(2) YA Seventeen-year-old Jo is quick to list qualities she's learned are "the trouble with girls like me." She's "wild," "difficult," "a slut." A social outcast after a classmate leaked nude photos, she's mostly ignored by her parents and failing school. When her ex-best friend, Maddie, one of the popular girls, asks for help, Jo can't imagine why -- but before Maddie can explain, she disappears. Everyone thinks she ran away, but Jo believes it's not that simple. She teams up with Hudson, a friend (or maybe more) who has his own reasons to investigate Maddie's disappearance; together, they uncover a schoolwide scandal with dangerous implications. The mystery has all the elements of a good thriller: characters you can't necessarily trust; nail-biting suspense; and a twisty, surprising conclusion. But there's another layer: what happened to Jo at age fifteen, when she and Maddie stopped being friends. Jo's experience, once revealed, is clearly sexual assault, contextualizing her bitterness, rage, and self-blame. It takes time, and some help, for Jo to recognize it, too, and reclaim her body and her voice. Adamo writes with compassion for "girls like me" (an author's note acknowledges firsthand experience) who deserve to be listened to, believed, and loved -- and nothing less.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(2) YA Lo Simpson, twelve, is no Margaret Simon: she'd just as soon never get her period, and to her a bra is just "a medieval torture device." But her best friend, Jazz, suddenly wants to go bra shopping and sneers at Lo's Doctor Who cosplay. In fairly short order, Jazz is sitting at the "It Girls' table," leaving Lo bereft, pouring out her sadness and confusion in letters to the Doctor that she never sends. As sensitively as Florence depicts the dissolution of Lo and Jazz's friendship, this is more than a middle-school friend-breakup story. Lo quickly (some would say conveniently) discovers a table of fellow nerds who get her Doctor Who references and give her a new community and new confidence. When, after an excruciating sex-ed session capped by a mass condom handout, some boys target the It Girls with condom-balloons, innuendo, and bra-snapping, Lo draws on lessons about consent from her lawyer mother and fights back -- just the first skirmish in her "revolution." The many references to Doctor Who risk confounding readers unfamiliar with the BBC classic, but Lo comes across as a genuine fan, and the Doctor is an important factor in her growth. Lo's metamorphosis from "friendless loser" to a "new, badass version of herself" is swift but rewarding; readers get enough of Lo's interiority to believe her journey. Breezy and bracing.

Reviewer: Vicky Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2024

(2) YA Boys at seventh grader Mani's school have been assaulting girls in the "grope-'n'-go" social media challenge, and school administrators dismiss the boys' behavior. Overwhelmed with emotion in reaction to the situation at school, Mani can barely speak; when she learns that her deceased aunt and her own mother were feminist activists in Guatemala, Mani wants to find the strong "quetzal voice" her abuelita encourages her to have. As events escalate, Mani and her friend group, Las Nerdas, unite for a presentation to shake up the school. While the complexity, pervasiveness, and intensity of these topics could make the story feel overwrought, Lapera's writing shines in the rendering of connection and levity with friends and family. There are laugh-out-loud moments, from the everyday to the bizarre (e.g., stealing a used tampon in a misguided but well-meaning attempt to support a friend). There is inspiration and hope in the steadfastness with which Las Nerdas organize a protest against the harassment and within the stirringly written passages both in old letters from Mani's tia and in the support found with other students at school. Amid the frankness about challenging topics, readers will also encounter warmth and a pervading sense of capability and inner strength in finding their own voices.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2024

(1) K-3 Illustrated by Gretchen Ellen Powers. Stone's dedication -- "For anyone who did something awesome and didn't feel the love" -- sets the reparative tone for this picture-book biography of scientist Franklin (1920–1958), whose Photo 51 cracked the DNA code while competing researchers James Watson and Francis Crick took the credit (and the 1962 Nobel Prize). As she weaves science and history, Stone unravels dual mysteries centering on the double helix: how the "secret of life...makes you -- YOU" and how a "twist of fate" triggered Franklin's posthumous recognition. Powers's watercolors perfectly blend representative and expressive styles. Realistically rendered characters and period details set the story in its mid-twentieth-century milieu, while experimental techniques offer evocative visual commentary; for example, when Franklin argues with Watson and Crick, blue watercolor blotches disrupt the tidy floral border and explode the ground beneath them. Although Stone opens by warning, "This true story doesn't really have a happy ending," Powers's accompanying fairy tale–esque castle, adorned with scientific instruments, foreshadows a time in which readers are empowered to interrogate the historical record and reclaim the stories of little-heralded figures. An author's note explains the Matilda Effect, a historical pattern in which men take credit for women's work.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2024

