To celebrate Banned Books Week 2024, one of our staff, Lynn, has written about a banned book that has stuck with her through the years.
I read Are You There, God? It’s Me Margaret. when I was in 6th or 7th grade. When I read it the first time, I just assumed that all authors were so honest and frank. I’m afraid that I didn’t appreciate the groundbreaking nature and cultural importance of the work. I just enjoyed the directness of Margaret and the diary-like style of the book. It was maybe the first time I thought that I could be a writer, too. Just be honest and put down your thoughts and other people may find them interesting. I realized, subconsciously, that you don’t necessarily need a lot of action or plot or heroics to make a book appealing.
When the movie came out last year, I re-read my copy and was surprised at how well it held up. I was amazed at how well Blume was able to tap into the emotions and insecurities of a young girl as she navigates the everchanging alliances of her friend group.
As well as serving as an example of a literary style, the book also served to make me feel seen. I felt that if Margaret was important enough to be the subject of a book that maybe I was, too.
Want to know more about Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret? Check out the following description from the publisher.
Margaret Simon, almost twelve, likes long hair, tuna fish, the smell of rain, and things that are pink. She’s just moved from New York City to Farbook, New Jersey, and is anxious to fit in with her new friends—Nancy, Gretchen, and Janie. When they form a secret club to talk about private subjects like boys, bras, and getting their first periods, Margaret is happy to belong.
But none of them can believe Margaret doesn’t have religion, and that she isn’t going to the Y or the Jewish Community Center. What they don’t know is Margaret has her own very special relationship with God. She can talk to God about everything—family, friends, even Moose Freed, her secret crush.
Margaret is funny and real. As you read her story, you’ll know why this book has been the favorite of millions of readers. It’s as if Margaret is talking right to you, sharing her secrets with a friend. – Atheneum Books for Young Readers