Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

By Judy Blume

"Are you there God? It's me, Margaret. I can't wait until two o'clock God. That's when our dance starts. Do you think I'll get Philip Leroy for a partner? It's not so much that I like him as a person God, but as a boy he's very handsome. And I'd love to dance with him...just once or twice. Thank you God." - from Are you there God? It's me, Margaret.

What's it about?: Margaret is a sixth grade student struggling with all of the issues that girls in the sixth grade usually do - body image , boys, popularity, periods and puberty. However, she also struggles with the idea of God and faith being that she's half-Christian and half-Jewish. In school, she and her friends attempt to navigate the challenges and fears of entering young adulthood while, at home, her grandmothers each constantly pressure her into deciding to dedicate herself to their respective religion. The result is a very confused young girl praying to God for guidance, assistance and answers to all of the struggles she encounters - religious or otherwise - while surviving the social and emotional gauntlet of junior high.

Why your child should read it: Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. has virtually been required reading for young girls since it was published in 1970. The fact that it's still so popular 40 years later is a testament to how relatable it is to female adolescents. Written in a frank tone and honestly discussing everything from religion to menstruation, this book acts as a voice for the thoughts and feelings racing through the minds of girls entering their teen years. As well, it allows them to recognize that they aren't alone in their fears and insecurities, and that problems that seem so great now are not the end of the world. If there was ever a quintessential book for girls entering their teen years, this is it.

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