Judy Bloom's 1970 novel Are You Their God It's Me Margaret was a staple of countless

childhoods, but until now it's never been adapted into a film.

Like the book, the movie tells the story of a pre-teen girl who moves to New Jersey, makes new friends,

and waits for the arrival of her period.

I'm Linda Holmes.

And I'm Stephen Thompson.

Today we are talking about,

Are you There God?

It's Me Margaret on Pop Culture Happy Hour from NPR. Joining us today is NPR Senior Editor Barry Hardiman Hey Barry.

Hi there.

Also joining us is Film Critic and Senior Film Programmer at the Jacob Burns Film Center, Monica Kestia.

Welcome back, Monica.

So thrilled to be back.

It is great to have you both here.

So for the sake of those who haven't read, are you their God, it's, Margaret, or like me haven't read it in about 40 years,

it's a slice of life coming of age story about a sixth grader who faces some stressful changes

in her life.

In the film, which is set in 1970,

Margaret is played by Abbey Ryder Fortson. We meet Margaret shortly before her

parents, played by Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdy, inform her that the family

is moving from New York City to a New Jersey suburb.

This upsets both Margaret and Margaret's grandmother who is played by Kathy Bates.

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