What Lessons Does 'Are You There God? It’S Me, Margaret' Teach About Faith?

This book made me rethink how we introduce kids to spirituality. Margaret’s faith isn’t about salvation or dogma—it’s a coping mechanism. She prays when she feels lonely, guilty, or excited, treating God like a diary that talks back. Blume subtly argues that faith should adapt to the believer’s needs, not the other way around. The subplot with Laura Danker, the scapegoat of Margaret’s friend group, drives this home. Margaret’s guilt over bullying Laura sparks her most vulnerable prayer, showing how morality and spirituality intertwine.

The book also challenges the myth of the 'perfect believer.' Margaret’s prayers are full of trivial requests ('please let me get my period'), yet they’re treated with sincerity. Blume validates everyday concerns as worthy of divine attention. The ending, where Margaret embraces ambiguity, suggests that faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being okay with the questions. For anyone navigating doubt, this book is a compass, not a map.

As someone who grew up with Judy Blume’s books, I think 'Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret' tackles faith with rare nuance. Margaret’s struggle isn’t just about believing in God—it’s about believing in herself. The book dismantles the idea that faith requires certainty. Margaret’s grandmother pushes Jewish traditions, her secular parents avoid the topic entirely, and her friends parrot their families’ beliefs without reflection. Through this, Blume shows how external pressures distort a kid’s relationship with spirituality.

What’s groundbreaking is how the book equates faith with bodily changes. Margaret’s prayers about puberty frame growing up as a sacred, confusing process. The absence of divine answers isn’t a failure; it’s part of the journey. When Margaret shouts, 'Are you there?' during her period, it’s a moment of empowerment—she realizes she can navigate life’s changes without waiting for a sign. The book suggests that faith isn’t about receiving answers but learning to ask the right questions.

Blume also critiques performative religiosity. The Thanksgiving scene where Margaret’s family clashes over grace exposes how rituals can divide rather than unite. Contrast this with her private prayers, which are imperfect but authentic. The lesson? True faith thrives in personal, unpolished moments, not in perfect compliance.

I've read 'Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret' multiple times, and it beautifully captures the messy, honest journey of faith during adolescence. Margaret’s conversations with God aren’t formal prayers; they’re raw, personal dialogues about bras, periods, and fitting in. The book shows faith as something flexible—Margaret questions her mixed religious heritage, rebels against her parents’ non-interference approach, and ultimately defines spirituality on her own terms. It’s not about rigid doctrines but about finding comfort in uncertainty. The scene where she visits different churches and temples resonates because it portrays faith as exploration, not obligation. The takeaway? Religion can be a mirror for self-discovery, not just a set of rules.