This summer has been an extraordinary one. And not necessarily in the ways one might think of an extraordinary summer. With serious illnesses and surgeries in my family, I’ve been playing a supportive role as caretaker for the ones I love. It’s an honor to support my family members through difficult times, but it hasn’t been easy. At the same time I’ve had to balance the needs of my own family of four and keep my writing career afloat. We even managed to make it to Harry Potter world. I’ve suddenly become a juggler.
My youngest daughter, Sierra, is twelve years old. She is a funny, sometimes moody, Sherlock-Benedict Cumberbatch loving, brilliant girl. She has dyslexia and has been rocking the Honor Roll for the last two years in middle school. She just got braces and loves Vloggers from England. She has just begun to embrace books.
When I was twelve years old my mother gave me a wonderful gift. It was summertime and I was beginning to develop. I was a serious Book-aholic. My mother (who was a doctor) was a bit squeamish about the birds and bees and all that jazz. So instead of sitting me down and discussing all the nitty gritty, complicated stuff, she handed me a copy of Judy Blume’s classic book, “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret.” I remember distinctly being annoyed because I figured how good could this book be if my mother was forcing it on me? Wow was I wrong.
In my twelve year old mind the book was pure gold. The heroine of the book, Margaret Simon, is a young girl on the cusp of turning twelve. She is going through life changes–puberty, a move from New York City to the suburbs–and struggling to make sense of an ever-changing world. So she talks to God. About everything. Her fears. Her triumphs. Her crushes. Margaret talked to God because she had questions about life. First kisses? Her bra size? Was she pretty enough?
The beauty of this book is that Margaret knew that God was there, even though she phrased “are you there God?” as a question. Throughout the whole book she talks to God. He is her constant. Her counsel. A worthy sounding board. At one point Margaret mentions her mother by saying, “My mother says God is a nice idea. He belongs to everybody.” Margaret’s mother wasn’t devout but her point about God belonging to everyone is brilliant.
Do you see where this is going? In honor of my daughter’s twelfth summer I gifted her with a copy of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” And even though she hasn’t cracked it open yet, I’m waiting for her lightbulb moment.
What strikes me cold is that these days a book for teens/tweens would never have God in the title. People would moan and complain and pitch a fit. And that is so sad. Tragic really. Because Judy Blume’s book and title were genius. The titles hit on the idea that God stems from belief. And the more you believe, the more tangible He is. And clearly Margaret believes even though she questions it a little bit as an eleven year old. What a beautiful thing for a little girl to believe when her family themselves aren’t that close to God. Margaret has faith! And she knows instinctively that God is there to listen to her.
As tribute to the book that inspired and lifted up my twelve year old self I am giving away two copies of that classic book, along with a little care package for young girls. It’s a perfect present to stash away for that special little someone in your life.
Blessings!
Belle
Belle Calhoune grew up in a small town in Massachusetts as one of five children. Growing up across the street from a public library was one of the coolest things about her childhood. Not only did it spur her literary dreams, but it gave her access to lots of research materials for school. Married to her college sweetheart, Belle lives in Connecticut with her husband, two daughters and two very spoiled dogs. A lover of all things French, Belle has traveled extensively throughout France and enjoys speaking French. A believer in happily ever afters, Belle thinks one of the best perks of being an author is her ability to work in her pajamas. Belle has written three books for Harlequin Love Inspired, with a fourth book contracted. She is also author of the Indy published Seven Brides, Seven Brothers series.
Belle, I’m not entering the giveaway since my girl is 16 and my next child is a boy, but I wanted to comment about this classic book. I’m not sure about you, but I turned 12 in the early 80’s and I still remember the bemoaning that went on about Judy Blume’s innocent book. My mom wouldn’t have cared if I read it, but I think I still read it sneakily. My daughter has always been so open and curious that I didn’t even think about this book, but what a sweet gift.
This was one of my favorite books growing up. Thanks for this post and contest!
My dd is 16 and already owns a copy so I’m not entering the drawing. Like you, I bought her a copy of that amazing book. May God bless Judy Blume, her editors, and her readers – past, present, and future.
Thank you for reminding me of that book. I need to grab a copy for my girls. Thank you!
Hi Terrill. Thanks for stopping by. It is such a classic. And years later I heard all the moaning and griping but I couldn’t understand any of the complaining. What I learned from this book was that it was okay to talk to God, even about the things that weren’t urgent. As an update on my daughter, she even ordered it on audible and is listening to it now. She seems to be enjoying it. Blessings. Belle
This is such a great post! I loved that book. xo
Welcome, Les. It is truly one of the books that has always stayed with me. That in itself is powerful. I’ll enter you in the drawing. Blessings. Belle
Hi Dawn. Thanks for stopping by. It was an amazing book, wasn’t it? I love that you bought your daughter a copy also. I think it’s one of those books that linger with us long after we close the pages. And yes…God bless Judy Blume and the entire publishing team behind this book. Blessings. Belle
Hi Katy! Great to see you over here. You’re welcome for the reminder. It’s funny how I hadn’t thought of it in a while until I was thinking back on the books that transformed my childhood. Remember…I grew up across the street from a library so I read a lot lol. I’m sure your girls will love it. Blessings. Belle
Hi Teri. Thank for stopping by. And thanks for the compliment about the post. It’s funny when I think about this book I actually remember my 12 year old self and how much joy it gave me. Not many things can transport me back in time. Blessings. Belle
Great post, Belle! I don’t remember a lot from this time in my life. Things faded into oblivion for me. This trinket brought back a happy memory. Thanks for sharing. I had sons, so I skipped over this, but I’ll definitely be thinking about it for my granddaughter.
