A review by almostokay
Girlcott by Florenz Webbe Maxwell

4.0

Set in 1959 Bermuda, Girlcott is a coming of age story about a 15-(soon-to-be 16) year old whose life is going pretty well. She's about to receive a scholarship with the hopes of going to college to become an actuary and she's planning the best 16th birthday celebration-- except there's going to be a boycott by a secret group for anti-segregation of cinemas, where she plans to take her whole class as part of her plans. The book itself follows Desma including her family, her best friend, Eilleen, her classmates and community. I think Girlcott is a digestible story for teens about segregation, and how common and "accepted" it was to not challenge the oppression for the sake of peace. It does also tackle peaceful resistance and how effective it can be. The book is the perfect type of book that doesn't isn't too heavy to read but still done well to bring across the importance of the issues presented.

It was enlightening to read about the history of segregation in Bermuda especially since it is based on the real Theatre Boycotts.Girlcott highlights women, women in STEM, people of colour who deserve a higher education and the very real effects of segregation.

Desma's family is a great family. Her dad's optimism, hard work, and passion are inspiring; her mom's words of wisdom always had me thinking and Eileen is the amazingly smart, loyal and supportive. The myriad of character personalities really helped to show the various reactions to segregation and to the opportunity to end it.

This would be a great book to put in the hands of young teens. A great book, a great message and a pleasure to read.