It’s the ultimate coming of age story that has been read by generations of young women.
“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” launched author and Elizabeth, New Jersey native Judy Blume into young adult literature fame. She said as a child, she spent large portions of her day at home in the Garden State, reading books and making up her own stories in her head.
“I don’t even know how to describe it. I’m a writer but I don’t have the words, I don’t have the words for how emotional it is,” Blume said at the red carpet premiere of the film.
The acclaimed novel- written in 1970- is now getting its first big screen adaptation starring newcomer Abby Ryder Fortson as the lead role, and Rachel McAdams as Margaret’s mom Barbara. The famed book, which has resonated with readers for decades, is known for its relatable portrayal of a young girl who is facing early-adolescent issues after moving to a new town in New Jersey.
“I don’t think anybody writes a book thinking, ‘Oh well, I’m writing a book that people will be reading 50 years from now.’ That’s not how it works. We don’t think about that,” Blume said.
In the past, Blume passed on several pitches to make the book into a film, something McAdams says she’s thankful for.
“I love that she took her time with it and it coincided with me being just the right age to play Margaret’s mother. To be a part of something so iconic is just incredible,” she said.
Although Fortson says, there was some added pressure living up to expectations.
“I think it’s very true to the original story. I think Judy is very very happy with it. And we were all so happy that’s she’s happy with it because I think on set we were just all anxiously waiting for her approval. Are we doing right by her? So she’s signed her stamp of approval and we’re so happy that she has,” said Fortson.
“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” is in select theaters now.
