Few books from the 1970s still spark as much conversation as Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. More than 50 years after publication, it remains a go-to story for preteens navigating puberty—and a frequent target for book bans. The 2023 film adaptation brings the same honest, slightly awkward charm to a new generation, and parents are understandably asking: is it appropriate for my child?

4 related posts

Novel published: 1970 ·
Film released: 2023 ·
Author: Judy Blume ·
Film director: Kelly Fremon Craig ·
Available on Netflix: Yes

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • The exact number of schools that have banned the book (ALA (library association))
  • Which specific scenes different critics consider “inappropriate” (Parent Previews)
  • Current status of book bans in every U.S. state (ALA)
3Timeline signal
  • 1970 – Book published, quickly becomes a staple for preteens (IMDb)
  • 1980s–2000s – Repeated challenges in schools over puberty and religion topics (ALA)
  • 2023 – Film adaptation released with 99% Rotten Tomatoes score (Parent Previews)
4What’s next

Six key facts sum up the essential details of the book and movie.

Label Value
Author Judy Blume
Publication date 1970
Film release April 28, 2023
Film rating PG-13
Netflix availability Yes
Rotten Tomatoes score 99% (based on 200+ reviews)
The upshot

The book’s frankness was groundbreaking in 1970, but today it feels mild compared with many YA novels. Parents should know the film stays faithful to the source material, which can spark natural conversations about puberty and faith.

Why was Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret banned?

Historical context of the ban

  • The book has been challenged for frank discussions of puberty and religion (ALA (American Library Association)).
  • It appears on the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books (ALA).
  • Challenges began in the 1980s and continue today (ALA).

Specific objections raised

  • Objections often cite sexual content and religious viewpoints (ALA).
  • Some parents object to the protagonist’s questioning of religion (Parent Previews (parental rating site)).
  • The word “God” in the title has also drawn criticism (Kids-In-Mind (parental guide)).

How the ban compares to other frequently banned books

  • It ranks among the top 100 most challenged books of all time (ALA).
  • Comparable to titles like To Kill a Mockingbird for language and The Catcher in the Rye for sexual content (ALA).

The pattern: Most challenges stem from a discomfort with openly discussing puberty and religious doubt with young readers — themes that many educators argue are vital.

Are there inappropriate scenes in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret?

What the book/film covers about puberty

  • The content focuses on a girl’s worries about menstruation, bras, and boys (Parent Previews).
  • Girls frequently talk about menstruation and stick a maxi-pad into underpants (no nudity shown) (Parent Previews).
  • Schoolgirls watch an animated film explaining menstruation (Parent Previews).
  • Girls look at an anatomy textbook with medical drawings of a penis (Parent Previews).
  • Girls are seen looking at a Playboy magazine, but no nudity appears on screen (Parent Previews).

Depiction of religious questioning

  • The movie includes discussions of religion and religious choice (Kids-In-Mind).
  • The protagonist talks to God directly, exploring different faiths (Parent Previews).

Language and mature themes

  • Kids-In-Mind counts 2 mild obscenities and 1 religious profanity, plus numerous religious exclamations (Kids-In-Mind).
  • Parent Previews says no profanity, violence, alcohol, drugs, or smoking (Parent Previews).
  • No explicit sexual scenes are depicted (Parent Previews).

The trade-off: The material is frank but not explicit. Parents who want their preteens to learn about puberty in a safe, story-driven context will find the film helpful; those who prefer less discussion of bodies may want to preview it first.

Why this matters

The film’s 99% Rotten Tomatoes score shows critics see value in normalizing puberty discussions for preteens, even as some parents remain cautious. Honesty wins over shock.

Is Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret worth watching?

Critical reception and audience scores

  • The film holds a 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes (Parent Previews).
  • Reviewers praise its faithful adaptation and performances (Parent Previews).
  • Audience scores are similarly high on IMDb (IMDb).

Comparison to the book for readers

  • The film stays true to the spirit of the book, according to director Kelly Fremon Craig (Parent Previews).
  • Key scenes about menstruation and religious questioning are preserved (Kids-In-Mind).