Hi Angel. Great to see you over here. This was a classic for me. And it is true, sometimes we forget the things that impacted us. I’m happy to share a happy memory. And before you know it your beautiful granddaughter will be at the age to read this gem. Blessings! Belle
I must’ve grown up in a different era, because I never heard of this book until a few years ago. I see it was first published in 1970, so that might explain it.
I read this book for the first time as an adult (necessary since I was beyond my teens when it was published) and loved it enough to keep a copy on my bookshelf. There was a book that I read when I was a young teen and later passed on to my daughter and she recently mentioned that she passed it on to her daughter (s). I won’t mention the title as it’s been so many years since I read it and it might contain something inappropriate for young ladies. If there were books like Are You There God? back in the day, I was not aware of them. The idea of talking to God about anything and everything could be an enormous help to many struggling girls – great post!
What? I’m shocked Valerie lol. Maybe it wasn’t as popular in Canada but I promise you it was a rite of passage in the United States. I feel like a kid again remembering how much this book meant to me. Blessings. Belle
Hi Diane. Your comment makes me want to read the book again. I haven’t read it since I was a kid and the copy I had (similar to the picture I posted) was ripped and old. I wish I still had it since they have changed the covers to something more modern. I also think that the idea of talking to God should be reinforced to young people. It’s a lifelong gift to be able to reach out to God for support. Blessings. Belle
What a wonderful post and loved getting to see another side of one of my favorite authors! I try and try to get my oldest (almost 9) into reading, but she doesn’t have the bug like I do…. or I just haven’t hit the right series yet (I remain optimistic). You were dead on in the material that’s available now and I really have to be careful what I let her watch, read, and see. It’s like the impressionism of our children is supposed to be nonexistant. I can remember being a kid and when you watched children’s programming, it was just that… for children. Now the mainstream is filling their heads with sexuality, immorality, and more things that I can’t even begin to understand. Thank you for the reminder that there are books out there like this that date back to a time when children were meant to be children and not dragged down by the problems of life! You are such a blessing to me!
AND when it was okay to talk about God and believe in God…. left out the most important part :-)
Hi Joelle. Thanks for stopping in. You made my day. The reading bug does creep up on people so your daughter will grow into it I’m sure. Especially if she’s anything like her Mama. There are so many bad choices for kids these days. They are bombarded with them. And God is really only mentioned as an exclamation. Not in reverence. Think about it. They have shows called Pretty Little Liars. So kids learn that it’s okay to lie and being pretty is essential. So terrible. And you are such a blessing in my life!!! Blessings! Belle
That was one of my faves too, Belle! I also had squeamish parents, so I probably checked this one out of the library. Thanks for reminding me of a great book.
Hi Lee. Wasn’t it a great book? I’m determined to read it again for old time’s sake as soon as I meet these deadlines. Funny about those squeamish parents. Gotta love ’em. Blessings. Belle
I don’t remember if I ever read this story (maybe glanced at it as a teen?) but I did like a lot of Judy Blume’s books. Since my kids are grown up, I won’t be entering my name for this. But I do like the fact that we can talk to God about anything that is important to us at whatever stage of life we are in. His ear is always open :-)
What I lovely post, Belle! I totally missed out on Judy Blume’s books as I was probably that bit too old when they first came out. I’ll need to look out for a copy of this one, you have me wanting to read it!
This would be a wonderful book for my oldest grand-daughter! She’s quite the reader..Thanks for the give away!
What an interesting blog! You had me searching our local library for Judy Blume books – BINGO! Found it and I can’t wait to read it. Thank you!
Hi Trixi. I read a lot of Judy Blume’s other books as well. I seem to remember a big hoopla over the content of one book in particular, but that wasn’t the book that interested me. It was this one. I think in a lot of ways I was like Margaret…trying to make my way through puberty with my head full of questions. I love talking to God about everything…the good, the bad and the painful. Thanks for stopping by. Blessings. Belle
Thanks Autumn! For me, the beauty of that book has always been that my non-Fiction reading mother selected it for me. She was a doctor so she was always so busy professionally. Not to mention raising five kids. She wasn’t the sort to browse bookstores or go to the library much. So it kind of tickles me imagining her tracking this book down. Blessings. Belle
Hi DK! Thanks for stopping by. I think it’s wonderful that your granddaughter is such a big reader. Reading does transport us to other worlds. I bet she would enjoy the book. Blessings. Belle
Thanks Beachtreehollow! I honestly hadn’t thought of this book in a while and something triggered the memory. It was such a powerful book for me. And I love the way the author portrayed this young girl looking for guidance from God. Simply beautiful! So happy you found it at the library. I try to go to the library at least once a week…it’s such a treasure trove. Blessings. Belle
This is such a beautiful post. I love it.
I hope you let us know when your daughter reads that book. I remember reading it when I was younger!
Hi Hallee. Thanks so much. My daughter did crack it open…YAY. I’m waiting for her full review and hoping she loves it as much as Mom did. Blessings. Belle