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Minnie McClary Speaks Her Mind
Minnie McClary is the new girl and knows that she doesn't quite fit in, especially not after she lost it one day in language arts. In art, Minnie has to paint a self portrait--but how can she do this when she doesn't even know who she is anymore? Things aren't great at home, either. Her uncle Bill is building a huge replica of the Apache helicopter he flew in Iraq, and her father has blown some sort of whistle and has to start over in a new job. Then Miss Marks takes over Minnie's language class and encourages students to think critically about everything. They write their thoughts and questions in journals, marking the most private entries For Your Eyes Only. Minnie and her classmate Amira are inspired, but some people in town wonder why Miss Marks is encouraging students to ask these questions and just what, exactly, she's teaching. When a group of angry parents demands Miss Marks's suspension, Minnie finds herself asking a lot of questions--and figuring out what she has the power to change.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2012
15 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Hobbs
26 books47 followersValerie Hobbs is the author of many award winning novels for young adults including Sonnys War, Tender, and How Far Would You Have Gotten If I Hadnt Called You Back, for which she was designated a Flying Start author by Publishers Weekly in 1996. Hobbs was the winner of the 1999 PEN/Norma Klein award for an emerging voice of literary merit among American writers of childrens fiction and the Arizona Library Association Young Adult Author of the Year in 2003. Defiance, her most recent middle-grade novel, was given the 2006 most distinguished fiction award by the Childrens Literature Council of Southern California and has been nominated for twelve state awards. "
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
May 19, 2013
A completely fortuitous find at the public library. While it addresses a lot of topics - intolerance, homophobia, the aftermath of war - the book is focused in its message: if you see something you don't like in this world, you need to do something about it. Stand up for the people & ideals you love. It's a wonderful book for young readers.
Full review: http://slatebreakers.com/2013/05/02/r...
Full review: http://slatebreakers.com/2013/05/02/r...
June 24, 2021
MINNIE MCCLARY SPEAKS HER MIND was the first book I ever read that had any sort of queer character in it and--I shit you not--I read it on the day that Obergefell v. Hodges made gay marriage legal throughout the US and its territories. So I figured that (similar to ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY NOT), I would reread this one after coming out as opposed to as a slightly homophobic 5th grader.
It holds up! For being a little middle grade book, MINNIE MCCLARY packs a punch, dealing heavily with homophobia, Islamaphobia, and PTSD, as well as Minnie's struggles to learn when she needs to stand up for what she believes even when it alienates her from her peers. The writing is simplistic and the book is a bit short for covering all the issues it covers, but it's able to craft complex characters in Ms. Marks and Minnie's uncle in particular. I wish I had a teacher like Ms. Marks in my life!
It holds up! For being a little middle grade book, MINNIE MCCLARY packs a punch, dealing heavily with homophobia, Islamaphobia, and PTSD, as well as Minnie's struggles to learn when she needs to stand up for what she believes even when it alienates her from her peers. The writing is simplistic and the book is a bit short for covering all the issues it covers, but it's able to craft complex characters in Ms. Marks and Minnie's uncle in particular. I wish I had a teacher like Ms. Marks in my life!
November 9, 2013
This book is about taking risks when you know it is the right thing to do.
Minnie is a girl who wishes to be invisible, a girl who does what she is told and never gets into trouble. A shy child with a good heart, who wants to do her homework and never be noticed.
But, with the arrival of a new teacher, one who does stand up for what she believes, Minnie watches as events spill out of control and no one stands up to stop it.
Minnie is forced to consider the consequences of her silence.
Val Hobbs takes us through the struggle of a girl who fears attention but finds the strength to speak out to the other students and the teachers to right an injustice. A lesson for our time that we should all take to heart.
Minnie is a girl who wishes to be invisible, a girl who does what she is told and never gets into trouble. A shy child with a good heart, who wants to do her homework and never be noticed.
But, with the arrival of a new teacher, one who does stand up for what she believes, Minnie watches as events spill out of control and no one stands up to stop it.
Minnie is forced to consider the consequences of her silence.
Val Hobbs takes us through the struggle of a girl who fears attention but finds the strength to speak out to the other students and the teachers to right an injustice. A lesson for our time that we should all take to heart.
October 23, 2025
Minnie is someone who wants to be normal and be the one who fits in, but doesn't fit in all the way. Throughout the book, you learn a lot. Things aren't always going to go the way you want, and you have to learn how to adjust to that. You have to learn how to be able to speak up when you think something is off. The book teaches you a lot about how people can react to different situations and why they react the way they do.
