What Kind of Girl
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3.8 • 4 Ratings
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
"Both timely and timeless, a powerful exploration of abuse in its many forms, as well as the strength it takes to rise up and speak your truth."—AMBER SMITH, New York Times bestselling author of The Way I Used to Be
From New York Times bestselling author Alyssa Sheinmel comes an unflinching exploration of the labels society puts on girls and women—and the strength it takes to rise above it all to claim your worth and declare your truth.
The girls at North Bay Academy are taking sides.
It all started when Mike Parker's girlfriend showed up with a bruise on her face. Or, more specifically, when she walked into the principal's office and said Mike hit her. But her classmates have questions. Why did she go to the principal and not the police? Why did she stay with Mike if he was hurting her? Obviously, if it's true, Mike should face the consequences. But is it true?
Some girls want to rally for Mike's expulsion—and some want to rally around Mike. As rumors about what really happened spread, the students at North Bay Academy will question what it means to be guilty or innocent, right or wrong.
This book is a great choice to start conversations about:
• dating violence
• contemporary social problems
• young adult mental health
Praise for What Kind of Girl:
"A poignant, thought-provoking novel that will resonate deeply."—Kirkus
"A rallying cry."—Booklist
"I immediately saw myself in this book, which so thoroughly explains the thought process when coming to terms with victimhood and survivorship. I felt understood."—Chessy Prout, author of I Have the Right To
"Important, raw, timely, and ultimately hopeful…demands readers discuss the trauma of teen dating violence and how girls are so often taught—even expected—to internalize their victimization."—Shannon M. Parker, author of The Girl Who Fell and The Rattled Bones
Also by Alyssa Sheinmel:
A Danger to Herself and Others
The Castle School (for Troubled Girls)
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
To others at North Bay Academy, California native Maya seems to have everything a girl could want: good grades, popularity, and a handsome track-star boyfriend. That's until spring of junior year, when Maya arrives at school with a bruised eye, and reports to the principal that her boyfriend, Mike, has been hitting her. Subsequent rumors result in split opinions about Maya: some believe that Mike should be expelled, while others think he might not have been her abuser ("What kind of girl stays after her boyfriend hits her?"). While Maya tries to sort out her conflicting emotions about why she remained with him, her best friend, Juniper, is cutting herself to quell her escalating anxiety and OCD. Alternating first-person voices ("the bulimic," "the cool girl," "the girlfriend," "the popular girl") express hidden fears about self-image, particularly narratives by Maya and Juniper. In a novel that frankly addresses timely teen issues, Sheinmel (A Danger to Herself and Others) explores female challenges with image and self-identity, as well as the psyche's responses and defenses when things go horribly awry. Aimed at a mature audience, this hard-hitting novel about social norms and mental health expresses the importance of honesty and self-advocacy. Ages 14 up.)
Customer Reviews
It was okay
This book was ok. It was really nothing special. It was filled with cliches that were annoying. The cover gave me high hopes that the book just doesn’t make. The way the book is set up in a very confusing way that had me lost for the first part of the book. Overall I if your looking for an entertaining read this is it but if your looking for greatness look elsewhere.