(2) YA In this sequel to verse novel Rain Rising (rev. 1/23), Rain Washington has begun to heal after a chaotic eighth-grade year in which her anxiety and depression (including body-image concerns) were exacerbated by a racist violent attack against her beloved older brother. Now entering her first year of high school, Rain must learn to contend with a whole new setting; and with family members busy or absent, old feelings of insecurity about her body begin to creep back in. Then Tommy, a charismatic sophomore, takes an interest in her. Bolstered by his compliments and attention, Rain begins to avoid her family and friends--until she discovers that Tommy has ulterior motives. As her emotions begin to spiral down a dark and familiar path, the ongoing support of those around her reminds Rain of the importance of continually acknowledging her own self-worth and needs, even as she also acknowledges the needs of others. Comrie again proves skilled in discussing topics of harassment, mental health, and (via a subplot about a friend's uncle) the deportation system, in verse as lyrically captivating as that of its predecessor. Rain and her friends remain sympathetic characters to connect with and root for.

Reviewer: Eboni Njoku | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2023

(2) YA Sixteen-year-old Ariana, self-diagnosed as selectively mute and autistic, is thrilled when popular Luis turns his attention toward her. But when he sexually assaults her and then brags about it to his friends ("It's not like she can say no"), Ariana is plagued with shame and self-doubt: "How can I blame him when I couldn't even bring myself to tell him to stop?" Enter the Luis Ortega Survival Club (TLOSC), a group of Luis's former friends and ex-flames, some of whom he also assaulted. They welcome Ariana with talk of revenge; soon genuine friendships bloom, and eventually something more between Ariana and bi member Shawni. Ari wants to expose Luis's crimes but doesn't know if she will ever be ready to make her rape public. Reyes (The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School) empathetically explores issues of consent and rape culture through a neurodiverse lens in this story of self-empowerment. Many readers will see themselves reflected in TLOSC's diverse membership and appreciate Ari's gradual understanding and ownership of her sexuality as she grows closer to Shawni and comes to realize that what happened with Luis was not her fault.

Reviewer: Jennifer Hubert Swan | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2023

(2) YA This retelling of Pride and Prejudice replaces the Bennets with a ragtag speech and debate team looking to make it amongst the more elite private academies. Leela Bose, an Indian American high schooler, is poised to reach the top this year with her fellow Longbourn High forensicators ("yes, it's a real word"). But then the team meets Firoze Darcy, a debate competitor for Netherfield Academy (and "Desi hottie"). An obnoxious comment from Firoze makes Leela, who has often faced racism and colorism, feel "ugly" in a way she hasn't felt since she left the nearly-all-white town where she grew up, and when Firoze becomes a regular presence at her high-school tournaments, she goes on the offensive. In her YA debut, DasGupta (author of the Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond middle-grade series) balances everyday teen topics like crushes and arguments with more wide-ranging issues like sexism, sexual harassment, and racism. She evokes the feel of Austen through lots of references to the original and writes with a similar witty tone, while keeping the language contemporary and fresh. With its plucky cast of modern-day teens, this is a great entry point for new Austen fans.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2022

(2) YA When Mimi turns sixteen, her mother, Tiffany, delivers a family inheritance: notebooks filled with poetry penned by their female ancestors and a blank one in which to write her own. Mimi--a guarded loner whose DIY fashions made her internet famous--is skeptical of anything Tiffany has to offer. Their formerly tight relationship is now strained, with contention over Mimi's social media activity and Tiffany's sketchy boyfriend. After Tiffany publicly accuses a respected male celebrity of sexual misconduct, a ­bewildered and angry Mimi turns to her family's written history and uncovers a difficult legacy of women suffering under male expectations, harassment, and even assault. Mimi's raw, unstructured free-verse poems are intimately narrated, drawing readers close to her messy, competing emotions as she processes both Tiffany's revelation and her own unsettling experiences with men, online and in person. Poems from her ancestors' notebooks are told in a too-similar voice but are nonetheless riveting historical snapshots tracing a painful lineage of silence. When mother and daughter eventually stand up for each other, their moving reunification is encouraging. Among a growing selection of novels that approach #MeToo themes from a teen perspective (see also Charles's Muted, rev. 3/21, and Caletti's One Great Lie, rev. 9/21), this one stands out for its complex, thought-provoking depiction of intergenerational trauma.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2022

