New Beginnings in Suburbia

Margaret Simon, almost twelve, moves from New York City to the suburbs of New Jersey. She's anxious about fitting in at her new school and neighborhood. Her parents chose Farbrook for its convenience, but Margaret suspects it's to distance her from her influential grandmother, Sylvia. Margaret is apprehensive about the change, fearing she won't make friends or like her new school. Her grandmother, who is a significant part of her life, is now far away, and Margaret feels the weight of this transition.

Secret Club Formed

Shortly after moving, Margaret meets Nancy Wheeler, a neighbor who invites her to join a secret club with other girls, Janie and Gretchen. The club discusses topics like boys, bras, and getting their first periods. Margaret is eager to fit in but feels pressure to grow up quickly. The club becomes a space where the girls share their insecurities and aspirations, but it also highlights Margaret's anxieties about her own development and whether she is "normal."

Navigating New Friendships

As Margaret settles into her new life, she navigates the complexities of friendship. She learns about the dynamics within her group and the pressures of adolescence. The girls bond over shared experiences, but Margaret often feels like she's lagging behind, especially when it comes to physical development. Her friendship with Nancy is particularly significant, as Nancy often sets the tone for the group's activities and discussions.

The Quest for Religion

Margaret's parents have left her religious upbringing open-ended, allowing her to choose her own path. This year, she decides to explore different religions to find where she belongs. She attends temple with her Jewish grandmother and church with her Christian friends, seeking a connection with God. However, she struggles to feel a sense of belonging in either setting, leading to confusion and frustration about her identity.

The First Party

Margaret is invited to a party hosted by Norman Fishbein, a classmate. The entire class is invited, and Margaret experiences the excitement and anxiety of her first social event. The party includes games like Spin the Bottle, where Margaret has her first kiss with Philip Leroy, a boy she finds attractive. The experience is both thrilling and nerve-wracking, marking a milestone in her journey toward adolescence.

Family Tensions Rise

Margaret's maternal grandparents, who disowned her mother for marrying a Jewish man, decide to visit. This creates tension in the family, as Margaret's parents have differing views on religion. The visit forces Margaret to confront her feelings about her family's religious differences and her own identity. The experience is emotionally taxing, leaving Margaret feeling caught between her family's expectations and her own beliefs.

The Big Revelation

Margaret's friends, Gretchen and Nancy, get their first periods, leaving Margaret feeling left out and anxious about her own development. She worries that she will be the last to mature, which exacerbates her insecurities. This milestone for her friends highlights Margaret's fears about growing up and the pressure to conform to societal expectations of womanhood.

Growing Pains

As Margaret continues her quest for religious and personal identity, she faces challenges that test her understanding of herself. She grapples with the expectations placed on her by her family and peers, feeling the weight of her decisions. Her journey is marked by moments of doubt and self-discovery, as she learns to navigate the complexities of adolescence.

A New Understanding

Through her experiences, Margaret gains a deeper understanding of herself and her beliefs. She realizes that her identity is not solely defined by religion or physical development but by her own values and choices. This newfound clarity allows her to accept herself and her journey, embracing the uncertainty of adolescence with a sense of empowerment.

Acceptance and Growth

By the end of the school year, Margaret has grown both physically and emotionally. She gets her first period, marking a significant milestone in her journey to womanhood. This event, coupled with her exploration of religion and identity, helps Margaret accept herself and her place in the world. She learns that growing up is a personal journey, and she is ready to face the challenges ahead with confidence.

Characters

Margaret Simon

Margaret is a nearly twelve-year-old girl navigating the challenges of adolescence. She is curious about religion, her own development, and her place in the world. Margaret's journey is marked by her quest for identity and belonging, as she explores different religious practices and grapples with the pressures of growing up. Her introspective nature and candid conversations with God highlight her desire for guidance and understanding.

Nancy Wheeler

Nancy is Margaret's new friend and neighbor who invites her to join a secret club. She is confident and often sets the tone for the group's activities. Nancy's influence is significant in Margaret's life, as she navigates the complexities of friendship and adolescence. Despite her outward confidence, Nancy has her own insecurities, which are revealed when she lies about getting her period.

