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andiabcs's review
I have mixed feelings on this. I think it is an important story. I think these kids of things need to be brought into the light because they happen more than anyone is willing to admit. But I also didn’t love the beginning of the book and I didn’t like how it ended. I feel like something wasn’t there for me but I don’t know what.
cassie_jean's review
5.0
No means no.
It feels awesome to add a book by a male author to my feminism-ftw shelf.
It feels awesome to add a book by a male author to my feminism-ftw shelf.
angelariley03's review
2.0
With the Me too movement being so prevalent and books about student issues and activism being popular, I'm always on the lookout for stories that could push my students. This book is told from 2 different points of view. One of a girl and one of a boy at a very prestigious high school. The story deals with the girl handling the aftermath of a non-consensual sex act. The school's culture and people essentially don't believe her. The boy narrator is her friend and he has to decide if he wants to follow the culture of the school or stand by his friend.
While I think there are some environments like this school, it just felt overly cliche.
I don't think this book is particularly appropriate for middle school. Some descriptions are a little more graphic than I am comfortable with.
My biggest issue is with the ending. It is not hopeful or positive. It seemed a little out of place and I don't really like the message that it sends to teens.
While I think there are some environments like this school, it just felt overly cliche.
I don't think this book is particularly appropriate for middle school. Some descriptions are a little more graphic than I am comfortable with.
My biggest issue is with the ending. It is not hopeful or positive. It seemed a little out of place and I don't really like the message that it sends to teens.
sandiereads's review
From my Common Sense Media review: "It's never easy to read about sexism or sexual assault, particularly involving rich, entitled young men who believe they're above the law, but Kiely's story is a thought-provoking read. Before he was a full-time writer, Kiely taught in elite prep schools, so he understands the culture he's exploring and writes believably about the insider perspective (legacies, athletes, and kids whose parents pay full freight), as well as the outsider points of view (outcasts, misfits, and scholarship kids). Jules isn't typically likable, but she's incredibly fierce and opinionated -- as is Aileen, an artist the boys nickname "the Viking" as a wink wink to all of her conquests. Jamie is earnest and conflicted about whether to rock the boat as a scholarship athlete who's supposed to keep his head on the ice and in the game -- and possibly on hooking up with girls, but NOT on being the "campus femiNazis" ally and friend."
jilljemmett's review
5.0
This story started a little slow but picked up in the middle. The one good thing about the slow beginning was that it really introduced the characters. By the time the main incident happened, I felt like I really knew who they were.
I really liked that there was a hook at the beginning, which took place right after the main party, so it encouraged me to keep reading. It just took a while to get to that point. Once the incident in Part 2 happened, the story flew by.
The characters were great and they had quite unique backgrounds. Jules was an outcast at school because she promotes women’s health. However, the year before she was dating one of the most popular guys in school. Jamie on the other hand is new to the school. He got a full scholarship to the school after he had to leave his public school.
The traditions of the school were disrupted by real life. The winning hockey team was disrupted by a violent player, and Jules’ life was disrupted by the assault at the party. Both Jules and Jamie had to fit in with the traditions of this private school, but still maintain their modern lives.
This is a great young adult novel.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher on NetGalley.
I really liked that there was a hook at the beginning, which took place right after the main party, so it encouraged me to keep reading. It just took a while to get to that point. Once the incident in Part 2 happened, the story flew by.
The characters were great and they had quite unique backgrounds. Jules was an outcast at school because she promotes women’s health. However, the year before she was dating one of the most popular guys in school. Jamie on the other hand is new to the school. He got a full scholarship to the school after he had to leave his public school.
The traditions of the school were disrupted by real life. The winning hockey team was disrupted by a violent player, and Jules’ life was disrupted by the assault at the party. Both Jules and Jamie had to fit in with the traditions of this private school, but still maintain their modern lives.
This is a great young adult novel.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher on NetGalley.
alexisnasya's review
4.0
I think this book was probably based on stories like Chessy Prout’s, who was raped at her prestigious boarding school in the northeast. It was an important look at the way toxic masculinity manifests in our culture, especially in these microcosms of society in which toxic behavior is encouraged even more than usual. I liked the dual perspectives from a female who was targeted at her school and a male who was surrounded by that culture. Overall, another important #MeToo story and another reminder that not only do we need to believe women, but we need to do right by our kids and dismantle the systems that teach boys they can be violent and face no consequences.
mandi_m's review
5.0
A great YA read that deals with following traditions and issues around consent. I enjoyed the two main characters and the set up that let us see both of their stories unfolding. It was powerful to look at both male and female characters dealing with issues around sexuality and consent and about standing up for what is right. The reaction of an integral teacher and the "institution" were cleverly juxtaposed to again focus on "Tradition".
skrajewski's review
5.0
Fullbrook Academy is known for its traditions. Many of the boys that go to this elite prep school are proud of these traditions, for they are ones who benefit most. They lead discussions in the classroom, as well as the parties on the weekends. When newcomer Jamie Baxter arrives at Fullbrook, he knows he just needs to keep his mouth shut and play hockey so he can keep his scholarship. As he gets to know his teammates and some of the other senior boys, it’s clear to Jamie that their traditions are downright dangerous. Jules Devereux knows all about the traditions at Fullbrook, so her goal is to just make it through her senior year. It soon becomes clear to her, however, that this won’t be possible. When Jamie and Jules meet, they end until forming a much-needed friendship. The traditions at Fullbrook are much more powerful than they could have ever imagined, and it’s up to them to speak up when others won’t.
I have loved each of Brendan Kiely’s books, but Tradition is my favorite. This powerful story about the importance of consent gives me hope. Sharing this book with teens is a must!
I have loved each of Brendan Kiely’s books, but Tradition is my favorite. This powerful story about the importance of consent gives me hope. Sharing this book with teens is a must!
rodgers_reads's review
4.0
Really 3.5 starts. Parts of this book were brilliant. It touches on a lot of current hot topic issues, but part of the book were a bit drawn out.
kenzigrl's review
5.0
Wow just wow. This book was so powerful with its message. I loved that Jules, Bax, Javi and Aileen stood up against everyone else and came out winners. The books message of No was so powerful and certainly one that everyone should know.