Fifty years ago Judy Blume published a book that changed the world. Staring 11 year old Margaret, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. touched on numerous themes that had yet to be discussed openly in a book. 

From periods to religion Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. describes subjects prevalent for all young people, particularly those who menstruate.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. has been banned in numerous schools due to its candid depiction of puberty. In the recently released documentary “Judy Blume Forever”, Blume explains that during the book banning craze of the 80s her books were targeted by numerous parent groups and book banning coalitions. Blume’s books had a level of honesty that children’s literature simply did not have at the time. 

Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret. discusses periods openly and honestly but puberty, specifically periods, have long been a taboo subject. In her documentary Blume explained that previously all the depictions of periods and menstruation were presented as horror and surrounded by shame. This book openly discussed these topics in a realistic and healthy way. Blume writes from the perspective of a young girl, exploring the complicated emotions of excitement and embarrassment around getting your first period.

Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret. was published fifty years ago yet period shaming and stigma is still prevalent in our society today, “Too often, when we do dare to have conversations about menstruation, they center on disgust, discomfort or inconvenience,” stated an article by Kotex, a period product company whose mission is to work to fight this stigma. 

In all her books Blume speaks to the fears and emotions of every adolescent. From puberty, friends, bullying, family issues, divorce, grief and all the overwhelming emotions of growing up, Blume has crafted masterpieces. “It gets tiring, trying so hard all the time. Doesn’t it?” says Maragret’s mom at the end of the trailer for the film, a line that seems to be directly from Blume to her readers. Each book she’s written asks the reader this same question, giving them space to process their emotions and be comforted within the pages of her books.