Are You There God? It's Me Margaret by Judy Blume

What They Say:

Life isn't easy for Margaret. She's moved away from her childhood home, she's starting a new school, finding new friends – and she's convinced she's not normal.

For a start she hasn't got a clue whether she wants to be Jewish like her father or Christian like her mother. Everyone else seems really sure of who they are. And, worst of all, she's a 'late developer'.

She just knows that all her friends are going to need a bra before she does. It's too embarrassing to talk to her parents about these things. So she talks to God instead - and waits for an answer . . .

What I Say:

I would like to thank Pan McMillan for approving this on netgalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Where do I start?  I first read Judy Blume books when I was at school, so must be around 30 years ago.  Reading this again took me back to my teenage years, Judy has a real sense of teenagers in the throes of when will I grow (I must, I must….) I am sure I have seen that used in other books/programs. When will I start my period?

You can’t help but like Margaret, she is a normal teenager, although she doesn’t think she is.  She is struggling to decide what religion she is because of her parents none committal to any religion.  She does however have friends, but as with all teenage girls they don’t tell the truth about certain things now wanting to be the odd one or the last one to do something.

This is a sweet book of growing up and in parts I found myself laughing out loud, I’m sure when I was a teenager I thought it deadly serious.  I cringe now to think I was like Margaret but the truth is, yes I was, as I’m sure are all young girls.  I loved the bits where Margaret was talking to God.  

If you want to roll back the years this is a great read, this is a timeless read for all ages.  If you have a daughter I would recommend it them.

5 out of 5 stars

About the Author

Judy Blume spent her childhood in Elizabeth, NJ, making up stories inside her head. She has spent her adult years in many places, doing the same thing, only now she writes her stories down on paper. Adults as well as children will recognize such Blume titles as: Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret; Superfudge; Blubber; Just As Long As We're Together; and Forever. She has also written the best-selling novels Wifey; Smart Women; and, Summer Sisters. More than 75 million copies of her books have been sold, and her work has been translated into twenty-six languages.

She receives thousands of letters each month from readers of all ages who share their feelings andconcerns with her.

Judy received a B.S. in education from New York University in 1961, which named her a Distinguished Alumna in 1996, the same year that American Library Association honoured her with the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement. She has won more than ninety awards, none more important than those coming directly from her youngest readers.

She serves on the boards of the Author's Guild, currently as Vice President; the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, where she sponsors an award for contemporary fiction; and the National Coalition Against Censorship, working to protect intellectual freedom. In Spring 2002, Judy was a spokesperson for the Cheerios "A Book for Every Child" literacy campaign which benefited Reading is Fundamental, America's largest literacy organization. She is also the founder and trustee of The Kids Fund, a charitable and educational foundation.

Judy's first book in the Fudge series, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, was published in 1972. She is thrilled to be celebrating its 30th Anniversary with the publication of Double Fudge. Just as generations of fans have loved the Fudge books, generations of Judy's family have inspired them. Thirty years ago, Fudge was inspired by her son, Larry, and now Double Fudge was written at the request of her grandson, Elliot.

Judy lives on islands up and down the East Coast with her husband George Cooper. They have three grown children and one grandchild.