Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

“So Farbook, New Jersey it was, where my father could commute to his job in Manhattan [...] and where my mother could have all the grass, trees and flowers she ever wanted. Except I never knew she wanted that stuff in the first place.”

Margaret Ann Simon returns from summer camp to learn that she and her parents are moving from New York City to New Jersey. The move is abrupt, and Margaret is surprised to learn that she was excluded from the decision-making. Although Margaret suspects that her parents wanted to create some distance between themselves and Sylvia Simon, or “Grandma,” they assure her that they have always wanted to move out of the city and enjoy the peace and tranquility of suburban life. The move is the main catalyst for the novel and why Margaret finds herself trying to navigate the world of public school, popularity, and new friendships.

“[S]he’s always asking me if I have boyfriends and if they’re Jewish. [...] [W]hat would I care if they’re Jewish or not?”

Blume introduces the theme of Religious Identity and Belonging early in the story through Grandma. Although Grandma and Margaret are close, Margaret is annoyed by Grandma’s constant questioning. Grandma is Jewish, and although she has never directly pushed for Margaret to become Jewish like her, Grandma harbors hope that one day Margaret will decide to embrace her Jewish heritage. Margaret is too young and inexperienced when it comes to religion to understand why it’s such a big deal, but this detail in Chapter 1 foreshadows Grandma’s reaction to learning that Margaret wants to go to temple with her.