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jkiebo's review
5.0
Should be required reading for all middle grade students. This book effectively handles topics of consent, unwanted advances, and repeated sexual harassment through the eyes of an incredibly endearing protagonist. You feel every creepy comment and touch, and these triggering emotions are validated in a respectful and empowering way. Cannot recommend enough!
readabookbraun's review
4.0
I just finished reading Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee. Mila is a middle-schooler whose happy place is playing her trumpet. Her life turns upside-down when a group of classmates starts directing their unwanted attention to her, commenting on her body and clothes and touching her without her permission. Mila is distraught and doesn’t know where to turn. When she finally talks to an adult, she is told boys will be boys. She has support from some of her friends but one accuses Mila of flirting with the boys and liking the attention. Add on to that familial and home financial stresses, and it all becomes very overwhelming. Mila finally finds her voice and an ally who helps her take control and resolve the situation. A book about consent and sexual harassment, without sex, it is a welcome addition to my middle-grade collection.
unusuallyy's review
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Sexual assault
fallingletters's review
4.0
Review originally published 5 July 2020 at Falling Letters.
Maybe He Just Likes You pairs perfectly with [b: Dress Coded|43880146|Dress Coded|Carrie Firestone|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1575745437l/43880146._SY75_.jpg|68269694]. Both novels crack open long standing issues on the treatment of girls (predominantly white ones) in middle school. Where I found Dress Coded primarily frustrating (augh, what awful administration!), I found Maybe He Just Likes You heartbreaking (yes, Mila, they are in the wrong!). Molly sees a wrong and works to fix it. Mila spends most of the book wondering if she really has been wronged. As an adult reader who can immediately see the problems with Mila’s treatment – by the adults in her life, by her friends, by her classmates – the story made my heart ache.
Mila’s Experience
Mila has many experiences that made me want to give her a hug and tell “Your’re right, that’s not okay”. Instances of second guessing whether it was intentional or serious enough to be upset about, of wondering why you didn’t react differently, of immediately apologizing, of not feeling like anything you do will make a difference. Of friends questioning why you ‘allow’ it, saying it’s flirting, not saying anything at all.
Maybe He Just Likes You pairs perfectly with [b: Dress Coded|43880146|Dress Coded|Carrie Firestone|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1575745437l/43880146._SY75_.jpg|68269694]. Both novels crack open long standing issues on the treatment of girls (predominantly white ones) in middle school. Where I found Dress Coded primarily frustrating (augh, what awful administration!), I found Maybe He Just Likes You heartbreaking (yes, Mila, they are in the wrong!). Molly sees a wrong and works to fix it. Mila spends most of the book wondering if she really has been wronged. As an adult reader who can immediately see the problems with Mila’s treatment – by the adults in her life, by her friends, by her classmates – the story made my heart ache.
Mila’s Experience
Mila has many experiences that made me want to give her a hug and tell “Your’re right, that’s not okay”. Instances of second guessing whether it was intentional or serious enough to be upset about, of wondering why you didn’t react differently, of immediately apologizing, of not feeling like anything you do will make a difference. Of friends questioning why you ‘allow’ it, saying it’s flirting, not saying anything at all.
brylkayyy's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
msghani's review against another edition
5.0
So good. A super important read and very age-appropriate way of handling the topic.
erwink54's review
5.0
A really important book for middle grade girls especially to read! REALLY important. Very well written, and such an important topic.
areadingrosekc's review
4.0
It’s good to bring this topic up for middle school, but I don’t think the boys got the punishment they deserved.
courtneyps's review
A straightforward and thoughtful portrayal of harassment in middle school, with some sticky situations told with great clarity. I loved seeing Mila get stronger, trying to figure out how to stand her ground and make her voice heard.