Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret was an iconic coming of age novel written in 1970 that made lives better for countless gen-X girls – myself included.

 

Now, the long-awaited feature film is finally here. Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret is true to the book and 1970s period in which it’s set, yet also so timely and timeless that girls and moms today will feel just as moved and seen as we did back when we first read the book.

 

In between watching the new Judy Blume documentary, Judy Blume Forever, and now this feature film based one of her most iconic books, I’ve had time to think about why this author and these books make such an impact on every generation of girls who reads them.

 

I think it comes down to Judy Blume having a gift for seeing children as individuals in a way that few adults do. She doesn’t see kids or young people as smaller, underdeveloped, not-yet-full-grown adults: she sees them as people in their own right.

 

The film-makers of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret follow that lead. While there are relatable, gentle laughs to be had here, they are never at the expense of the child actors. Judy Blume and writer/director Kelly Fremon Craig would never punch down at kids or poke mean fun at puberty. Viewers are more likely to find humor in the antics of wacky adults – like well-meaning but chaotic Grandma Sylvia, masterfully played by Kathy Bates.

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Seeing this movie with my 13-year-old daughter was a gift, just as reading the book with her was a few years back. Anyone who has young daughters should make it a point to watch this film with them. 

 

The New York Times wrote that we’re in a “Judy Blume Renaissance” and I for one am here for it. I can’t wait to see more of these timeless stories brought to life on film.