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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
It starts with an unwanted hug, and then a weird obsession over a green sweater Mila is wearing. And then it's comments that make Mila uncomfortable, when she tells her friends about the unwanted attention they just assume that the boys like like her. So Mila tries to brush it off but it keeps happening, weird comments unwanted touches. Mila finds confidence in taking Karate but her friends still don't understand why she's uncomfortable with the boys. That's just what boys do when they like you right?
This entire book made me want to hide under a blanket away from the world. It was such an accurate deception of sexual assault especially at the middle school age. I also really love the way it was resolved in the end, because these kids are in middle school and they can change. This is an important book, and it's something I'd give to any middle grade or older reader. But I think it'd be good for fans of realistic fiction and those who like books about social issues and change.
This entire book made me want to hide under a blanket away from the world. It was such an accurate deception of sexual assault especially at the middle school age. I also really love the way it was resolved in the end, because these kids are in middle school and they can change. This is an important book, and it's something I'd give to any middle grade or older reader. But I think it'd be good for fans of realistic fiction and those who like books about social issues and change.
This is an important read for both middle school boys and girls—an age-appropriate look at harassment and finding the courage to use your voice.
3.5
An average middle-age book, but not something I would recommend to every student because the solution to the bullying and sexual harassment felt weird as an adult reader.
The main conflict in the book is the bullying and sexual harassment Mila experiences, and like many younger teens, she tucks it away and doesn’t know what to do or who to tell. Throw in her female guidance counselor is on maternity leave, her mother is a single mom struggling at her job, and Mila is noticing the changes in how her clothes fit and it’s a realistic rumble of 7th grade. When Mila’s behavior changes because of the actions of her male peers, the adults, not knowing the entire story did not handle it well, but they don’t know the whole story. The reality of the situation is beautifully written, what fell short for me was the ending.
This isn’t a perfect “mirror” to help younger readers through the difficulties of middle school, but it’s a step in the right direction. The author’s writing is approachable and I loved the short chapters, I just wish the outcome was different, it wasn’t necessarily bad but I was left with a “that’s it?” response.
An average middle-age book, but not something I would recommend to every student because the solution to the bullying and sexual harassment felt weird as an adult reader.
The main conflict in the book is the bullying and sexual harassment Mila experiences, and like many younger teens, she tucks it away and doesn’t know what to do or who to tell. Throw in her female guidance counselor is on maternity leave, her mother is a single mom struggling at her job, and Mila is noticing the changes in how her clothes fit and it’s a realistic rumble of 7th grade. When Mila’s behavior changes because of the actions of her male peers, the adults, not knowing the entire story did not handle it well, but they don’t know the whole story. The reality of the situation is beautifully written, what fell short for me was the ending.
This isn’t a perfect “mirror” to help younger readers through the difficulties of middle school, but it’s a step in the right direction. The author’s writing is approachable and I loved the short chapters, I just wish the outcome was different, it wasn’t necessarily bad but I was left with a “that’s it?” response.
Thanks to Netgalley and Aladdin for the advance readers copy of this book. Al opinions are my own.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this immensely important middle grades book. When a group of boys start harassing Mila at school, she is uncomfortable. They do not seem to be doing anything that seems bad to a casual observer, but weeks of unwanted touching, bumping, and comments lead her to spiral downward mentally and shrink into herself. She does not feel like she can explain the feeling to anyone, even her friends. I think EVERY middle school student should read this book.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this immensely important middle grades book. When a group of boys start harassing Mila at school, she is uncomfortable. They do not seem to be doing anything that seems bad to a casual observer, but weeks of unwanted touching, bumping, and comments lead her to spiral downward mentally and shrink into herself. She does not feel like she can explain the feeling to anyone, even her friends. I think EVERY middle school student should read this book.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Anxiety producing, frustrating, but important. Sexual harassment starts young, and learning to be strong and speak out is essential. Young girls need to know what behaviors are not acceptable. Recommended.
To any parent of a middle schooler this book may be the most important book written for middle school children this year. I absolutely recommend this book 100 times over! It is so timely and I really wish there had been a book like this when I was younger.
Mila is a seventh grade girl just trying to navigate middle school when she starts to get a little too much attention from a group of boys in her class. It starts with hugs and uncomfortable comments...then unwanted touches. As Mila quickly becomes the boys "target" she struggles with who to talk to about it especially when some of her friends suggest that "maybe they just like you".
When Mila finally finds her voice it alters he school community in the best way.
Mila is a seventh grade girl just trying to navigate middle school when she starts to get a little too much attention from a group of boys in her class. It starts with hugs and uncomfortable comments...then unwanted touches. As Mila quickly becomes the boys "target" she struggles with who to talk to about it especially when some of her friends suggest that "maybe they just like you".
When Mila finally finds her voice it alters he school community in the best way.
Should be required reading for all seventh graders and parents of seventh graders. What a great book for middle schoolers to discuss consent and boundaries.
This is a really great book and a must-read for middle-grade readers of all genders. Not only that, it is an important read for all parents, teachers, educators & more. Barbara Dee's novel will stand the test of time as a layered & valuable story about the importance of trusting one's instincts, speaking up & being brave enough to stand up for yourself.
Three years ago I needed to explain what "grab them by the pussy" meant to my 8-year-old daughter. That lewd & disgusting comment really opened up the door for more discussions regarding consent, respect & what to do in a situation if she doesn't feel comfortable.
This book is important & valuable for many reasons.
1. Mila, the main character, experiences taunting, teasing, unprovoked touching & frankly harassment in a way that is likely all too familiar for the vast majority of women. Getting an inside look into Mila's feelings is incredibly memorable as it can help kids see what these actions can do to a person.
2. Mila's friends are just as unsure as she is. Are these unsolicited hugs wrong? Is Mila getting attention for a reason & the other girls are not? Is Mila welcoming this attention? Should she let it go? Should she speak up? Will an adult listen? Will it make it worse? Will it stop?
3. Adults make mistakes! In this book, a few of the adults do not respond in a way that helps Mila. Although they may try, their efforts often fall flat. Adults reading this book have a lot to learn from this narrative too. What can we do to help our younger generation respect & listen to one another in a way that fosters growth, consent, mutual respect?
4. The ending of this book is so full circle & impactful that I was beaming & felt victorious finishing it. Mila displays such resilience, strength, vulnerability & bravery that it makes me so happy.
Three years ago I needed to explain what "grab them by the pussy" meant to my 8-year-old daughter. That lewd & disgusting comment really opened up the door for more discussions regarding consent, respect & what to do in a situation if she doesn't feel comfortable.
This book is important & valuable for many reasons.
1. Mila, the main character, experiences taunting, teasing, unprovoked touching & frankly harassment in a way that is likely all too familiar for the vast majority of women. Getting an inside look into Mila's feelings is incredibly memorable as it can help kids see what these actions can do to a person.
2. Mila's friends are just as unsure as she is. Are these unsolicited hugs wrong? Is Mila getting attention for a reason & the other girls are not? Is Mila welcoming this attention? Should she let it go? Should she speak up? Will an adult listen? Will it make it worse? Will it stop?
3. Adults make mistakes! In this book, a few of the adults do not respond in a way that helps Mila. Although they may try, their efforts often fall flat. Adults reading this book have a lot to learn from this narrative too. What can we do to help our younger generation respect & listen to one another in a way that fosters growth, consent, mutual respect?
4. The ending of this book is so full circle & impactful that I was beaming & felt victorious finishing it. Mila displays such resilience, strength, vulnerability & bravery that it makes me so happy.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes