Are You There God, It's Me Margaret

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret
By Judy Blume
Published by Bradbury Press (1970)

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret is a coming of age story that almost every middle school girl will relate to. From a new school, boys, and physical changes, Margaret handles the awkward middle school years with humor and perseverance. I read this story when I was in middle school, and it has left a lasting impression on me. I would easily recommend this to any of my young female students. The quick read may not be openly discussed, but I believe many girls can relate to Margaret. Judy Blume is a wonderful author for all students to know.

Hear from Judy herself about the book!


Blume, J. (1970). Are you there God? It's me, Margaret. Englewood Cliffs, N.J: Bradbury Press.

The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars
By John Green
Published by Dutton Books (2012)

While I wouldn't have guessed I would be teaching any students who be reading The Fault in Our Stars, I was proven wrong when substitute teaching. I found out quickly that sixth grade girls were huge fans of the book. This sparked my interest, especially since many of my close friends raved about the book. I was not disappointed in this young love story.

It tells the emotional story of Hazel and Augustus. Hazel is faced with a terminal cancer diagnosis. The two meet in a support group for cancer survivors and those suffering from cancer currently. The rest is history as the two fall in love. I won't ruin the ending, but you will sure be surprised when you finish reading, and most likely in tears. The movie also had my mother and I in tears.

This is mature story that will not be appropriate for all readers, but it is a good book to connect with young female readers. John Green is a well-liked author with many books that would be great to recommend. Check out the movie trailer below!

Green, J. (2012). The fault in our stars.

Viola in Reel Life

Viola in Reel Life
By Adriana Triagani
Published by Harper Teen (2009)

Viola in Reel Life is the work of Saint Mary's grad, Adriana Triagnai. After flipping through a few pages and reading the summary, I was sure this was set in Saint Mary's. It tells the story of Viola, who reluctantly ends up at a boarding school in South Bend, Indiana (sound familiar?) where she does not feel like she fits in at all. She is not much for the preppy style and living with roommates who actually like the school. Viola hides behind the lens of her camera, and slowly sees that there is more to the boarding school than she initially thought.

This novel is more appropriate for upper grades, as it is a piece of young adult literature. I think girls would love this book because boarding school is a different experience than many have. With only 288 pages, the book is a fairly quick read. As a Saint Mary's student, I love to support Saint Mary's alums. I will definitely look into more of her books for both myself and my classroom.

Learn more about this Saint Mary's author on her website!

Trigiani, A. (2009). Viola in reel life. New York: HarperTeen.

Double Fudge

Double Fudge
By Judy Blume

Published by Dutton Children's Books (2002)

Growing up, Judy Blume was one of my favorite authors. I absolutely adored the Fudge books! Double Fudge is the final book in the series, and one of the most memorable for me. Fudge discovers a love of money and begins to make his own "Fudge Bucks". As always, his older brother Peter is embarrassed of Fudge's quirky ways. The family discovers relatives, Flora and Fauna, and little Farley. Judy Blume keeps it clever again, always making readers laugh and waiting for another Fudge situation to occur. Many readers can relate to crazy shenanigans that have happened with siblings. It's a great book to keep in your library because Judy Blume appeals to many young readers. She has many books related to Fudge, providing ample opportunities for those who enjoy her writing in third through fifth grade. I still enjoy these books, and I think they would make for an excellent class read aloud!

I found a great author study on Judy Blume. If you are going to look at any of her books in your class, this is worth the read.

Check out Judy's website here!

Blume, J. (2002). Double Fudge. New York: Dutton Children's Books.

Flipped

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Published by Knopf 2001

Flipped is the winner of many awards. The novel has also been made into a movie. Check out the trailer below if my blog entry makes you want to learn more!

This realistic contemporary fiction explores the romance of two young people, Juli Baker and Bryce Loski. Juli always had a crush on Bryce, but Bryce did not feel the same way. When 8th grade rolls around, Juli's feelings are waning while Bryce begins to see Juli in a new light. The book is told by rotating between both of their voices from chapter to chapter. This romantic comedy will surely appeal to middle school girls. Both of the main characters are discovering who they are and are looking beyond the exterior of others in this coming of age story.

This would be a great book to recommend for students who also enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars. I will surely be watching the movie soon!

Van, D. W. (2001). Flipped. New York: Knopf.