Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Grief-tinged, angsty romance is solid and touching.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
GIRLS LIKE GIRLS begins in the summer before narrator Coley's senior year of high school. She's grieving the loss of her mother and angry that there's nowhere else to go but to a tiny town in Oregon where the father she never really knew lives. It's love at first sight for Coley when she meets Sonya, and the two quickly become close friends. But Coley wants more, even while she's afraid she'll be abandoned again. And Sonya doesn't seem to know what she wants, running hot and cold when it comes to being attracted to Coley. Can they learn to trust themselves and each other enough to love each other openly and freely?
Is It Any Good?
Songwriter/pop star/actress/director Hayley Kiyoko adds "author" to a list of her considerable talents with this touching tale. Girls Like Girls is a strong debut novel, based on a music video of Kiyoko's same-named hit song, which Kiyoko co-directed. Narrator Coley's voice is utterly believable and laced with a razor-sharp wit. Teens will relate to Coley's anger at the blows life has dealt her and easily understand her need for the freedom to discover -- and be -- herself. These themes are skillfully woven into a swoon-worthy romance full of will she-won't she, does she-doesn't she suspense for a truly satisfying read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the alcohol and marijuana use in Girls Like Girls. Is it realistic? Is it a big deal? What are some consequences of substance use that aren't shown in this book?
How did you feel about the book's strong language? Is reading swear words different from hearing them in movies, videos, games, etc.?
Why are diverse representations important in books and other media? What do we learn by reading about people who are different from us -- or who are similar? How often do you read about characters you can relate to?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Integrity
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Wednesday Books
- Publication date : May 30, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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