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A review by lauriehnatiuk
Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee
5.0
There is a reason for the buzz about this book. It is because Barbara Dee has told the #metoo story for middle grade. This book speaks for itself in so many ways that you will need multiple copies because this book will resonate with this age group and constantly be in the hands of young readers and not on a shelf. Whether it is someone experiencing sexual harassment, the abuser(s), a bystander, a teacher or a parent this is a story that is happening and needs to be out in the open and discussed so that it occurs no more.
Mila is a young girl who lives with her mom, younger sister Hadley and dachshund Dehlia. She loves playing the trumpet, being a part of her group of friends, Zara, Omi and Max and middle school until the comments, the bumping and the unwanted hugging begin at school with a group of boys. Mila is confused and unsure of what is going on asking herself questions and self doubting what is happening and how she is feeling. Her female friends say it means nothing and the boys are just having some fun. Some female friends are upset about the attention Mila “claims” to be getting. All the people in power are male - does she really want to talk to them about this - when she has no proof?
Ms. Dee gets this topic right on so many levels. The self doubting - the unintentioned but still callous response by other girls, the boys will be boys mentality, and adults around but not tuned in to the true picture. Short chapters and a page turner, this is a MUST read for middle years, to finally give a voice to sadly what is common and to open discussions about consent in hopes that no one has Mila’s experience.
Mila is a young girl who lives with her mom, younger sister Hadley and dachshund Dehlia. She loves playing the trumpet, being a part of her group of friends, Zara, Omi and Max and middle school until the comments, the bumping and the unwanted hugging begin at school with a group of boys. Mila is confused and unsure of what is going on asking herself questions and self doubting what is happening and how she is feeling. Her female friends say it means nothing and the boys are just having some fun. Some female friends are upset about the attention Mila “claims” to be getting. All the people in power are male - does she really want to talk to them about this - when she has no proof?
Ms. Dee gets this topic right on so many levels. The self doubting - the unintentioned but still callous response by other girls, the boys will be boys mentality, and adults around but not tuned in to the true picture. Short chapters and a page turner, this is a MUST read for middle years, to finally give a voice to sadly what is common and to open discussions about consent in hopes that no one has Mila’s experience.