Who should watch it (target audience)

What this means: If you’re a parent who read the book as a child and want to share a gentle, honest coming‑of‑age story, the film delivers. If you’re a preteen curious about the changes ahead, it’s a safe companion.

Where can I watch Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret?

Streaming on Netflix

  • The movie is currently streaming on Netflix (Parent Previews).

Digital purchase and rental options

  • Digital versions are available on major platforms like Amazon, Apple TV, and Vudu (Parent Previews).

Theatrical release history

  • It was released in theaters on April 28, 2023 (Parent Previews).
  • No current theatrical run (Parent Previews).

The catch: Netflix is the easiest option, but if it leaves the catalog, you can rent or buy digitally anytime.

What is the age rating for Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret?

MPAA rating explanation

  • The film is rated PG-13 for thematic material involving sexual education and some suggestive material (Kids-In-Mind).
  • Parent Previews also lists PG-13 for thematic material involving sexual education (Parent Previews).

Why a 12-year-old can or cannot watch it

  • Many parents and educators consider it suitable for ages 10 and up (Raising Children Network).
  • The Raising Children Network recommends not suitable under 8 and parental guidance for 8–10 (Raising Children Network).
  • Some family arguments in the film might disturb young children (IMDb parental guide).

Parental guidance recommendations

  • The book is typically recommended for readers aged 8–12 (Raising Children Network).
  • Parent Previews found no violence, profanity, alcohol, drugs, or smoking (Parent Previews).

The implication: For most 12‑year‑olds, the film is perfectly appropriate — and likely a better introduction to puberty than what they’ll find online. Parents of 8–10 year olds should watch alongside them to answer questions.

Upsides

  • Faithful adaptation praised by critics (99% RT)
  • No explicit sex, nudity, violence, or drug use
  • Encourages open parent‑child conversations about puberty and faith
  • Short runtime (106 minutes) and engaging for preteens

Downsides

  • Discussions of menstruation and anatomy may make some children uncomfortable
  • Viewing of a Playboy magazine (no nudity shown) can raise questions
  • Religious questioning might conflict with some family beliefs
  • Some intense family arguments could upset sensitive viewers
What to watch

For Jude‑Blume fans who want to share the story with their own children, the film is a rare gift: honest without being explicit. But if your family avoids any discussion of puberty or religious doubt, you may want to watch alone first.

I think every child deserves to see themselves in a book.

Judy Blume, author, on censorship

We stayed true to the spirit of the book.

Kelly Fremon Craig, director, on adapting the novel for modern audiences

For parents in the U.S. navigating the decision, the choice is clear: preview the film yourself, then decide whether your child is ready for a story that treats puberty and faith with the same honesty that made the book a classic. Either way, you’ll be better equipped to answer the questions that follow.

Additional sources

kids-in-mind.com, pastemagazine.com, imdb.com, raisingchildren.net.au

For a deeper look at the original novel and its adaptation, check out this book summary and movie facts that explores the story’s enduring appeal.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the plot of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret?

Eleven‑year‑old Margaret Simon navigates moving to a new town, the changes of puberty, and her search for a religious identity. She talks directly to God throughout.

Who directed the 2023 movie?

Kelly Fremon Craig directed the film (Parent Previews).

Is the movie faithful to the original book?

Yes, the film stays true to the spirit of the book, according to the director (Parent Previews).

Why was the book controversial in the 1970s?

It was controversial for its frank discussions of menstruation, bras, boys, and religious questioning (ALA).

What age group is the book intended for?

The book is typically recommended for readers aged 8–12 (Raising Children Network).

Are there any religious themes in the story?

Yes, Margaret questions religion and explores different faiths, which has drawn both praise and criticism (Parent Previews).

How long is the movie?

The runtime is 1 hour 46 minutes (106 minutes) on IMDb, while Parent Previews lists 105 minutes (Parent Previews, IMDb).

Does the film include any nudity?

No nudity is shown on screen. There are medical diagrams and a scene with a Playboy magazine but no nude images (Parent Previews).

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