Don't Judge Me

by Lisa Schroeder

Overview

Inspired by a true story of girl empowerment, acclaimed author Lisa Schroeder's new novel explores trust, self-worth, and speaking up — especially when you're told to keep quiet.

Well-behaved girls seldom make history

Hazel doesn't like to make waves. Middle school is hard enough without causing more trouble, right? She's happy just eating lunch in the library with her BFF, writing secret haikus, and taking care of an adorable rescue tortoise.

But then Hazel discovers a list that rates the girls at her middle school based on their looks — started by her best friend's older brother. She knows she has to do something, and she can't do it alone. The wave she'll be making might turn into a tsunami, but if Hazel can find the courage to speak up, she might just change everything.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338628548
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	11/10/2020
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	541,149
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.10(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Lisa Schroeder is the author of over a dozen books for young readers, including My Secret Guide to Paris, Sealed with a Secret, Keys to the City, the Charmed Life series, and the YA novels All We Have Is Now and The Bridge from Me to You. She loves cookies, flowers, family hikes, books, movies that make her laugh and cry, and sunshine. Living in Oregon, she doesn't get nearly enough sunshine, but the hikes are amazing. Learn more at lisaschroederbooks.com and on Twitter @lisa_schroeder.

Editorial Reviews

10/19/2020

Offering a strong message about toxic masculinity, this heartfelt contemporary novel set in small-town Oregon begins when two best friends—shy, body-conscious Hazel and outspoken, confident Tori—learn in the first days of class that their middle school has a “jerk problem.” The strict dress code targets girls; two boys who trip them in the halls each day receive no punishment; and new student Dion, who “liked poetry and cried because his feelings were hurt,” is bullied. When tortoise-lover Hazel discovers a notebook in which boys rank female classmates’ looks and leave degrading comments, she doesn’t want to dismiss the problem by retreating into her shell. Determined to speak out, Hazel hosts a “girl power” party and gains support for creating a safe learning environment, eventually finding the courage to confront their intimidating male principal. Using a first-person narrative, Schroeder (See You on a Starry Night) eloquently traces Hazel’s metamorphosis from fearful onlooker to brave activist, while highlighting lessons she learns along the way. Ages 8–12. Agent: Sara Crowe, Pippin Properties. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly

Praise for Don't Judge Me:

"A realistic treatment of an important topic. Readers will root for Hazel!" — Barbara Dee, author of Maybe He Just Likes You

"An empowering read." — Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

2020-09-01
Sometimes sticking your neck out is the only way to move forward.

Twelve-year-old Hazel misses the comfort of fifth grade when clothes didn’t matter, looks didn’t matter, and the boys weren’t such huge jerks. Fortunately, she still has her best friend, Tori, who understands why this year is the worst. The school dress code shames girls, two boys deliberately trip Tori and Hazel every day, and Tori’s brother, 13-year-old Ben, no longer wants to hang out with them. Hazel is resigned to spending the rest of sixth grade eating lunch in the library, writing haiku, and looking after Pip, the tortoise she found, until she stumbles across a journal. Some of the boys are rating the girls’ attractiveness and leaving awful comments about the ones they don’t like. Her new friend, Dion, is also being bullied by other boys. Hazel knows she must do something, but what? Hazel’s journey to finding her voice is brimming with lessons on toxic masculinity, sexism, bullying, and how students can work together to make change. The anxiety of transitioning to middle school and Hazel’s insecurities about her changing body are equally relatable. Schroeder’s slight nods to racism and homophobia are a bit anemic but do not detract from the overall theme. Hazel’s actions may inspire readers to stand up for what’s right. Characters follow a White default; Dion is cued as Black. Tori has two lesbian moms.

An empowering read. (Fiction. 10-13)

Kirkus Reviews

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