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

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is a classic novel that all preteens and early teenagers should read. I am pretty sure I read the book somewhere in the past, to be honest I can’t really remember. I didn’t know much of the plot only that for some reason it was a banned book. As part of the 2015 Pop Sugar Reading Challenge, one of the prompts was a banned book so I decided to pick this one up.

In Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret we follow Margaret Simon as she explores ages 11 and 12 in a new town with new friends. As she is learning about life in a small town vs. New York City she is also starting to question religion. Throughout the book Margaret prays to God and asks Him questions and favors. Her main favor throughout the book is bigger boobs and for her to get her period.

Margaret along with her friends Nancy, Janie & Gretchen are in 6th grade with their first male teacher. They are starting to crush on boys and even attend their first party at a boys house which consists of spin the bottle & lots of trouble making.

We are introduced at the start to Margaret’s position on religion. She was raised by two parents who believed it was up to her to decide what religion she wants to be. Throughout the book she explores various different types of faith and even decides to turn her back on God when her grandparents who she has never met before show up in the picture.

This book is one that I feel like all preteens should read at some point.  Not only does it give a funny & exciting side (and one that I would completely beg to differ with) to puberty but Margaret raises a number of questions about religions and life that are important for everyone to explore.

While I see why people potentially could say Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret should be banned, I truly do not believe this should be a banned book! Back in 1970, I could see it. Today, on the other hand, it should be off the banned book list.