Lo Simpson Starts a Revolution - (Lo and Jazz) by Melanie Florence (Paperback)

About the Book

In this middle-grade novel, Lo's best friend, Jazz, is ditching her for the popular crowd, makeup and boys. But when Lo finds new friends who share her love of comics and Doctor Who, she discovers her voice--and the confidence to speak up for what's right.

Book Synopsis

In this funny yet moving coming-of-age novel, a girl finds comfort, and eventually her voice, by writing letters to The Doctor from her favorite TV show, Doctor Who.

Lo and Jazz have been best friends ever since Jazz defended her when Bobby Zucker called her a horse face in second grade. But lately Jazz has seemed more interested in bikinis, boys and bras (ugh), and Lo is still perfectly happy with her comic books and Doctor Who. When Jazz ditches Lo for the It Girls, Lo feels completely adrift...until she overhears someone talking about the latest FanCon. There are others like her!

With help from her new friends, and taking a cue from the Doctor (in whom she confides by writing letters), Lo begins to find her voice. Between giving Bobby Zucker a wedgie for harassing the It Girls, to bringing an abrupt end to spin-the-bottle at a party, to speaking up to the principal and demanding period supplies in student bathrooms, Lo finds her inner activist and the self-confidence that comes with growing up--on her own terms.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Review Quotes

"Lo and her friends learn many valuable lessons: that friendships go both ways, that it's normal to talk about menstruation, and that young people can make a positive contribution to their community."

"Lo's story strikes a bell of authenticity. In this thoughtful book, Lo Simpson's emergence as a leader serves as an inspiring tale and one that will appeal to readers young and old. Filled with a diverse and believable cast of characters, Lo's story draws the reader in and keeps their attention throughout ups and downs of her journey. Readers will encounter a brave young girl who is able to overcome her insecurities to find not only herself but the truth that injustice done to anyone causes suffering for everyone."

"This is more than a middle-school friend-breakup story...Breezy and bracing."

"An insightful novel with a unique protagonist facing a lot of changes...Lo Simpson Starts a Revolution deals with many topics, including women's rights, consent, social justice, friendship, cosplay, change, bullying, and sexual harassment. Middle school readers will enjoy reading about the way that Lo deals with the challenges in her life. Highly Recommended."

"Florence writes knowingly about middle-school concerns and thoughtfully tackles issues of gender identity, consent, menstruation, and the general lack of access to emergency hygiene products in schools...With engaging, multidimensional characters [...] and a topic not often tackled in middle-grade fiction, this timely tale will be popular with older tweens."

"Unflinchingly tackles big issues and emphasizes the importance of speaking up for oneself and on behalf of others. A compelling look at friendship, activism, and self-confidence."

"Lo finds her voice and learns how to use it, whether that means breaking up an uncomfortable game of spin the bottle or facing down her school principal on issues of gender equality...Florence tackles topics such as sexism, consent, and menstruation with a matter-of-fact tone that will resonate with readers...A thoroughly modern coming-of-age tale."

About the Author

Melanie Florence is a writer of Cree and Scottish heritage based in Toronto. She was close to her grandfather as a child, and that relationship sparked her interest in writing about Indigenous themes and characters. She is the author of Missing Nimâmâ, which won the 2016 TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, Stolen Words, which won the 2018 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award, and the bestselling Orca Soundings titles He Who Dreams and Dreaming in Color.