Book Review
A short overview of this book
Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee is a great book for helping tweens to understand consent and how their actions can impact others. I really enjoyed this book, as it shares an important lesson through story.
Here’s the spiel of what it’s about (it summarises it better than I can).
For seventh-grader Mila, it starts with some boys giving her an unwanted hug on the school blacktop. A few days later, at recess, one of the boys (and fellow trumpet player) Callum tells Mila it’s his birthday, and asks her for a “birthday hug.” He’s just being friendly, isn’t he? And how can she say no? But Callum’s hug lasts a few seconds too long, and feels…weird. According to her friend, Zara, Mila is being immature and overreacting. Doesn’t she know what flirting looks like?
But the boys don’t leave Mila alone. On the bus. In the halls. During band practice–the one place Mila could always escape.
It doesn’t feel like flirting–so what is it? Thanks to a chance meeting, Mila begins to find solace in a new place: karate class. Slowly, with the help of a fellow classmate, Mila learns how to stand her ground and how to respect others–and herself.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 9 to 13 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak, and welcome to Sex Ed Rescue. Today, I want to talk about a fantastic book that’s perfect for discussing consent with tweens and early teens.
This book, called Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee, was recommended to me by a parent. Now, I have to admit, it’s quite a thick novel with lots of reading and writing. To get my almost twelve-year-old son to read it with me, I had to bribe him with some takeaway food. But hey, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, right?
So, let me give you a quick summary of the story. It’s about a girl who goes to school one day and they do this thing for a friend’s birthday where they form a circle of rocks, hug each other, and sing Happy Birthday. Sounds innocent enough, right? But here’s where things get uncomfortable. One of the boys keeps his hand on the girl, even when she tries to shrug him off. This situation escalates into subtle bullying, pushing boundaries, and inappropriate touch.
The book explores the perspectives of the girl, her friends who witness what’s happening, and even the boys involved. Some friends understand the problem, while others think the girl is to blame. It also delves into the boys’ thoughts and feelings. One of them breaks down in tears, admitting that he never wanted to be a part of it but was pressured into it. Others, however, brush it off as silly behavior. As the story unfolds, more people speak out about their own experiences and the adults who didn’t listen.
Now, I have to be honest, this book really hit home for me. It brought up memories of things that happened in my past, things that are difficult to deal with. As adults, we have the advantage of life skills and experiences that help us navigate these situations. But when you’re young, it can be incredibly challenging, especially if you don’t have someone to turn to. These experiences can have a lasting impact on people for a long time.
That’s why I love this book. It reminded me of what these situations feel like and gave me valuable insights. As a parent, it’s crucial to have books like this because I don’t want my son growing up to be one of those kids who mistreats others. It’s an important message for all kids to hear, and it’s a great refresher for us parents too.
Now, I know how hard it can be to get kids to sit down and read, especially as they get older. In my case, I resorted to bribery with some takeaway food, which I usually try to avoid. But you know what? It worked! Sometimes, as parents, we have to do what works to get the message across.
I enjoyed this book so much that I’m even considering buying my own copy, and that’s saying something because I’m always on the lookout for new books. It’s just that good!
So, if you’re looking for a book that tackles consent in a relatable and meaningful way, Maybe He Just Likes You is definitely worth checking out. It’s a book that all kids should read, and it’s a great reminder for us parents too.
Alright, that’s all for now. Take care and happy reading! Cheers!
