-in-law either, but she did accept the situation. She and Margaret are very close. Margaret adores her.
The girls are envious that she does not have to go to either Sunday school or Hebrew school, and think it’s romantic that her parents eloped. But now they are questioning her how she will know if she should join the Y or the Jewish Community Center. Nancy declares that everybody belongs to one or the other.
As if worrying about when her breasts were going to grow and when she was going to get her period wasn’t enough, now she had to decide on a religion!
Her parents do not practice any religion at all, and had told her she could decide for herself what she wanted to do when she’s older. She never thought it would be this soon!
Complaints include “sexually offensive and amoral”, “profane, immoral, and offensive”, as well as “anti-Christian behavior”.
The school board in Elk River reversed its decision to restrict the book to students who had written permission from their parents, when the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union got involved and sued them in 1983.
Author Judy Blume says that one night a woman called her and asked if she had written Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret. When she told her she had, the woman called her a communist. (Read more here.)
This book covers issues that every young girl faces as she is growing up. It’s ridiculous to try to keep books such as this from them. It’s certainly not going to stop them from being concerned about the changes they are going through.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret can be a great comfort to girls transitioning from a child into a young woman. Perhaps it can answer questions that they are reluctant to ask.
Why Was “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” Banned?
| Reason for Ban | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Sexual Content | The book’s frank discussions of menstruation, masturbation, and sexuality were seen as inappropriate for young readers. |
| Religious Themes | The book’s depiction of religious beliefs was seen as offensive by some and led to calls for the book to be banned. |
| Censorship Debates | The controversy surrounding the book sparked important debates about censorship and the role of literature in shaping young readers’ perspectives. |
The reasons for the ban of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” include its depictions of sexual content and religious themes. Some argue that the book’s frank discussions of menstruation, masturbation, and religion are inappropriate for young readers. Additionally, some have found the book’s depiction of religious beliefs to be offensive and have sought to have it banned. Despite these objections, the book has remained popular and widely read, inspiring countless young readers and sparking debates about censorship in literature.
The ban of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” has had a lasting impact on young adult literature. The book’s frank and honest depictions of adolescence, religion, and sexuality have inspired countless young adult authors and continue to shape the genre. The controversy surrounding the book has also sparked important debates about censorship and the role of literature in shaping young readers’ perspectives. In many ways, the ban of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” has only served to further solidify its place as a classic in young adult literature.
What is the Moral of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret”?
“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” by Judy Blume is a classic coming-of-age story that explores the struggles and triumphs of adolescence. Despite being banned in some areas, the book remains a beloved and important work in young adult literature. So, what is the moral of this book? Well, let’s dive in.
One of the central themes of the book is the quest for identity and understanding. Margaret, the main character, is struggling to find her place in the world and understand her beliefs, particularly when it comes to religion. The book shows that this process is difficult and messy, but it’s also necessary for personal growth. Margaret learns that it’s okay to question and explore, even if it leads to confusion or disagreement with others.
Another important theme of the book is the power of friendship. Margaret makes close friends with several girls in her neighborhood, and together they support each other through the ups and downs of growing up. The book demonstrates the importance of having a strong support system and the role that friends can play in helping us navigate life’s challenges.
Finally, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” also tackles the issue of female sexuality and the pressures that girls face as they grow into young women. The book is unapologetic in its discussions of menstruation, masturbation, and sexual attraction, and it empowers girls to take control of their bodies and sexuality. This is a powerful message, especially considering that many young adult books at the time shied away from these topics.
So, what is the moral of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret”? At its core, it’s a story about finding yourself, valuing friendship, and embracing your sexuality. It’s a book that encourages young readers to explore their beliefs, connect with others, and embrace their individuality. And, let’s be real, it’s also a book that’s just a blast to read. So, why not grab a copy and see for yourself?
Quotes from “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” that Will Make You Laugh, Cry, and Everything In Between
“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” by Judy Blume is a timeless classic that has touched the hearts of millions of readers. From the relatable struggles of adolescence to the powerful messages about friendship and self-discovery, this book is packed with quotes that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. Here are some of the most memorable quotes from the book:
“I must remember, I am a child of God.”
“I just want everybody to like me. Is that so much to ask?”
“It’s so hard when you’re different and you don’t know why.”
“Why is everything so complicated when you’re growing up?”
“Being a woman is just not as simple as I thought it would be.”
“I wish I had a magic wand I could wave and make everybody love me.”
“I never realized before how much grown-ups talk about things they don’t understand.”
These quotes perfectly capture the raw emotions and experiences of adolescence that Margaret, and so many of us, go through. They remind us of the struggles and joys of growing up, and the power of friendship, self-discovery, and inner strength.
