Judy Blume told Jenna Bush Hager not to gift daughter, Mila, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret”
Judy Blume recently offered Jenna Bush Hager some thoughtful advice about introducing books to children. During an appearance on the Las Culturistas podcast, Bush Hager discussed her love of reading and how it connects with her parenting.
She recalled that Blume had given her a copy of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret for her daughter Mila, but cautioned her not to hand it over directly.
According to Blume, children prefer to discover books on their own rather than receive them as recommendations from their parents.
Bush Hager explained that Blume suggested hiding the book so Mila could stumble upon it herself, making the experience more empowering.
She agreed with the author’s perspective, noting that kids gain confidence when they find stories independently, much like co-host Bowen Yang described sneaking books from his sister’s room as a child.
Bush Hager emphasized that self-discovery in reading helps children feel ownership of their choices and fosters a deeper connection to literature.
The Today co-host also reflected on her daughter’s reading journey, sharing that Mila eventually read Blume’s novel and even told the author about it during a Zoom call.
Bush Hager, who is adapting Blume’s Summer Sisters, proudly recounted Mila’s excitement at meeting the writer who had penned her first chapter book.
Alongside Blume’s works, Mila enjoys novels by Jenny Han, as well as Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, which Bush Hager says nurture empathy and emotional engagement qualities she values in her own reading life
