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A review by cellardoor10
Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnson
5.0
Debated between 4 and 5 stars, but ultimately, having a character deal productively with an unhealthy friend dynamic and realize her own role in where she has ended up, is such an important concept for middle schoolers. I went through a bad friend breakup in 7th grade where I felt like the "cooler" one left me behind, and to have this story center a 12 year old black queer nerd is so important. I really enjoyed Johnson's You Should See Me In a Crown as well.
Spoilers:
I also appreciated that while there are absolutely some unacknowledged obsessive Sapphic undertones to the friendship in question (which I think is really common for us baby queers) a. That's never a huge part of the split, just a factor in their dynamic generally, b. No one has to replace that and be a new object of obsession, and c. Homophobia (internal and external) appears in a couple spots, but it's not some huge tragic/traumatic driving factor. New friends form healthier, platonic relationships, rather than the main character just having a revolving door of obsessions.
Also standing up for yourself while still acknowledging forgiveness and genuine olive branches - I deeply appreciated the author's approach to a reconciliation. The main character setting a boundary while acknowledging that everyone grows and makes mistakes, is so beautiful and balanced.
Spoilers:
I also appreciated that while there are absolutely some unacknowledged obsessive Sapphic undertones to the friendship in question (which I think is really common for us baby queers) a. That's never a huge part of the split, just a factor in their dynamic generally, b. No one has to replace that and be a new object of obsession, and c. Homophobia (internal and external) appears in a couple spots, but it's not some huge tragic/traumatic driving factor. New friends form healthier, platonic relationships, rather than the main character just having a revolving door of obsessions.
Also standing up for yourself while still acknowledging forgiveness and genuine olive branches - I deeply appreciated the author's approach to a reconciliation. The main character setting a boundary while acknowledging that everyone grows and makes mistakes, is so beautiful and balanced.