Sylvia Simon

Sylvia is Margaret's paternal grandmother, who plays a significant role in her life. She is supportive and loving, often providing Margaret with guidance and comfort. Sylvia's Jewish faith is an important aspect of her identity, and she hopes Margaret will embrace it. Her relationship with Margaret is a source of stability and warmth, contrasting with the tensions in Margaret's immediate family.

Barbara Simon

Barbara is Margaret's mother, who is supportive and caring. She is an artist and often encourages Margaret to express herself. Barbara's relationship with her own parents is strained due to their disapproval of her marriage to a Jewish man. This tension impacts Margaret, as she navigates her own identity and religious beliefs. Barbara's love for Margaret is evident, even as she grapples with her own familial challenges.

Herb Simon

Herb is Margaret's father, who is practical and understanding. He supports Margaret's exploration of religion and encourages her to make her own choices. Herb's relationship with his in-laws is strained, but he remains a steady presence in Margaret's life. His love for his family is evident, and he often acts as a mediator during family conflicts.

Laura Danker

Laura is a classmate of Margaret's who is often the subject of rumors due to her early physical development. She is misunderstood by her peers, who judge her based on appearances. Laura's maturity and grace under pressure make her a complex character, and her interactions with Margaret highlight the challenges of adolescence and the impact of gossip.

Janie Loomis

Janie is one of Margaret's close friends in the secret club. She is loyal and supportive, often providing a sense of stability within the group. Janie's friendship with Margaret is marked by shared experiences and mutual understanding, as they navigate the challenges of growing up together.

Gretchen Potter

Gretchen is another member of the secret club and one of Margaret's close friends. She is inquisitive and thoughtful, often asking questions and seeking understanding. Gretchen's experiences with adolescence mirror Margaret's, and their friendship is a source of comfort and support.

Mary and Paul Hutchins

Mary and Paul are Margaret's maternal grandparents, who disowned her mother for marrying a Jewish man. Their visit to the Simon family creates tension, as they hold traditional beliefs about religion and family. Their presence forces Margaret to confront her own identity and the complexities of her family's history.

Moose Freed

Moose is a neighbor and classmate of Margaret's who is often the subject of rumors. Despite his reputation, Moose is charming and kind, and Margaret develops a crush on him. His interactions with Margaret highlight the challenges of adolescence and the impact of gossip on relationships.

Plot Devices

Secret Club

The secret club formed by Margaret and her friends serves as a plot device to explore themes of adolescence, friendship, and identity. Through the club, the girls discuss topics like boys, bras, and getting their first periods, highlighting their insecurities and aspirations. The club meetings provide insight into the pressures of growing up and the desire to fit in.

Religious Exploration

Margaret's exploration of different religions is a central plot device that drives her quest for identity. Her experiences in temple, church, and confession highlight her confusion and desire for belonging. This exploration forces Margaret to confront her beliefs and the expectations placed on her by her family, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of herself.

Family Tensions

The tensions between Margaret's parents and her maternal grandparents serve as a plot device to highlight generational conflict and differing beliefs about religion and family. These tensions impact Margaret's journey, as she navigates her own identity and the expectations placed on her by her family. The conflict underscores the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of past decisions.

Adolescent Milestones

Key adolescent milestones, such as getting her first period and attending her first party, serve as plot devices to mark Margaret's growth and development. These events highlight her insecurities and the pressures of growing up, while also providing moments of self-discovery and empowerment. They underscore the challenges of adolescence and the journey toward self-acceptance.

Analysis

"Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" is a poignant exploration of identity and belonging, capturing the complexities of adolescence with honesty and empathy. Through Margaret's journey, Judy Blume addresses themes of religious exploration, family dynamics, and the pressures of growing up. The novel highlights the challenges of navigating societal expectations and the desire for acceptance, while also emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and empowerment. Blume's portrayal of Margaret's candid conversations with God underscores the universal quest for guidance and understanding, resonating with readers of all ages. The novel's enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the nuances of adolescence and the journey toward self-acceptance with authenticity and warmth.

Last updated: April 17, 2025