Listen to the Girls

By: Chrystal D. Giles

Narrated by: Tyla Collier

When Calla finds out her favorite teacher has been accused of inappropriate conduct, she decides to take action in this powerful story about growing up and speaking up, about listening to others and learning to listen to yourself. Because the more Calla listens . . . the more she realizes that maybe she has something to say too.

"Important and empowering—this story is a testament to the power of girls supporting one another."—Kate Messner, New York Times bestselling author

What if the truth really is as powerful as it feels?

Calla has always had smart-girl energy. She’s Josiah the track star’s practical younger sister. Charlee and Jacoby’s problem-solving best friend. Attorney Dionne Howard’s model daughter. So it’s nice when someone seems to see her for her, outside of all that. But what if that person is a grown-up who maybe isn’t as trustworthy as Calla thought? Calla’s mom likes to say “Always do what you know is right.” But what if you don’t know what the right thing is?

These are the questions Calla faces on the last day of seventh grade, when she finds out that her favorite teacher has been accused of inappropriate conduct at his old school. Calla doesn’t know what really happened. She does know that people are saying mean things about the girls who have spoken out—and that can’t be right . . . can it? Inspired by her favorite newsblogger, EboniNews (whose motto is Amplify. Connect. Truth. ACT.), Calla has an idea. Can she find a way to ACT?

Critic reviews

★ "Giles expertly weaves friendship and family storylines into a novel that is ultimately about sexual harassment and grooming behaviors....a perfect pairing with Barbara Dee’s Maybe He Just Likes You." —School Library Journal, starred review

★ "Giles approaches a difficult subject with care, utilizing clear, compassionate language....The result is a thoughtful, timely exploration of courage and the power of collective voices." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This well-balanced coming-of-age story explores a highly charged subject with insight and sensitivity....A compelling story with a smart and courageous protagonist." —Kirkus Reviews

"An important book that reads like a breeze, Giles' latest delivers strong Black characters that feel dynamic on the page and in the readers’ hearts. Pair this with Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's Fighting Words and Claire Swinarski's What Happened to Rachel Riley?." —Booklist