Contemporary Realism

 

Blume, Judy. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.: Special Edition. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2020.

In this special edition of the Judy Blume classic, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Margaret learns to navigate adolescence, moving, family relationships, fitting in, and friendship. This story takes place as Margaret and her parents move from New York City to Farbrook, a suburb in New Jersey. Our reliable narrator accurately describes what it was like to live in both the city and suburbs at that time, from the perspective of a child. The setting is a major factor in the book, as she must learn not only to navigate life in the suburbs, but she also blames the setting for why she’s farther from family members and needs to try and make new friends at a new school. While this story takes place in Farbrook, a reader can easily apply this story to their own hometown. Children, regardless of location, have had to navigate large changes around this age, and this story can help them work through these fears and uncertainties.

 

There are several themes in this story, many of which are easily picked up on from the natural way Blume has written our protagonist. Despite the book being over 50 years old, the story remains engaging and relevant to young readers. Margaret is curious, creative, funny, and loves her family. Most young readers, ages 10 and up, will be able to identify with Margaret or have a friend that is like her. While Margaret is a strong character with many wonderful qualities, she also deals with self-doubt and lets readers in to her weaknesses.

 

Literary devices in Blume’s writing include a realistic conversational style from a first person narrative, lighthearted tone to handle difficult moments, and several prayers built in to the narrative. While there is dialogue, it is heavily narrated. The reader feels as if they are getting a peek into Margaret’s mind. This is fitting and appropriate for the story being told. There is also heavy symbolism for growing up throughout the book including bras and pads. Judy Blume does an excellent job of creating the mood through visual storytelling. The chapters are on the shorter side, which is appropriate for the target audience.

 

In this coming-of-age story, there is much discussion around gender. While some may see this as stereotyping, many readers and reviewers are of the opinion that these topics are addressed with realism. Some of the stereotyping includes the girls in Margaret’s class participating in more typically feminine activities and conversations. Barbara, Margaret’s mother, also works through some gendered stereotypes as a full-time mom and a member of the PTA. Given the time and setting, a more culturally diverse group of characters would have been appropriate. The lack of diversity does seem to hint at Anglo superiority, whether intentional or unintentional.

 

Judy Blume is able to wrap this story up in a way that feels both predictable but realistic. Margaret gets her period, reconciles her relationship with God, and finds genuine friendship in the suburbs. Readers will be able to take away a lesson or feel like they are not alone in their anxieties about growing up after spending time with Margaret. 

Tafolla, Carmen. Warrior Girl. Nancy Paulsen Books, an Imprint of Penguin Random House, 2023.

In Warrior Girl, our protagonist, Celina, navigates the school year in a new environment. Not only does she have to worry about typical pre-teen stressors, but she also works through her feelings towards the Mexican American experience. Celina is relatable to many children, ages 12 and up, especially those that might be part of a family of immigrants. If a reader has ever been bullied or treated as “less than” due to a part of their identity, they will be able to relate to Celina and be inspired by her joy. While we do get a glimpse into some of her weaknesses, this is a story about strength and joy, so the focus is largely on her strengths.

 

The story is engaging and original. Carmen Tafolla has beautifully merged several American experiences into one child’s story - deportation, the Covid-19 pandemic, and police brutality being the most clearly stated. The story is logical, and while there are unexpected turns, such as Celina’s father being deported, the reader is able to follow along with the cause and effect.

 

Celina’s story takes place in Texas. Even if a reader has not been to Texas, they will be able to visualize the setting thanks to Tafolla’s vivid and descriptive writing. The setting acts as a character in this book, creating an environment where Celina does not feel safe to fully express herself. Given the location, the Guerrera family are affected by the influence of the community. While this is often negative through acts of racism, they also experience some of the beauty of their community working together to care for one another. While readers of other countries may enjoy and relate to parts of Celina’s story, the setting certainly makes it less universal. Children outside of the US may struggle to grasp what the American experience is like, especially for Mexican Americans.

