Judy Blume was my hero long before I considered writing, and that was because of a book that helped me. In 1979, talking to your mom about your period was like talking to a cowboy about his feelings; it was possible, but rarely done without squirming or possibly tears. The truth is, 1979 wasn't exactly the golden age of open communication when it came to that time of the month.
While I'm sure there are mothers who spoke openly to their daughters about the subject, most often it was a pretty hush-hush topic, especially in small towns or more traditional families. Many girls learned about periods the way they learned about kissing: from friends, an older sister, poorly illustrated pamphlets handed out at school, or, worst of all, the hard way in the bathroom. And because Mother Nature doesn't always pick the most convenient times for these things to happen, they often occur at school. HORRIFYING!!!
For me, Judy Blume's Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret was a game changer. In the 1970s, the book was like an emotional thunderbolt. It was one of the only places girls could read about periods, bras, hormones, and prayers in a way that felt normal, not shameful or whispered.
Ms. Blume wrote about what it was like not to know, and that was revolutionary. Moms may have loved their daughters deeply, but many of them had grown up in an even quieter era and just didn't have the tools to start the conversation.
The bottom line: In 1979, it was a coin toss. If you had a progressive mom, you might get "the talk" and a hug. Old School mom? You found a box of pads in your bedroom with a shrug and vague, "You'll figure it out." That's why books like this one weren't just stories -they were lifelines. For me, this story was definitely a lifeline. I had an old-school mom, so I felt lost and like a fish out of water. Reading the book made me feel as normal as one can feel at eleven years old.
To me, Judy Blume didn't just write books; she gave me and other young readers permission to ask questions, feel uncomfortable things, and know they weren't alone. This book was my go-to when I had my own daughters. Then we talked about it.
The Legacy of Are You There God? 'It's Me Margaret
- Banned in a bunch of places? Yes
- Still read by new generations? Yes
- Finally got a movie adaptation in 2023? Yes, finally.
- Share a copy with your daughter; it's great for bonding. Are You There God? 'It's Me Margaret
The Book Cover from 1979
