Book Club Spotlight: "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret"
Title:
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret
Publication Date:
1970
Author:
Judy Blume
A History of Controversy and Censorship
"Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" has been a cornerstone of young adult literature since its publication in 1970. Judy Blume’s candid exploration of puberty, religion, and identity broke new ground in children’s books, earning both acclaim and controversy. The novel's frank discussion of menstruation and puberty, as well as its questioning of religious practices, led to challenges and bans in schools and libraries across the United States.
The book was particularly targeted in the 1980s and 1990s, with parents and educators expressing concern over its explicit content and perceived encouragement of questioning religious beliefs. Critics argued that the book was inappropriate for its intended young audience, leading to its removal from numerous school libraries and curricula.
Intended Age Range
"Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" was written for readers aged 8 to 12, capturing the experiences and anxieties of pre-adolescence with sensitivity and honesty.
Actual Age Range of Readers
While intended for middle-grade readers, the book’s universal themes of identity, faith, and growing up make it enjoyable and relevant for a much broader audience. Readers from their early teens to adults can appreciate and reflect on the timeless struggles and discoveries that Margaret experiences.
Book Club Questions
Margaret’s Journey Through Puberty: How does Judy Blume’s depiction of Margaret’s experiences with puberty resonate with your own experiences or those of people you know? What impact did reading about these experiences have on you?
Religion and Identity: Margaret struggles with her religious identity throughout the novel. How does her quest for a religious identity reflect broader themes of searching for personal identity? Have you ever experienced a similar quest or questioning?
Parent-Child Relationships: Discuss the relationship between Margaret and her parents. How do their dynamics evolve throughout the story? In what ways do you think Margaret’s parents influence her understanding of religion and puberty?
Friendship Dynamics: How are Margaret’s friendships portrayed in the book? Discuss the positive and negative aspects of her relationships with Nancy, Gretchen, and Janie. How do these friendships shape Margaret’s experiences and growth?
Societal Expectations: The book touches on societal expectations of girls and women, particularly regarding physical appearance and behavior. How does Margaret respond to these expectations? Do you think these societal pressures have changed since the book was published?
Communication and Openness: Margaret often turns to her private conversations with God as a way to process her thoughts and feelings. How do you think the story might have been different if Margaret had openly communicated her thoughts with the people around her? What role does secrecy play in her development?
Blume’s Writing Style: Judy Blume is known for her straightforward and empathetic writing style. How does her writing style contribute to the accessibility and impact of the novel? What specific scenes or passages stood out to you because of Blume’s style?
Margaret’s Personal Growth: By the end of the book, how has Margaret changed? What key events or realizations contributed most to her growth? How does her journey reflect common experiences of growing up?
Timeless Themes: Even though the book was published in 1970, many of its themes remain relevant today. Discuss which aspects of the book feel timeless and which feel dated. How do contemporary issues of adolescence compare to those presented in the book?
Censorship and Access: Considering the history of the book’s censorship, discuss the impact that banning books like "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" can have on young readers. How do you feel about the book’s inclusion in school curricula today?
Frustrated by great books being banned? To advocate against these bans, consider these actions:
Stay Informed: Understand the reasons behind the bans and stay updated on censorship news.
Join Advocacy Groups: Support organizations like the American Library Association (ALA), the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC), or Pen America.
Speak Out: Attend school board meetings and voice your opposition to book bans.
Donate: Support efforts to provide access to banned books through donations to the above advocacy groups or by contributing to Little Free Libraries.
Educate: Host community discussions or book clubs to explore the themes and importance of banned books.
By taking these steps, you can help promote the right to read and ensure that important works like Judy Blume's remain accessible to all readers.
