Tear This Down - by Barbara Dee (Hardcover)

About the Book

When twelve-year-old Freya discovers that her town's historical hero had problematic views towards women, she advocates to replace his statue with a lesser-known suffragette.

Book Synopsis

From Barbara Dee, the critically acclaimed author of Maybe He Just Likes You, comes a middle grade novel about a girl who makes the choice to speak out against a problematic historical hometown figure no matter the cost--perfect for readers of Dress Coded.

For as long as Freya can remember, she has loved living in her cozy hometown of Wellstone. Not only is the town itself named for local and historical hero Benjamin Wellstone but everything in it: schools, beaches, and stores. There's even a giant statue of him to remind everyone of the good things he did.

But while doing research for a big school project, Freya discovers that Benjamin isn't the big hero everyone has been taught to believe. He had some redeeming qualities, but he also held incredibly problematic views towards women, believing they shouldn't have the right to vote--or even to exist outside of the home. Disappointed by her revelation, Freya wonders if she could figure out a way to not only show what the hometown hero was really like but replace his statue with one of an unsung hero: local suffragette Octavia Padgett.

Though Freya knows not everyone will agree with her, she is shocked when her efforts cause even bigger issues than she could have imagined. Even her own parents seem uneasy with Freya's cause. With the help of her beloved Nan, friends new and old, and the coolest librarian she's ever met, can Freya stand firm and tear down outdated views?

Review Quotes

"Barbara Dee has done it again, creating a heroine with a big voice and an even bigger heart."--Katherine Marsh, Author of 2023 National Book Award Finalist

"Barbara Dee's books are to today's kids what Judy Blume's books were to me at that age. She tackles such complex subjects with care. As a student once told me, 'She just gets us.'"--Amanda Jones, school librarian, activist and author of That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America

"Dee provides a nuanced depiction of a young person gradually learning how to engage effectively to create change. Freya is a character that readers will root for." -- "School Library Journal"

"Every middle school library needs a full set of Barbara Dee's books."--John Schu, author of Louder than Hunger

"How a seventh grader with a lot of questions about gender inequality uses her curiosity to give voice to those who were silenced. A stirring and timely book about the power of kids to build community and move us all forward."--Susan Hood, author of Lifeboat 5

"Master-of-middle-grade Barbara Dee has done it again. In this story of change-makers finding their voices, Dee ties the courage of women in the past to the courage of young girls and their allies today. The result is a moving, stirring account of a new generation fighting for a better world and learning to navigate its complexities. Here is a book to put into all our daughters' hands--and the hands of mothers and grandmothers too."--Brigit Young, author of The Prettiest and Banned Books, Cropped Tops, and Other Bad Influences

"Tear This Down is a powerful and moving celebration of standing up for what you believe in and a fantastic introduction to activism. A wonderful and engaging read!"--Lisa Moore Ramee, author of A Good Kind of Trouble and The Everybody Experiment

"Wow did I love this book. Tear This Down is history and feminism and family dynamics and friendship and community sewn into a brave and brilliant story. It's going to inspire a generation of changemakers. Bravo, Barbara Dee, queen of middle grade storytelling!"--Carrie Firestone, author of Dress Coded and The First Rule of Climate Club

"The age-appropriate, relatable, and realistic lessons Freya learns are reinforced by supportive grown-ups in her life. Readers will readily root for the impassioned protagonist on her hard-fought feminist journey."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Dee (Unstuck) strategically and effectively weaves Freya's nascent feminism into timely subplots involving craftivism, the unrecognized labor of women in history, and the importance of research in this smart and passionate read."--Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW