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

Title: Are You there God? It's me, Margaret.
Author: Judy Blume
Reading Level: 4th grade
Interest Level: 4-7th grade
Plot Summary: Margaret is a 12 year old that recently moved from New York City to the suburbs and wants to fit in at her new school. Her neighbor and classmate soon invites her to join a secret club of girls but Margaret soon finds out that the secret club is the girls talking about getting bras, if they've gotten their period and boys. They do things like write down their secret boy crush and do exercises to increase their bust. Margaret's issues don't end there, she also has the question of religion looming over her head. Her parents are not religious but her Jewish grandmother is pressuring her to chose Judiasm over Christianity. Having a Jewish and Christian parent has Margaret torn over what religion is the right choice and she starts to explore both options. Margaret confides to God about her problems and questions in an attempt to work out what is the right answer. Growing up isn't easy but talking to God seems to help Margaret.
Review: Judy Blume's classic is a must read for all tween girls. The book doesn't have much appeal to tween boys but tween girls can relate to the ups and downs of Margaret as she tries to navigate new friendships and religion. I think that Blume does a great job at touching on religion without venturing into uncomfortable discussions. Instead she shows a girls honest questions about religion. Margaret is searching for answers and her honest discussions with God are very revealing about how Margaret feels.
Reader Annotation: Margaret has a new town, new friends and a big religious question, so who does she go to for help? God of course.
Themes: puberty, religion, school
Read Alikes: Eleven by Lauren Myracle
Why for Tweens? This book deals with a lot of tween girl issues like boys, friendships, first periods, bras and figuring out your identity. I also think the addition of religion appeals to tweens who are starting to ask questions about their own faith and beliefs.