Welcome to the Maybe He Just Likes You Blog Tour!
To celebrate the release of Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee on October 1st, blogs across the web are featuring exclusive original content from Barbara, as well as 5 chances to win a copy of Maybe He Just Likes You, a Maybe bookmark and pin!
Two "MAYBE" Moments From my Middle School Years
by Barbara Dee
When I think about being twelve, I have two vivid memories.
The first: Starting in sixth grade, our class "traveled"--that is, we switched classrooms for every period. If you didn't want to be late to the next class, you had to use the building's central stairwell. But as I quickly discovered, a group of boys--ones I didn't know, seventh or eighth graders-- would hang out on the steps of that stairwell, blocking your way, groping you as you went past. To avoid these boys I would race across the hall to use the smaller side stairwells, then race to my class. I was never late for the next period, but I always arrived a little breathless.
The second memory: That same year, a friend and I explored surrounding neighborhoods on our bicycles. One summer day we were riding our bikes near the shore and noticed a man who was naked. Just standing there with his back to us, looking at the ocean. It was weird, but the area was deserted, so we figured this guy was innocently communing with nature. But suddenly he turned around and started chasing us, shouting obscenities. Of course we were terrified; we rode off in a panic, not stopping until we found a cop.
When we told the cop exactly what happened--where the man was, what he did, what he said--the cop grinned at us. "You wish," he said.
The difference between those two memories? In the first, I didn't ask for help; I dealt with the harassment by avoiding, running away, keeping quiet . Not a solution I'm proud of, and one I can't imagine advising anyone to follow.
In the second, I did ask for help--from someone whose job is precisely that, to help. But think about the message that cop gave to two frightened girls: Tell your story, ask for help, and you won't be believed. In fact, you'll be mocked.
That's a memory that stays with you.
I'm hoping that a book like MAYBE HE JUST LIKES YOU shows girls that times have changed, that it's possible now to stand up and speak out--and that when they do, we'll all listen.
*****
Blog Tour Schedule:
September 30th — Randomly Reading
October 1st — Novel Novice
October 2nd — The Librarian Who Doesn't Say Shh
October 3rd — Feed Your Fiction Addiction
October 4th — BookhoundsYA
October 1st — Novel Novice
October 2nd — The Librarian Who Doesn't Say Shh
October 3rd — Feed Your Fiction Addiction
October 4th — BookhoundsYA
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.
For seventh-grader Mila, it starts with some boys giving her an unwanted hug on the school blacktop. A few days later, at recess, one of the boys (and fellow trumpet player) Callum tells Mila it’s his birthday, and asks her for a “birthday hug.” He’s just being friendly, isn’t he? And how can she say no? But Callum’s hug lasts a few seconds too long, and feels…weird. According to her friend, Zara, Mila is being immature and overreacting. Doesn’t she know what flirting looks like?
But the boys don’t leave Mila alone. On the bus. In the halls. During band practice—the one place Mila could always escape.
It doesn’t feel like flirting—so what is it? Thanks to a chance meeting, Mila begins to find solace in a new place: karate class. Slowly, with the help of a fellow classmate, Mila learns how to stand her ground and how to respect others—and herself.
From the author of Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed comes this timely story of a middle school girl standing up and finding her voice.”
About the Author: Barbara Dee is the author of several middle grade novels including Maybe He Just Likes You, Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed. Her books have received several starred reviews and been included on many best-of lists, including the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten, the Chicago Public Library Best of the Best, and the NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People. Star-Crossed was also a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist. Barbara is one of the founders of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. She lives with her family, including a naughty cat named Luna and a sweet rescue hound dog named Ripley, in Westchester County, New York.
GIVEAWAY
- One (1) winner will receive a copy of Maybe He Just Likes You, bookmark, and pin
- US/Canada only
- Ends October 11th at midnight ET
This book is high on my must read list as I know it will open my eyes to the unfortunately realistic premise. Plus, I enjoy this author's work.
ReplyDeleteCannot wait to read this and really can't wait to get into student's hands. Important topic.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very great book.
ReplyDeleteSo excited for this book. Felt like I have been waiting for ever for it to finally come out.
ReplyDeleteThis book is timely and important. Thanks for this wonderful feature and giveaway.
ReplyDeleteSuch important subject matter and it's great to see a middle-grade novel tackle it since it isn't just an issue for older teens and adults.
ReplyDeleteWe definitely need books like this that help girls to know that they should speak out.
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