Does My Body Offend You? - by Mayra Cuevas & Marie Marquardt

About the Book

When Malena Rosario goes to school bra-less after a bad sunburn, she is humiliated by the administration for the Florida high school into covering up. Ruby McAllister has a reputation as her school's outspoken feminist rebel, and is not willing to keep quiet when she notices the new girl being forced to cover up her chest. Neither Malena nor Ruby expected to become the leaders of the school's dress code rebellion. And they'll have to face their own insecurities, biases, and privileges, and the ups and downs in their newfound friendship. If they want to stand up for their ideals, they first must stand up for themselves. -- adapted from jacket

Book Synopsis

A timely story of two teenagers who discover the power of friendship, feminism, and standing up for what you believe in, no matter where you come from. A collaboration between two gifted authors writing from alternating perspectives, this compelling novel shines with authenticity, courage, and humor.

Malena Rosario is starting to believe that catastrophes come in threes. First, Hurricane María destroyed her home, taking her unbreakable spirit with it. Second, she and her mother are now stuck in Florida, which is nothing like her beloved Puerto Rico. And third, when she goes to school bra-less after a bad sunburn and is humiliated by the school administration into covering up, she feels like she has no choice but to comply.

Ruby McAllister has a reputation as her school's outspoken feminist rebel. But back in Seattle, she lived under her sister's shadow. Now her sister is teaching in underprivileged communities, and she's in a Florida high school, unsure of what to do with her future, or if she's even capable making a difference in the world. So when Ruby notices the new girl is being forced to cover up her chest, she is not willing to keep quiet about it.

Neither Malena nor Ruby expected to be the leaders of the school's dress code rebellion. But the girls will have to face their own insecurities, biases, and privileges, and the ups and downs in their newfound friendship, if they want to stand up for their ideals and--ultimately--for themselves.

Review Quotes

"An energetic, thought-provoking story of friendship and girl power." -Publishers Weekly

"[A] heartwarming story about activism and allyship, learning when to speak up and when to listen." --Kirkus Reviews

PEN/Faulkner Award Longlist
New York Public Library Best Books of 2022
Books All Young Georgians Should Read
Georgia Authors of the Year in the Young Adult Category 2023

About the Author

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Mayra Cuevas is the author of the teen novels Does My Body Offend You? and Salty, Bitter, Sweet. Her short story Resilient was published as part of the anthology FORESHADOW. Mayra is an award-winning producer for CNN and co-founder of the Latinx Kidlit Book Festival. She keeps her sanity by practicing Buddhist meditation. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, her two stepsons, their fluffy cat and a very loud Chihuahua. Follow her on Twitter at @Mayra ECuevas and Instagram at @Mayra Cuevas

Marie Marquardt is author of YA novels Does My Body Offend You? (with Mayra Cuevas), Dream Things True, The Radius of Us, and Flight Season. Her books have earned many awards and commendations, including being shortlisted for several state book awards. Marie also has published articles and co-authored two non-fiction books about Latin American immigration to the U.S. South, and has been interviewed about her research, writing, and advocacy on National Public Radio, Public Radio International, and BBC America, among many other media outlets. She lives in a busy household in Decatur, Georgia with her spouse, four kids, several chickens, a dog, and a bearded dragon. You can connect with Marie on Instagram, @Marie_Marquardt and at her website, MarieMarquardt.com