Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Warm, engaging book about harassment has great message.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Mila's planning a birthday celebration for one of her besties in MAYBE HE JUST LIKES YOU. She sneaks out before lunch is over and makes a pebble "O" on the playground, not far from the basketball court. Birthday girl, Omi, comes outside, excited for her surprise. Omi's friends give her gifts and they all embrace. Out of the corner of her eye, Mila sees the basketball boys approaching. Suddenly, though they weren't invited, they're joining in on the hug -- and they're not letting go. Mila feels weird about it, uncomfortable, and She's not sure how to confront the boys without seeming like she's overreacting. Is this a one time thing? Is it "just a joke?"
Is It Any Good?
Here's an enormously readable book that delivers solutions to the very tough problem of sexual harassment in middle school. Maybe He Just Likes You asks what do you do when you're advocating for yourself in all the right ways -- but nobody believes you? Like Judy Blume's novels, Barabra Dee weaves an intimate narrative that grabs the reader's attention and doesn't let go. The main character, Mila, is funny, connected and strong with a seventh grader's sense of humor and tender humanity. Her single mom's struggles feel pressing and real, but not hopeless. Kids and parents can share this book and discuss the important issues it raises, and it's got enough humor to balance the seriousness.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Mila's perseverance in Maybe He Just Likes You. What would happen if Mila had just given up?
Communication is something Mila's good at -- she really knows how to advocate for herself. But what happens when no one believes her? How does she get her voice heard?
It takes courage to speak up, especially about uncomfortable stuff. How can one person's courage be an inspiration for others?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Activism , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Aladdin
- Publication date : October 1, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 13
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate