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'Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret' Is Being Made Into A Movie

'Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret' Is Being Made Into A Movie

Nearly 50 years after it was first published, Judy Blume has sold the film rights to her beloved YA novel

Mary-Jane Wiltsher

Mary-Jane Wiltsher

Get ready for a blast of childhood nostalgia. Judy Blume's beloved YA novel Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret is being made into a film - nearly 50 years after it was first published.

The news will thrill anyone who grew up on Blume's books, which include bestselling titles like Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Deenie, and Blubber.

Deadline reports that Blume has agreed to sell the film rights to her iconic novel, with Lionsgate winning the bidding auction. The studio has given the movie a greenlight on a budget in the region of $30 million.

Producers James L. Brooks' Gracie Films and Kelly Fremon Craig - the duo behind the 2016 coming-of-age flick The Edge of Seventeen - will oversee the project.

First published in 1970, Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret follows the life of 11-year-old sixth grader Margaret Simon as she navigates the peaks and troughs of early adolescence.

First published in 1970, 'Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret' follows the life of 11-year-old sixth grader Margaret Simon (
Macmillan Children's Books)

Margaret is a member of a secret club - along with three other girlfriends - and the group meet to talk about day-to-day challenges like buying your first bra, crushes, and periods.

Blume also brings religion into the picture. Through Margaret's talks with God, we get an insight into her experience of growing up with a Christian mother and Jewish father.

New Jersey-born author Blume began her writing career in the 1960s and won a dedicated fanbase thanks to the authenticity of her characters and her ability to explore big themes like identity, friendship and faith in an accessible and sensitive way.

From Gen Xers to millennials, Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret was a hit with readers across the generations.

From Gen Xers to millennials, 'Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret' was a hit with young readers across the generations (
Shutterstock)

Talking to Deadline about the popularity of the book, Fremon Craig said: "It's rare for me to run into a woman or girl who hasn't read it and every time I've mentioned it to a woman, they clutch their heart and let out this joyful gasp.

"There's something so timely and full of truth and I remember for me that at that age, it felt like a life raft at a time when you're lost and searching and unsure. This book comes along and tells you you're not alone.

"Women remember where they were when they read it. I can't think of another book you can say that about."

Featured Image Credit: Flickr

Topics: Books, TV and Film