Are You There God? It's me, Margaret

BASIC DOCUMENTATION
Book Title: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret?Author(s): Judy Blume

Illustrator/Photographer/Artist: (cover) Susy Pilgrim-Waters

Publisher: Yearling

Copyright Date: 1970

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Brief Annotation: Margaret just moved to a new town. She is adjusting to her new life and learning to deal with the beginning stages of puberty. Margaret and her friends discuss boys and the many changes their bodies are getting ready to go through. Although Margaret’s family doesn’t attend church, she talks to God for help getting through problems.

Your Rating (1-5) and why: 5
I think the book was really good at addressing the feelings pre-teen girls have about their changing bodies. This is a delicate subject to approach but a real one that cannot be ignored. Puberty is difficult for children to experience and this book addressed it as a natural part of life that was part of the growing process. I think it is a good follow up book for girls to use after discussing the menstrual cycle and other changes girls experience.

Readers who will like this book: pre-teen girls

Teaching Strategy from Tompkins:
#11 Cubing (p. 28-30)
Cubing is a strategy the focus’ on six dimensions of reading: describe, compare, associate, analyze, apply and argue. Students can work in groups to complete all six dimensions or they may split into groups where each group discuss’ one dimension. At the close of the assignment, the students would come back together to discuss their findings.
I like this strategy because it gives a chance for students to analyze and compare their situations with the main character, Margaret. Students get the opportunity to include their feelings about the changes happening to them or other feelings.
**I like the idea of using this as discussion tool but ONLY for an all-girls, very small group discussion.

Question to ask about this book before a read aloud:
Have you ever needed someone to talk to? Who did you turn to?
Moving to a new state and new school would be really hard; but, what could happen that would make it even extra difficult?

Optional, but noted as extra effort:

1. Interest Level (age): 8-12

2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 4.7


3. List awards
2005Time Magazine All-Time 100 Novels List
1980Great Stone Face Award, New Hampshire Library Association
1979North Dakota Children's Choice Book Award
1976Young Hoosier Award, Indiana Media Educators
1975Nene Award from the Children of Hawaii
1970Outstanding Book of the Year, New York Times


4. Does this book have a book trailer?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ourOanoCQjw