Planet Middle School
CCBC Review:
Joylin is a basketball-loving tomboy whose best friend KeeLee has suddenly become boy crazy at the start of middle school. Joy doesn’t understand the sudden interest in girly things and resents the changing dynamic of their friendship. But then Joy develops a crush on a boy named Santiago, and it all begins to make sense. She still loves playing basketball with the guys, but when she starts wearing skirts and using makeup, they begin to treat her differently. Even Joy’s long-time friend and basketball buddy Jake criticizes her changing behavior, yet doesn’t think twice about making his own appreciative comments about the appearance of other girls. Written in verse, the novel is accessible and right on target for young readers, examining gender roles and expectations within a realistic and entertaining story about an African American girl. ©2011 Cooperative Children's Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 10-13
Age Range:
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Formats:
Novel
Poetry
Subjects:
African Americans
Boys and Men
Friendship
Girls and Women
Novels in Verse
School
Sports
Diversity subject:
Black/African
Publisher:
Bloomsbury
Publish Year: 2011
Pages: 150
ISBN: 9781599902845
CCBC Location: Fiction, Grimes