Judy Blume offers parenting tip to Jenna Bush Hager
Jenna Bush Hager recently received a copy of Judy Blume’s novel “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” noting that the protagonist’s name matches her 13‑year‑old daughter, Mila. During an appearance on the Las Culturistas podcast, Hager revealed her initial plan to give the book directly to Mila, but Blume advised against it, suggesting the daughter find it independently.
Blume, 88, praised Hager’s understanding of the importance of independent reading choices for children. Hager has been working on a film adaptation of Blume’s “Summer Sisters,” a novel set on Martha’s Vineyard that was published 25 years ago. The project was announced when Hager selected the book as a Read With Jenna pick in 2023.
Hager stated that Blume was pleased with her familiarity with the novel and her intent to bring it to a wider audience. The author expressed excitement about Hager’s dedication to the story.
In a 2024 interview with People, Hager recounted a Zoom call with Blume during which her daughter, Mila, spontaneously identified the author as the writer of her first chapter book. The conversation highlighted the close personal connection between the family and Blume’s work.