(2) 4-6 Twelve-year-old loner (and snarky, self-aware narrator) Hazel is accustomed to her role as casual confidante for classmate Tyler. But then popular Ella, Hazel's speech competition rival and Tyler's ex-girlfriend, tells Tyler falsely that she has a crush on Hazel to deflect his attention. Unlike Ella and unbeknownst to her, Hazel is gay, and the resulting mix-up when the supposed crush gets back to Hazel, though awkward and not without conflict, leads eventually to Ella and another friend welcoming Hazel into their group. It also leads to revelations involving Ella and other girls that make it clear why someone might want Tyler to leave her alone; i.e., his abusive social media comments, unwelcome physical contact. The novel is honest about sexual harassment and, as the girls try to counteract it, about victim- blaming--though, without giving too much away, the ending is a heartening one. Tyler's offenses stay within a realm likely comprehensible to most middle schoolers, and that's part of the book's point: harassment at any level should be taken seriously.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2022

(2) YA Seventeen-year-old Jo is devastated when she overhears the boy she recently slept with refer to her as a "practice girl": someone to have sex with for experience, but not to date. She's further humiliated to discover that she is widely known by that label among the guys on the ­wrestling team, of which she's the manager; worse, her best friend, team member Sam, didn't tell her about it. Jo quits, then defiantly rejoins--as a competitor. (Her love for the sport comes from her late father, who was the wrestling coach.) At her first meet, Dax, a rival wrestler with a reputation of his own, asks her out. But are his intentions genuine? They are, it turns out, and Jo and Dax are caring, honest, and mature together. Laure (Remember Me, rev. 3/22) demonstrates a keen understanding of adolescent ­interactions, and not only romantic ones. Jo's reflections on her relationships with family and friends--in particular her complicated feelings for Sam--are nuanced and insightful. The protagonist's growth, both physical and emotional, pays off: in the satisfying ending, she finds victory on the mat and recognizes that she deserves to be loved and appreciated unconditionally. She may well help readers to recognize that they deserve the same.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2022

(3) YA Illustrated by Timothy Corbett. Bondy's comprehensive overview aims to define terms relating to sexual assault and abuse and to counter pervasive misconceptions about these issues. The book offers practical strategies for survivors as well as thoughtful support for becoming an effective ally. Numerous boxed case studies (both real and fictional situations) help humanize the concepts but make sustained reading difficult. Corbett's illustrations feature artists' manikins as human stand-ins, which elides issues of gender identity but leaves the artwork impersonal. A list of related websites and resources is appended.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(3) YA This in-depth and refreshingly inclusive text looks at the history and current state of women in the military. Illuminating first-person accounts and biographical profiles are interspersed with descriptions of the various hurdles and discrimination women soldiers have faced (e.g., not being allowed to serve in combat until 2016). Full-color photos are featured throughout, along with sidebars on related facts. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(2) YA Amelia Westlake is not real; she's "born" when rule-following Harriet and outspoken Wilhelmina (Will) create a cartoon exposing their prestigious school's coach for sexual harassment. As "Amelia" orchestrates creative, funny pranks to uncover injustices, her creators acknowledge their growing mutual attraction. In alternating-narrative chapters, Harriet's voice is amusingly formal; Will's is sharp and sarcastic. By book's end, readers will applaud Amelia along with the students.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2019

(3) YA Special Reports series. This excellent, extensively researched, and well-balanced series unpacks the details behind trending topics and current events. With extensive sidebars and peppered with well-captioned color photographs, each volume endeavors to cover all angles, from historical context and origins to coverage and reaction in social media. The complicated swirl of opinions surrounding the #metoo movement is handled particularly well. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Special Reports titles: Mass Shootings in America, The Charlottesville Protests and The Silence Breakers and the #MeToo Movement

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) YA Keyser provides a broad but thorough introduction to the origins and implications of rape culture in America. She approaches this complex, controversial topic with authority and approachable language, using both academic and popular sources to build a case for dismantling systemic misogyny and violence. A first-rate resource for young researchers, activists, and news consumers alike. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(3) YA Grace, Erin, and Rosina are very different but united by their shared disgust at what happened to classmate Lucy Moynihan after she accused some popular boys of rape. In response, the odd trio starts the Nowhere Girls, a shadowy group committed to resisting sexism and sexual assault. Reed's novel is marked by diverse representation, strong prose, and an unflinching portrayal of rape culture.

Reviewer: Rebecca Hachmyer

(3) YA Maisie's three best friends happen to be boys. Her relationship with one of them begins to change direction, and heightened tensions culminate in an unsavory incident on the school bus. Maisie's struggle to untangle the truth leads her down a labyrinthine path. Prose presents an almost uncomfortably close examination of what happens when two sides of a seamy story collide.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby