Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee (Middle Grade Book Review)

I received a free physical copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Maybe He Just Likes You

by Barbara Dee

Published by Aladdin

on October 1, 2019

Genre: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

Length: 304 pages

Ages: 9 - 13 years

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Synopsis:
Barbara Dee explores the subject of #MeToo for the middle-grade audience in this heart-wrenching--and ultimately uplifting--novel about experiencing harassment and unwanted attention from classmates.

My Thoughts:

Mila doesn't think much of the strange hug she received unexpectedly while celebrating her friends' birthday--it was harmless after all--but then the same boys start going out of their way to touch her and her fuzzy green sweater. When she finally finds the courage to tell a friend she is told that she should just be happy about the attention she's receiving. Mila can't shake the feeling that the extra attention isn't harmless or friendly at all and she struggles with her feelings and friendships 

This is one of those books that is so impactful that I can only join in with every other reader to say that it is a must-read. Read the reviews and recommendations, folks. This is the book to read right now!

This middle grade read covers harassment, bullying, boundaries, and consent. It gives us a young Seventh-grade student that is outgrowing her old clothes, getting noticed by the boys, and isn't sure how to feel about it. No matter what anyone says, the teasing feels wrong to Mila. She struggles with her feelings, her friendships, and with getting through the school day. 

This may be a tough read for some or at least angering, but I definitely think it is an important read that could help give young readers the tools needed to deal with their own harassers. Likewise, it may give adults, teachers, and other caregivers the ability to see how small acts of teasing or bullying can build into a much bigger issue or a better grasp on how to handle or help similar situations. 

Maybe He Just Likes You is an incredibly important read. I would recommend this book to teachers, counselors, and parents especially but also to every young human being that already has or may encounter harassment in their lives. 

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