Iconic author Judy Blume has made a rare on-screen appearance in the movie adaptation of her novel, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” Blume made her mark on the book world thanks to her storytelling ability and her willingness to cover topics considered taboo in young adult literature at the time. A standout moment in the movie is a scene in which the 12-year-old girls gather to chant the infamous line “We must, we must, we must increase our bust.”
In an interview with “Entertainment Tonight,” Blume discusses how the crew asked her to demonstrate the “increase our bust” chant herself. Blume was surprised, but the team thought having her participate would amp up the energy on set. Blume was dialed in and ready to perform, even offering up the original greeting that she and her friends used in the seventh grade.
Blume expresses her cautious optimism for the film, which she says is true to the source material but updated for modern times. She hopes it will resonate with young people, especially those that feel lost or unsure of themselves. It’s evident that Blume’s ability to normalize taboo topics, like menstruation and body image, is still as relevant today as it was when her book was first published.
Judy Blume continues to be a cultural icon that pushes boundaries in storytelling, and her presence in the movie adaptation of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is a reminder of her impact on young adult literature. The scene in which Blume demonstrates the iconic “increase our bust” chant is sure to be a nostalgic touchstone for fans of the book, while the new movie provides an opportunity to introduce Blume’s work to a new generation of readers.
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