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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really appreciate how this book let me see things in the perspective of a kindle school child. It was very reflexive and very informative. I’ll definitely use this as a tool to educate and help my middle schooler.
I did some research and it looks like Dee tackles difficult topics in each one of her novels. It is quite impressive. In Maybe He Just Likes You, Dee tackles the ideas of sexual harassment/assault and consent.
“I just meant this stuff with me is different. And I definitely wouldn't call it regular bullying."
"So what would you call it, then?"
I opened my mouth to answer.
But I didn't have any words.
Because all the words I could think of—bullying, teasing, flirting—seemed too simple, too small, to hold all the hurt I was feeling."
Often times our young girls do not know the term for what is happening to them. They are often told "maybe he just likes you" or that they are "making a big deal out of nothing"(gas-lighting). Instead we should be teaching them that no one has a right to touch their body without consent and that any comments about their bodies that make them uncomfortable is "sexual harassment". Another common response is that they need to look at their own behavior or how they are dressed to determine why this is happening to them. This is classic victim-shaming and should never happen. I actually recommend this book during the consent lesson in health for students who are interested in the topic. I just want to personally thank Dee for showing the complexity of this issue.
“I just meant this stuff with me is different. And I definitely wouldn't call it regular bullying."
"So what would you call it, then?"
I opened my mouth to answer.
But I didn't have any words.
Because all the words I could think of—bullying, teasing, flirting—seemed too simple, too small, to hold all the hurt I was feeling."
Often times our young girls do not know the term for what is happening to them. They are often told "maybe he just likes you" or that they are "making a big deal out of nothing"(gas-lighting). Instead we should be teaching them that no one has a right to touch their body without consent and that any comments about their bodies that make them uncomfortable is "sexual harassment". Another common response is that they need to look at their own behavior or how they are dressed to determine why this is happening to them. This is classic victim-shaming and should never happen. I actually recommend this book during the consent lesson in health for students who are interested in the topic. I just want to personally thank Dee for showing the complexity of this issue.
This is the first book I have read for the tween/teen group that focuses on sexual harassment, but maybe I have been living under a rock. I notice that other readers have mentioned the same thing, and while this topic should not be unique, it evidently is in the world of realistic fiction. There are other themes (her mother loses her job, music education, etc.), but the bullying and harassment that the main character, Mila, endures is clearly the spotlight topic.
This is a hot button issue for me. In high school, I endured years of very similar torture. Eventually, the main aggressors began leaving me graphic notes and drawings, and it was only then that I felt I could go and make a report to a teacher. Kids are taught in school to handle what they can on their own, and I did not want to seem like a baby or like I was overreacting. It also would have been largely my word against the perpetrators, and they far outnumbered me and my friends who stood by me (which is exactly what happens to Mila). In the story, some of Mila's friends are not sure how to act around her once the harassment begins. They have different ideas of what the specific actions mean or what the intent of the perpetrators. The author does a wonderful job of really sifting these things out, of highlighting behaviors and how they affect different people in the story.
In all honesty, I learned a few things about my own experience by reading this book. The abuse I suffered affects me to this day, but I could not quite ever put my finger on why, exactly. Mila's vocabulary and insight into her situation, particularly at the end, feels way beyond her years, but I don't mind it so much if it gives other kids the voice to help themselves.
It has been more than 20 years since I was first harassed, and it was at the hands of boys who probably did not know REALLY what they were doing, and girls, who were angry because they thought I was bringing too much attention to myself and essentially asking for it. When I first told a counselor what was going on, the action was swift: I got to choose a friend to come with me to various sessions where I spoke to the principal and other school administrators about what had happened (on school property and off), how it would be addressed and discussed initially with the perpetrators, and eventually how it would become part of the first required sexual harassment training for both teachers and students in the district. I had an amazing teacher who allowed me to do this work during her class, and then she would meet me at night at McDonald's to teach me what I missed in class. I try to focus on those good things, those good people who tried to help me through it all and provided support.
I am betting that this book will be a source of support for many other students today.
This is a hot button issue for me. In high school, I endured years of very similar torture. Eventually, the main aggressors began leaving me graphic notes and drawings, and it was only then that I felt I could go and make a report to a teacher. Kids are taught in school to handle what they can on their own, and I did not want to seem like a baby or like I was overreacting. It also would have been largely my word against the perpetrators, and they far outnumbered me and my friends who stood by me (which is exactly what happens to Mila). In the story, some of Mila's friends are not sure how to act around her once the harassment begins. They have different ideas of what the specific actions mean or what the intent of the perpetrators. The author does a wonderful job of really sifting these things out, of highlighting behaviors and how they affect different people in the story.
In all honesty, I learned a few things about my own experience by reading this book. The abuse I suffered affects me to this day, but I could not quite ever put my finger on why, exactly. Mila's vocabulary and insight into her situation, particularly at the end, feels way beyond her years, but I don't mind it so much if it gives other kids the voice to help themselves.
It has been more than 20 years since I was first harassed, and it was at the hands of boys who probably did not know REALLY what they were doing, and girls, who were angry because they thought I was bringing too much attention to myself and essentially asking for it. When I first told a counselor what was going on, the action was swift: I got to choose a friend to come with me to various sessions where I spoke to the principal and other school administrators about what had happened (on school property and off), how it would be addressed and discussed initially with the perpetrators, and eventually how it would become part of the first required sexual harassment training for both teachers and students in the district. I had an amazing teacher who allowed me to do this work during her class, and then she would meet me at night at McDonald's to teach me what I missed in class. I try to focus on those good things, those good people who tried to help me through it all and provided support.
I am betting that this book will be a source of support for many other students today.
I picked up this book since it is a PA Young Reader's Choice Award nominee for 2022-2023. How many ladies have been told, "oh he's picking on you because he likes you?" And while that can be true, there's a line... this book helps young girls navigate that line and provides validation for all those confusing middle school feelings. I think a lot of my students will be able to relate to Mila as she struggles with friendships, home life, and becoming herself.
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
This book took me a while to read, not because it is poorly written. In fact, much the opposite. The storyline was so accurate and real and raw -- and at times it was overwhelming. What Mila experienced, how she was treated, is a reality for many females. When I felt like I could not handle that emotional burden, even understanding it was a fictional account, I walked away to read another book. I'm glad I finished it. I'm glad I read it. And I'm very glad Barbara Dee tackles topics like this.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated