A story about girls standing up to tackle the misogyny and toxic masculinity at their school.
From the article, "They felt violated, objectified by classmates they considered their friends. They felt uncomfortable getting up to go to the bathroom, worried that the boys might be scanning them..."
I wanted to explore what that would feel like, to realize you're being watched and judged based on how you look. And then, how do you find the courage to stand up to that behavior? And so, a book was born. I decided to set it in middle school so it's appropriate for kids in 3rd-8th grade.
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Inspired by a true story of girl empowerment, DON'T JUDGE ME explores trust, self-worth, and speaking up -- especially when you're told to keep quiet.
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.
Coming November 10, 2020 from Scholastic.
Links to preorder:
Annie Bloom Books
Amazon
More to come