Teen – Age 10+
Like a Girl is an honest exploration of the impact of peer pressure and cyber-bullying through social media. Readers will see true reflections of typical teen experiences and the brutality of group chats but will also come away empowered to stand up for themselves and choose a postive way forward.
14-year-old Eden tries to stay out of the spotlight at school. As long as she minds her own business and doesn’t draw any attention to herself, she isn’t at risk of targeting by “The Glossies” – a gang of girls who think they’re better than everyone else and won’t hestitate to threaten, humiliate and harrass anyone who gets in their way.
When Eden inadvertently beats one of the Glossies in a race, she becomes their latest victim. A series of tests to prove her loyalty to the girls challenges Eden’s sense of what’s right and her ability to cope with gossip and lies. Feeling alone and scared, she has no one to turn to. Her mum doesn’t know how to help, friends stay out of it for fear of being the next target and she doesn’t dare report it to school. Eden has to dig deep to find a way to stop these girls.
As an adult reader, the Glossies’ cruelty is infuriating. Sneaky and just plain nasty, they feed on the fear of others. This story is a powerful reminder for parents to be vigilant with their children’s phones – checking them regularly and striving for open communication about apps, the content of chats and speaking up if something isn’t right. It will also help teachers to realise what might be going on under their noses. Schools must have a clear phone policy and ensure children believe bullying of any kind will be addressed. Teen life can be so difficult. Adults must get alongside young people to support them, stand up for them and help them to stand up for themselves.
Thank you to Scholastic UK for a copy of this thought-provoking book!
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