In addition to being relatable and powerful, the quotes from “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” are also just plain funny. From Margaret’s wry observations about the adult world to her endearingly naive views on love and romance, this book is full of humor that will make you smile.
So, whether you’re a fan of the book or a newcomer to the world of Margaret Simon, these quotes are sure to resonate with you. They perfectly capture the essence of this timeless classic and will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Discover the Similarities and Differences Between “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” and Other Novels by Judy Blume
Judy Blume is one of the most beloved authors in young adult literature, and “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is one of her most famous works. But how does this novel compare to other books by Blume? Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” and other novels by this legendary author.
| Novel | Themes | Content | Reception |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” | Adolescence, religion, sexuality | A young girl’s journey through puberty and spiritual discovery | Widely acclaimed and banned in some schools |
| “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” | Family, childhood | A young boy’s experiences with his younger brother and life at home | Widely popular and considered a classic of children’s literature |
| “Blubber” | Bullying, friendship | A young girl’s experiences with bullying and navigating social dynamics in school | Widely acclaimed and used in school curriculums as a tool for discussions about bullying |
As you can see, each of Blume’s novels tackles different themes and explores different experiences of childhood and adolescence. While “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” has been widely acclaimed and banned in some schools for its frank discussion of religion and sexuality, other novels like “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” and “Blubber” have been embraced as classic works of children’s literature.
Whether you’re a fan of Judy Blume or just discovering her work for the first time, this comparison table provides a great starting point for exploring the similarities and differences between her novels. Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming tale of childhood or a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges of adolescence, there’s a Judy Blume novel out there for you.
Discover the Best Books for Fans of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” by Judy Blume has captivated young readers for generations with its poignant look at adolescence, religion, and sexuality. But what if you’ve already read this classic and are looking for more books like it?
| Book Title | Author | Similar Themes |
|---|---|---|
| “Forever” | Judy Blume | Adolescence, Relationships |
| “Speak” | Laurie Halse Anderson | Adolescence, Trauma |
| “Go Ask Alice” | Anonymous | Adolescence, Substance Abuse |
| “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” | Stephen Chbosky | Adolescence, Mental Health |
| “Thirteen Reasons Why” | Jay Asher | Adolescence, Suicide |
FAQ
What is “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” about?
"Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." is a novel about a young girl named Margaret who is navigating adolescence and growing up in the 1960s. The book deals with themes such as religion, sexuality, and growing up.
Why has “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” been banned?
"Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." has been banned in some communities due to its references to menstruation, masturbation, and sexual curiosity, which some individuals or groups consider inappropriate or offensive.
Why is “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” considered controversial?
"Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." is considered controversial because it touches on topics such as menstruation, masturbation, and sexual curiosity, which are typically not discussed openly and can be considered taboo in some communities.
What are the reasons for banning “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.”?
The reasons for banning "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." include objections to its references to menstruation, masturbation, and sexual curiosity, as well as concerns that it may be inappropriate for minors or offensive to some individuals or groups.
What are the arguments for keeping “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” in libraries?
Arguments for keeping "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." in libraries include promoting diversity, freedom of speech and access to information, and creating safe spaces for individuals to explore their experiences and identities.
What are the arguments against keeping “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” in libraries?
Arguments against keeping "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." in libraries include concerns that it is inappropriate for minors and promotes sexual curiosity, as well as objections to its references to menstruation and masturbation.
Why has “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” been challenged in schools?
"Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." has been challenged in schools because some individuals or groups object to its references to menstruation, masturbation, and sexual curiosity and feel that it is inappropriate for students.
What is the impact of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” being banned?
The impact of "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." being banned is that it restricts access to information, stifles diversity and free speech, and sends a message that discussions of menstruation, masturbation, and sexual curiosity are not acceptable or deserving of representation.
What is the message of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.”?
The message of "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." is about the importance of self-discovery and the struggles and questions that come with growing up and finding one's place in the world.
Why is “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” an important book?
"Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." is an important book because it provides representation and a voice to individuals who may not have seen their experiences and identities reflected in literature before, and promotes understanding and acceptance.
What is the significance of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.”?
The significance of "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." is that it shows that growing up is a journey filled with questions
In conclusion, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” remains a classic in young adult literature, despite the controversies surrounding its ban. The book’s frank and honest depictions of adolescence, religion, and sexuality have inspired countless young adult authors and continue to shape the genre. The ban of the book has sparked important debates about censorship and the role of literature in shaping young readers’ perspectives. Ultimately, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” remains a powerful and enduring work, a testament to the timeless appeal of Blume’s writing and the importance of open and honest discussions about the challenges of adolescence.
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