 

Resilience, joy, and creativity are naturally emerging themes throughout. Joy is resistance, and rest is resistance. Celina shares the impactful takeaways of her journey, inspiring readers to share their own joy and creativity with their community. She also creates meaningful friendships and teaches readers the importance of supporting our friends.

 

Tafolla chose to tell this story through poetry. The lyrical book written in verse uses strong imagery in a narrative style. There is very little dialogue, as this is primarily written in verse from Celina’s point of view. This writing choice helps the themes stick with the reader after the final page, making it an appropriate choice. While the tone of the book starts out heavy and filled with uncertainty, it builds as you continue to read. When the book ends, a reader is going to feel more empowered and motivated compared to how they felt when first meeting Celina.

 

Celi and her friends tackle many stereotypes as we navigate the school year. They discuss racism, being told not to speak Spanish, being “illegal,” and several lessons in school that diminish the Mexican American experience. There is no stereotyping from Tafolla when creating these characters. The Chicana experience is represented in a way that is respectful and accurate throughout the story, and it is told from multiple perspectives. Not only is Celina empowered to be herself, but Celi and her friends also celebrate being proud of their culture.

Ramée, Lisa Moore. A Good Kind of Trouble. Balzer + Bray an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2021.

Shayla is entering middle school in this coming-of-age story. Her trio of best friends are all starting to have different interests. Not only does Shayla have a newfound interest in joining the track team, she also is starting to notice a pull inside of her to stand up for what’s right. After attending a powerful Black Lives Matter protest, Shay is called to become more involved. Readers that are navigating these challenges will easily identify with Shayla or one of her friends. Readers will relate to Shayla’s strengths as well as her weaknesses as she navigates large life changes and social and political issues. This book is recommended for ages 8 and up.

 

From the first chapter, readers will be engaged with Shayla’s heartwarming and funny way of telling her story. Many authors have written about this phase of life, but Lisa Moore Ramee has find an original way of engaging with young readers. All the way through the last page, readers will not know what Shayla will work through, experience, or decide next.

 

The setting is believable. Shay lives in an American town that many readers will be able to envision themselves in. The setting influences the actions of the characters. It appears to be a more left leaning and politically active neighborhood, which allows Shayla to be more informed and involved in political action from a young age. While the story centers around the Black Lives Matter movement, the story transcends to encourage children to cause some good trouble, even if they might face pushback or fears along the way. Everyone has the power to use their voice for good, and Ramee drives this point home clearly through Shay’s story.

 

The natural theme that emerges as you get to know Shayla is to hold true to your convictions, even when they are challenged or might have negative consequences (will Shayla be kicked off the track team?). The other theme that is discussed frequently is race and racial injustice in the US. Other themes that are less prevalent include friendship, identity, change, and authenticity. This humorous and empowering story weaves together these themes in a meaningful way to young readers. This is a worthwhile read that will stay with readers for years to come.

 

Ramee uses a natural conversational language throughout the book that will appeal to younger readers. It is conversational in nature and strikes a good balance between dialogue and narration, nearly a 50/50 split. The dialogue is appropriate and believable for Shay and her friends. Readers will identify with the language and tone used when speaking with their friends, teachers, and family. Included in the first person narrative are excerpts from Shay’s journal, which is a standout literary device which also helps the reader to more deeply identify with the tone of each chapter and the story overall. Ramee also uses figurative language frequently to ease some of the intensity of the subject matter for younger readers. Chapters are on the shorter side and have interesting titles, giving readers a clue as to what they’ll encounter on the coming pages.

 

Ramee does a wonderful job of not including typical gender roles or racial stereotypes. In doing so, more readers are welcomed in and able to see themselves in Shay and her friends. While being Black, Asian, or Puerto Rican is one aspect of the main characters’ identities, they are all multidimensional characters, and their struggles exceed beyond their race. Each character also has strengths, weaknesses, and interests that fall outside of stereotypes, including “positive stereotypes.”

 

Through following Shay and her friends’ journey to junior high, a reader will better understand the struggles of themselves or their friends. They will also be able to learn how to stand up for what they believe in and have the strength to challenge authority when needed.