56 pages • 1 hour read
Barbara DeeA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee follows 12-year-old Mila, who endures escalating unwanted attention from a basketball team, while her friends fail to support her; through karate and a supportive teacher, Mila eventually confronts the boys and the school addresses boundaries and consent. The book depicts sexual harassment and bullying.
Barbara Dee's Maybe He Just Likes You tackles the serious issue of harassment in middle school with sensitivity and realism. Critics praise the book for its authentic depiction of a young girl's struggle and its valuable educational message. However, some suggest the narrative occasionally borders on being overly didactic. Overall, it is a compelling and important read for young audiences.
Teen readers who appreciated the social realism and school dynamics in Blubber by Judy Blume or the coming-of-age challenges in Wonder by R.J. Palacio will find Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee compelling. Ideal for those exploring themes of consent, bullying, and self-empowerment in middle school settings.
Recommended
Lexile Level
630LRealistic Fiction
Children's Literature
Education
Gender / Feminism
Bullying
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Emotions/Behavior: Courage
Relationships: Friendship
Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal