Monday, October 24, 2016

It’s Not Me, It’s You by Stephanie Strohm - OPTIONAL

Strohm, Stephanie Kate It’s Not Me, It’s You 288 Pages.  Point (Scholastic), 2016. $17.99. Content: Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”) Mature Content:  PG, Violence:  G

Days before the prom Avery Dennis is dumped by her boyfriend.  Then her American History teacher gives the class an oral history final project in which they are to interview adults about an event in American History that they had lived through.  In her interpretation of the assignment Avery decides to conduct her own oral history to find out why she always ends up single.  Thus, “It’s Not Me, It’s You:  An Oral History of Boys” is written. 

This story is told as an oral history with each chapter consisting of Avery interviewing her ex-boyfriends. There is commentary from various friends and family members as well that offer different perspectives on the same events.
I found the oral history format of this book to be different and fun.  Although the main characters in the book are seniors in high school, the content is mild enough for middle school readers.  Readers will be able to relate to the topics of friendship, romance and jealousy. 

MS, HS – OPTIONAL.  Reviewer:  Nancy W.

No comments: