A review by gem114
Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach

emotional hopeful informative reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I can't wait to add this book to my classroom shelves!  NOT HERE TO BE LIKED is a perfect book for a buddy read or a YA book club because it will lead to amazing discussions.

From the publisher:  
"Eliza Quan is the perfect candidate for editor in chief of her school paper. That is, until ex-jock Len DiMartile decides on a whim to run against her. Suddenly her vast qualifications mean squat because inexperienced Len—who is tall, handsome, and male—just seems more like a leader.

When Eliza’s frustration spills out in a viral essay, she finds herself inspiring a feminist movement she never meant to start, caught between those who believe she’s a gender equality champion and others who think she’s simply crying misogyny."

This novel bolsters a fun YA enemies-to-lovers story with serious discussions about sexism, feminism, slut-shaming, social media/internet privacy, freedom of speech, racism, stereotyping, and more.  There is SO MUCH packed into this book, but the author manages it all while also avoiding becoming too preachy.  Some issues are covered more superficially than others (class/wealth, for example), but I don't feel like it took away from the book at all.  

Quach did a great job writing relatable characters across the spectrum of high school cliques.  I love that the students were shown finding common ground through their efforts to make their school a more equitable place.  I hope teens that read this book feel empowered to fight for change in their own communities.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books/Katherine Tegen Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
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