Listen to This - by Jennifer Blecher (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Secrets, rumors, shifting friendships, overbearing parents, and, on top of all that, a first dance--how does anyone survive seventh grade? Told from dual points of view, this novel about two tweens finding their voices and standing up for themselves is for fans of Lisa Yee, Leslie Connor, and Janae Marks.

Lily, Maddie, and Sasha have always been the perfect friendship trio. But this year, everything is changing. Maddie and Sasha made the elite soccer team, and Lily feels that they're always leaving her behind. And everyone seems to have secrets now: Maddie, and Sasha, and Lily's sister, and even Lily herself.

Lily's classmate Will wishes he had some secrets. After all, his life is already out there for the whole world to hear about, thanks to his dad's super-popular parenting podcast. And Will hates it, but telling his dad that is harder than the hardest climbing wall at Philly Rocks. Until his dad finally crosses a line, and Will's not sure he can forgive him.

But maybe when Lily and Will meet, they'll find just what they need: someone who will listen.

Review Quotes

"This story of shifting friendships follows two seventh graders: Lily, who feels left out now that Maddie and Sasha are on an elite soccer team together; and Will, who has a crush on Lily and whose every move is fodder for his dad's podcast. . . . Misunderstandings ensue, largely because, to its credit, the novel allows friend-group dynamics to be complicated. . . . Some of the many characters . . . are touched upon only briefly, but we. . . understand what they're all learning: that each of them is the main character in their own life." -- Horn Book Magazine

"Blecher's strength lies in her ability to write from a thirteen-year-old's perspective about the embarrassment of everyday life, as well as in the authentic sweetness she crafts in many of the characters' relationships. . . . Readers braving or about to brave middle school will enjoy following along . . . in this sweet and funny ode to new relationships." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This tender, easy exploration of friendship, family, and first romance hits the mark." -- Kirkus Reviews

"A dual-perspective story about friendships, crushes, secrets, families, and middle school. . . . An authentic portrayal of the middle school years and the conflicts tweens have to deal with on their own. Parental expectations and pressures will ring true. . . . The friendship drama will have broad appeal." -- School Library Journal

"[A] potent journey in developing self-confidence." -- Publishers Weekly