Rebel Girls

by Elizabeth Keenan Narrated by Leslie Howard

Overview

When it comes to being social, Athena Graves is far more comfortable creating a mixtape playlist than she is talking to cute boys-or anyone, for that matter. Plus, her staunchly feminist views and love of punk rock aren't exactly mainstream at St. Ann's, her conservative Catholic high school. Then a malicious rumor starts spreading through the halls...a rumor that her popular, pretty pro-life sister had an abortion over the summer...a rumor that has the power to not only hurt Helen but possibly see her expelled. Despite their wildly contrasting views, Athena, Helen, and their friends must find a way to convince the student body and the administration that it doesn't matter what Helen did or didn't do...even if their riot grrrl protests result in the expulsion of their entire rebel girl gang.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Set in the '90s but as timely and relevant as ever, Rebel Girls will make you want to put up the good fight, over and over again. A powerful story of sisterhood told with lots of heart." -Jennifer Mathieu, author of Moxie

"Captivatingly written, unflinchingly honest, and as timely as it is empowering, Rebel Girls rocks-in true riot grrrl style." -Katie Henry, author of Heretics Anonymous

School Library Journal

09/01/2019

Gr 8 Up—Athena Graves has the heart of a feminist and a soul full of riot grrrl, which guide her as she navigates her sophomore year at a Catholic high school in Baton Rouge, LA. Things are going well when her friend Melissa gets her a fake ID so she can get into 18+ shows and a cute boy with the right badges on his backpack starts paying attention to her. Then Athena's sister, Helen, an aspiring model and pro-life club member, becomes the subject of rumors saying she had an abortion over the summer. Athena and Helen band together, as well as Melissa and two of Helen's friends, to make protest patches and buttons that are ambiguous enough to stay within school policy. When that doesn't have the desired effect, they strive to make more of a statement. The early chapters relentlessly name-drop bands that were around in 1992, mainly to establish that the book is set in that year, despite the fact that today's teens are unlikely to recognize many of them. Stock characters fill most roles, all of whom start and end this politically charged story with the same viewpoints. Athena handles her relationships with sufficient complexity, but politically she just says the term "riot grrrl" a lot, rather than exemplifying, or even struggling with, its principles. Though she asks "What would Kathleen Hanna do?" her answers are often superficial. Despite a tidy ending, the show of perseverance when one's beliefs are unpopular is a strength. VERDICT Jennifer Mathieu's Moxie will better scratch your riot grrrl itch.—Alex Graves, Manchester City Library, NH

OCTOBER 2019 - AudioFile

Leslie Howard’s narration supplies all the teenage emotions needed for this thought-provoking story of two sisters who challenge each other’s views on abortion in Baton Rouge, 1992. Taking feminist cues from punk rock bands and the Riot grrrl movement, pro-choice Athena and her pro-life sister, Helen, start a campaign to dispel the rumor that Helen had an abortion, an act that could get her expelled from school. Imbued with equal parts optimism and uncertainty, Howard’s hushed tone keeps the story light—despite the mature topics of teenage pregnancy, abortion, racism, and bullying. Regardless of one’s positions on these controversial topics, Howard’s style and flow make for a good listen. While some listeners may find the persistent whispered tones distracting, overall the character voices are distinctive. E.P. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine

Kirkus Reviews

★ 2019-07-13
Word in Baton Rouge is that Athena Graves' younger sister got an abortion over the summer.

Named after powerful women in Greek mythology, the Graves sisters could not be more different. Athena is a gifted student with dyed red hair and a love for punk-rock music. Helen, a blonde beauty, loves fashion and Pearl Jam—a band Athena deems so mainstream. Helen's anti-abortion stance makes her a better fit for their Catholic high school than aspiring riot grrrl Athena. But when a rumor spreads that Helen got an abortion after sleeping with a racist classmate, Athena, with the help of fellow abortion-rights advocate Melissa, works to save Helen from being expelled. Athena believes mean girl Leah started the rumor, but Leah's football-star boyfriend, Sean, comes to her defense. And soon after Athena starts dating cute Kyle, Leah sets her sights on him too. Sympathetic Athena honestly struggles to get justice for her sister while upholding her core beliefs in the face of a strongly conservative community. Beyond the abortion debate, this provides a necessary focus on the importance of young women supporting one another across differences. Echoing the punk-rock feminist movement of the early '90s, debut author Keenan creates a timely narrative that will challenge teens to reflect on their personal values and engage in respectful discourse. Main characters are white apart from Melissa, who is half Vietnamese and half Cajun, and Sean, who is black.

A must-read. (Fiction. 12-18)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940175577151
Publisher:	Dreamscape Media
Publication date:	09/10/2019
Edition description:	Unabridged

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