Jerry Spinelli

Rebecca Vogelezang Goodreads.com Review:
For starters, this is one of Spinelli's books that's maybe meant for a little bit more mature of an audience - we've got gross tongue kissing and ear licking (ew!) and a few other details that definitely pushes this into a Middle Grades book.

That being said, there are lots of things that make this a great read for middle schoolers. First, it's pretty clear straight from the start this is a book about challenging gender norms. At the same time, there are some dynamics in here that didn't follow the usual trope. Maisie's best friend is disgusted when Maisie tries out for the wrestling team. The entire book I waited for Maisie and Holly to make up, but they never did! Paint me surprised - best friends in middle grades books nearly ALWAYS get "back together" after the best friend realizes how brave the other was being by going against gender norms. We don't get that here and I LIKE IT. It feels much more realistic. I also like Maisie as a narrator. She's funny and a tad dramatic but not in an over the top way.

Some things I didn't like and that need to be called out. There's some non-sexual fetishization of darker skin in here. Maisie's friend Tina visits her home and Maisie's little sister is shocked by Tina's skin color. She immediately touches her face and asks if she too can grow up to be brown. Whether you read this with your class or if your child reads this independently, a conversation needs to be had around this scene and the inappropriateness of TK's actions. Black and brown folks aren't part of the world for white folks to touch and gawk over.

Overall, this book had me laughing quite a few times and I think it's worth the read!… (more)