I'd always meant to read this book and never got around to it until now. Now I know, if I get back to the Public Library, whether to recommend it. It seems like it might depend on how devoutly attached someone is to a particular religion, whether they'd like it. If it's not cool with someone that a young girl be brought up without some sort of church experience, and told to pick a religion by herself, that person probably wouldn't like the book. ( )

Margaret may not be what would be termed "religious", but is she is by far the character with closest relationship with God in this book, mainly because of her honesty and plainspokenness in her prayers, and as a result of this real relationship, He gives her exactly what she wants. Spirituality aside, this novel is down-to-earth and genuine about all the myriad anxieties and problems pre-teen girls go through and Blume is not afraid to blatantly say what she thinks and reveal things as they are, inappropriate as they may seem to some stiff-necked readers. I may not be the one to say it, being a guy and all, but I think any girl struggling with the twinges of puberty may find calm and understanding with this book, and know that she isn't alone. I think it would also be of great benefit for boys to read it too, if you could ever convince them of it. ( )

Never read this as a girl. I can see where it would be a comforting read for girls who are going through puberty. I think it might also feel a little dated for current pre-teens. ( )

My sex education is finally complete. I've now read Judy Blume's ARE YOU THERE, GOD? IT'S ME, MARGARET (1970). I'm a good fifty years late, I know, but I found it to be funny and charming, as well as informative. Thank you, Judy. And my children (now 55, 52, and 45) thank you too. You ROCK!

- Tim Bazzett, author of the memoir, BOOKLOVER ( )

11-year-old Margaret’s family has just bought a house and moved from a New York City apartment to suburban New Jersey. Only child Margaret must make new friends and start a new school for sixth grade. The year is filled with even more transitions, as Margaret and her friends and classmates break in a first-year teacher and deal with the onset of puberty. Unlike most of the other children in her class, Margaret has no religious faith, and she’s beginning to be curious about religion. Without any religious instruction, Margaret develops a prayer life and talks to God about all the changes she’s experiencing.

I didn’t read this book as a tween since it was considered controversial then. Perhaps it still is. I’m not sure why. Margaret’s experiences over the course of her sixth-grade year are typical for anyone who went through middle school in the 1970s. Margaret develops good interpersonal skills as she learns that gossip isn’t always true, and as she learns to admit and apologize for her mistakes. If you enjoy audiobooks, don’t miss the audio version narrated by Laura Hamilton. ( )