Warning: there is reference to a gay character; however, this plays a very minor role in the whole story. Sexual harassment is discussed in the book so parents should be aware of the subject and be prepared to discuss with their children. The author does a great job giving examples throughout the story without sexual descriptions or graphic content.

Book 6 of 7 read for the Cybils Awards round two judging! Review withheld until after the awards. Stay tuned!

As Mila is just starting to get used to 7th grade, she notices that several of the boys have been finding excuses to touch her in ways that she believes are inappropriate. They have also been making comments that give her a strange feeling in her stomach. Mila is afraid to tell her mom because she is having her own troubles at work. Her friends try to be supportive, but they either blame her for what is happening or believe that she needs to tell someone and get help. However, every time Mila tries to tell one of the staff at her school, she is misunderstood, leading to more problems. Mila has tried walking away or ignoring the boys, but they just won't leave her alone.
Maybe He Just Likes You is a book that should be read by every middle school teacher and student. The emotions that Mila feels are extremely familiar and easily identifiable to anyone who has been through middle school. Bullying and sexual harassment are woven into the plot of the story so that any young person who is experiencing the same thing can learn strategies to make it stop. My only complaint about the book is that the resolution is a little too easily achieved, but overall, a very timely story with an important message delivered in a way that young and old can understand. ( )

Mila is stumped on what to do when a group of basketball boys start to put her in uncomfortable situations. She tries many of the things she has been told to do - ignoring them, speak up, tell an adult. But none of it is effective and she feels kind of embarrassed and uncomfortable telling anyone what is going on. Then she finds out these boys can earn points and are playing a game with this. She resorts to a big public statement to eventually be heard.
I don't know that I've read a middle grade book that covers this ground previously. Mila is a strong, determined character stuck in a situation she doesn't know what to do with. Some friends disappoint her and others emerge. A new activity, karate, and some strong female role models help too.
A quick read. ( )

#me too for the middle school set. This is superbly done and so needed for girls and boys alike at the cusp of teenage years with bodies and social roles changing. Barbara Dee covers it all with empathy, intelligence, and even some humor in a completely age appropriate way. I read her book in preparation for her visit to our school and was gratified on all counts. 7th grader Mila is concerned with the shifting dynamics of her friend group, with her placement in concert band, her studies and her home life. She and a younger sister live with their single Mom who is struggling to make ends meet. That's a lot on any kid's plate, but Mila is handling it pretty well. The tipping point comes from some unwanted attention from boys in her class. Suddenly they are crowding her, requesting hugs (be a good sport, Mila), pushing boundaries, and one even grabs her. They all maintain innocence - "we're just goofing around" and Mila seriously begins to doubt herself and her perceptions. “Sometimes you could look at something right up close and still not know what you were seeing.” P. 107 When she does "fight back" it is ill-timed and over-the-top and makes her seem the aggressor. She even gets in trouble on a couple occasions. One "friend" claims she is asking for the attention, another is very docile and quiet herself, and another has his own issues to face. Teachers seem oblivious and her Mom is too burdened (in Mila's perception) to bother. How this all resolves is genius and could be a model for schools everywhere. Mila finds her strength in martial arts and music and ultimately finds a way to be heard. A teacher finds a way to make Mila and the boys listen to each other and understand the need to respect boundaries and personal space. An excellent way to open the conversation about consent and the sanctity of your own body. ( )