Maybe He Just Likes You

By: Barbara Dee

Narrated by: Emily Rankin

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."

empowering book

The story touches on a topic not often covered at this grade level. I think that anyone can relate to this book.

Could not put it down!

Knew it was good from all the reviews I had already read about it on Twitter. So glad I had the chance to read along with the performers!

The romance

I liked the how the main character was a tween girl and how their was romance

My favorite part was when Mila finally stood up for herself.

I disliked how cruel the basketball boys were to Mila. I liked that Mila got mad at the boys eventually.

Too good!!!

I loved this book!!! It teaches you how to handle boys when they are doing thing you don’t like. And it tests friendship. I think this book should be read by boys and girls. I told my friend that she should read it, she said ‘I love this book’ And I talked about puberty. . .
And how to deal with it. And to never have ANY ONE make you feel uncomfortable about your body.