56 pages 1 hour read

Barbara Dee

Maybe He Just Likes You

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

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.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Maybe He Just Likes You?

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

Reading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

630L

Book Details

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Children's Literature

Education

Topics

Gender / Feminism

Bullying

Trauma / Abuse / Violence

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Courage

Relationships: Friendship

Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal