Scan barcode
A review by arundlestl
The Difference Between You and Me by Madeleine George
4.0
I read a review of this book way back in May and forgot about it with all the excitement of Summer Reading Club. But last week when I saw it on a truck of new books, I had to snag it! The story is total “girl power” and told in opposing viewpoints: mainly Jesse and Emily. Jesse cuts her own hair with her Swiss army knife, wears green rubber fishing boots, and is making a statement by posting her manifestos all over the school. Her group-The National Organization to
Liberate All Weirdos-consists of her, but she’s certain it will change the world. She doesn’t care that she’s been an outsider since her best friend Wyatt left to be homeschooled. Jesse knows
she’s unique. But then, there is Emily: beautiful, feminine, pink, jock boyfriend, vice-president of
the student council. Like a model on a poster at the GAP. I picture her a lot like Molly Ringwald
in “The Breakfast Club.”
Obviously, they have nothing in common, yet have a standing appointment for a secret romantic meeting every Tuesday on the 3rd floor at the library. Other than that, their paths usually don’t cross. But when the newest big box superstore wants to move into their town, Emily and Jesse find themselves at opposite ends of the spectrum.
If I had to choose a theme of the book, it would be secrets. What secrets do you keep? Which secrets do you keep so deeply hidden, you won't even admit them to yourself? Emily and Jesse are forced to hold a mirror up and see what is really there.
I’m completely over YS book covers with shoes and feet. Is this really the best interpretation of the book? It’s an unattractive color with boring shoes. I find the other cover with a photograph even worse. Emily's feet are on tiptoes next to Jesse's boots, but I don't think they are different heights. It seems like an attempt to trick the reader into thinking it's about a straight couple.
In the back of the book, there are books, movies and websites that tell the reader where to learn more about the issues in the book. The author has plenty of resources on her website for ways to get involved and make positive social change. I would recommend “The Difference Between You and Me” for readers in high school or older, fans of David Leviathan, E. Lockhart or Maureen Johnson, and anyone who enjoys LBGTQ literature.
Liberate All Weirdos-consists of her, but she’s certain it will change the world. She doesn’t care that she’s been an outsider since her best friend Wyatt left to be homeschooled. Jesse knows
she’s unique. But then, there is Emily: beautiful, feminine, pink, jock boyfriend, vice-president of
the student council. Like a model on a poster at the GAP. I picture her a lot like Molly Ringwald
in “The Breakfast Club.”
Obviously, they have nothing in common, yet have a standing appointment for a secret romantic meeting every Tuesday on the 3rd floor at the library. Other than that, their paths usually don’t cross. But when the newest big box superstore wants to move into their town, Emily and Jesse find themselves at opposite ends of the spectrum.
If I had to choose a theme of the book, it would be secrets. What secrets do you keep? Which secrets do you keep so deeply hidden, you won't even admit them to yourself? Emily and Jesse are forced to hold a mirror up and see what is really there.
I’m completely over YS book covers with shoes and feet. Is this really the best interpretation of the book? It’s an unattractive color with boring shoes. I find the other cover with a photograph even worse. Emily's feet are on tiptoes next to Jesse's boots, but I don't think they are different heights. It seems like an attempt to trick the reader into thinking it's about a straight couple.
In the back of the book, there are books, movies and websites that tell the reader where to learn more about the issues in the book. The author has plenty of resources on her website for ways to get involved and make positive social change. I would recommend “The Difference Between You and Me” for readers in high school or older, fans of David Leviathan, E. Lockhart or Maureen Johnson, and anyone who enjoys LBGTQ literature.