Maybe He Just Likes You — Content Guide for Parents
Found in this book
- ViolenceBrief
- ReligionBriefOther or made-up faith
- Sexual contentCentral
- Gender rolesBriefChallenges traditional roles
- Gender & orientationSupporting
Not found
- Scary content
- Race & culture
- Profanity
- Climate
Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
Get the full theme breakdown in the app
Summaries and source quotes for every theme.
Download for iOSExample theme card
Religion
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
A 2020 ALA Notable Children’s Book
“The novel’s all-too-familiar scenario offers a springboard for discussion among middle schoolers…Easily grasped scenarios and short chapters help make this timely #MeToo story accessible to a wide audience.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Realistic and heartbreaking.” —BCCB
Barbara Dee explores the subject of #MeToo for the middle grade audience in this heart-wrenching—and ultimately uplifting—novel about experiencing harassment and unwanted attention from classmates.
For seventh-grader Mila, it starts with some boys giving her an unwanted hug on the school blacktop. A few days later, at recess, one of the boys (and fellow trumpet player) Callum tells Mila it’s his birthday, and asks her for a “birthday hug.” He’s just being friendly, isn’t he? And how can she say no? But Callum’s hug lasts a few seconds too long, and feels…weird. According to her friend, Zara, Mila is being immature and overreacting. Doesn’t she know what flirting looks like?
But the boys don’t leave Mila alone. On the bus. In the halls. During band practice—the one place Mila could always escape.
It doesn’t feel like flirting—so what is it? Thanks to a chance meeting, Mila begins to find solace in a new place: karate class. Slowly, with the help of a fellow classmate, Mila learns how to stand her ground and how to respect others—and herself.
From the author of Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed comes this timely story of a middle school girl standing up and finding her voice.
Frequently asked questions
Is Maybe He Just Likes You appropriate for a 7-year-old?
Boys physically harass Mila with unwanted touching, pinching and hugs, and Mila kicks one of them. The book's opening chapter says Max's mom is a Buddhist, and Max mentions Buddhist sand mandalas.
Does Maybe He Just Likes You have violence?
Found (Brief): Boys physically harass Mila with unwanted touching, pinching and hugs, and Mila kicks one of them.
Does Maybe He Just Likes You have scary content?
Not found in the sources we checked.
Does Maybe He Just Likes You have religion?
Found (Brief, Other or made-up faith): The book's opening chapter says Max's mom is a Buddhist, and Max mentions Buddhist sand mandalas.
Does Maybe He Just Likes You have race & culture?
Not found in the sources we checked.
Does Maybe He Just Likes You have profanity?
Not found in the sources we checked.
Does Maybe He Just Likes You have climate?
Not found in the sources we checked.
Does Maybe He Just Likes You have sexual content?
Found (Central): The story is about a seventh grader sexually harassed by classmates through unwanted touching and body comments, with no sex or nudity shown.
Does Maybe He Just Likes You have gender roles?
Found (Brief, Challenges traditional roles): An adult tells Mila that boys will be boys and she should ignore them, and the publisher's guide raises gender stereotypes in how the counselor responds and in boys' insults about being "girly".
Does Maybe He Just Likes You have gender & orientation?
Found (Supporting): Mila's friend Max has a crush on a new boy named Jared, and Common Sense Media notes a gay character who has survived bullying.
