MAYBE HE JUST LIKES YOU by Barbara Dee

There has been a lot of buzz about this book. I've seen it advertised as a #MeToo book for the middle grades. It truly lived up to all the positive comments for this reader. MAYBE HE JUST LIKES YOU by Barbara Dee needs to be in every middle and high school library. It needs to be read by students and adults. It needs to be discussed by everyone. It totally answers the question printed on the cover - "How do you know when someone crosses the line?"

Looking forward to seventh grade, Mila is excited about her friend Omi's birthday. She and her other friends have planned a surprise during lunch. Mila knows Omi will love it. 

All goes well until several of the seventh grade basketball players try to join the celebration. They insist on hugging the birthday girl, but their hugs actually seem focused on Mila instead. Feeling incredibly uncomfortable as they squeeze her and rub her fuzzy, green sweater, Mila escapes their embraces as soon as possible.

For some reason the boys continue the physical contact during other chance meetings with Mila. In the hallway, on the bus, and even in her favorite spot, the band room. When Mila mentions the odd behavior, her friend Zara brushes it off as flirting and asks Mila what she is doing to attract the attention.

Mila would love to bring up the uncomfortable situation when she talks to her mother, but when her mother breaks the news that she has lost her job, Mila doesn't want to cause more stress. Overhearing an angry phone call between her divorced parents convinces Mila that she needs to keep things to herself.

Author Barbara Dee tells the story of all too familiar behavior identified as sexual harassment. Many readers will be shocked to learn that this harassment takes place in the world of our children. The topic seems an accepted part of our daily lives as the media covers its presence in even the highest office in the land. The time has come to eliminate this harassment, and Barbara Dee's newest book is the perfect vehicle to introduce the subject and encourage discussion.