October 14, 2016
Well, this book wasn't bad, it just didn't have much action. Although it didn't have much action, I did like the book. Also, it didn't have the ending i was expecting, which was kind of a bummer. Overall, this wasn't the best book I've read, but it wasn't the worst.
September 8, 2012
Her family's recent move to Arizona has meant changes for sixth grader Minnie McClary, and she just doesn't feel as though she fits in at her new school. Her new language arts teacher, Miss Marks, encourages her charges to ask themselves and those around them hard questions and to write in their journals. As she encourages community and self-expression in the classroom, she comes under fire because of the way she dresses and expresses herself. There are also vague rumors about her sexual orientation. Because she is a new girl in Mojave, Minnie stays silent for the most part, embarrassed by her family's reduced circumstances, her uncle, and her own inability to stand up for what she believes in. As someone creates sketches insulting her teacher and her new friend, Amira, who wears a head scarf, and often deals with acts of cowardice such as having her scarf pulled down over her face, Minnie tries to understand herself and those around her, including her uncle who is suffering from PTSD after his service in the Iraq War. The characters are multi-faceted, resolutions don't come easily, and the story could have been taken from one of today's headlines, given that one of the critical comments about Miss Marks was her failure to prepare the students for the high-stakes tests. If you haven't read anything by Valerie Hobbs, this would be an excellent place to start. Her female characters often gain positive self-esteem through their own actions and with support from friends rather than from the number of male admirers they can attract. Just one I thought I had a character completely pegged, he/she turned out to be a little more complicated that I had surmised, and I was pleasantly surprised. I also love the use of journals for self-expressive and challenging books as resourses for discussion as Miss Marks does in her classroom. What a marvelous book about finding--and using--one's voice! I marked several passages denoting expressive writing.
January 12, 2019
My 5th grader recommended this book to me. Minnie Mcclary had to change towns and schools because her father was a whistleblower. She misses her friends, and she wants to fit in at her new school. However she also wants to stand up for injustice and that means not being part of the in-crowd. Another issue is her uncle with PTSD from the Gulf War living in their basement.
November 7, 2015
This book deals with some serious issues in an accessible way for an upper elementary/early middle school audience. The main character has moved to a new school and feels like an outsider. Her Uncle Bill, a veteran of the war, is trying to pull his life together again. Her new friend, Amira, wears a head scarf, and Minnie wonders about it, especially since kids say mean things to Amira because of it. And her new teacher doesn't act like a regular teacher. She doesn't focus on grades and she wears t-shirts and jeans. There are rumors that she's gay. She gives the sixth grade class books from the eighth grade list to read. Some people in town want her gone.
I found the book's title and even the character's name to be a bit old-fashioned and a bit of a drawback for kids to want to pick up this book. While it does have a clearly defined message and point of view against intolerance and hate, it generally holds the line before it becomes preachy. Many readers will root for this character, and it's a book students can read independently and get the main idea. A worthwhile addition to a class library.
I found the book's title and even the character's name to be a bit old-fashioned and a bit of a drawback for kids to want to pick up this book. While it does have a clearly defined message and point of view against intolerance and hate, it generally holds the line before it becomes preachy. Many readers will root for this character, and it's a book students can read independently and get the main idea. A worthwhile addition to a class library.
December 18, 2016
Valerie Hobbs wrote an ENCOURAGING novel about speaking your mind. What if you had nothing but problems? For Minnie McClary, moving from the big city to a small town was an immense challenge. She’s the new girl and knows that she doesn't quite fit in, even when she loses it one day in language arts. In art, Minnie has to paint a self portrait but how, when she doesn't even know who she is anymore? To make matters worse, things aren't great at home. Bill, her uncle, is CRAZY and tries to construct a life-size helicopter model he flew. Also, her father is dealing with a struggle to support his family. If I were to rave about one character other than Minnie, it would be Miss Marks. Miss Marks, the new language arts teacher, felt like an inspiration to me. I think Minnie is motivated by her because standing up for what’s right can help discover the power of courage, especially when you might be too scared. Minnie finds herself asking a lot of questions and figures out what change is capable of. How can Minnie overcome her obstacles, when the world around her is turned upside down?
August 21, 2018
As the new girl in school, sixth grader Minnie McClary doesn’t know what to say. She’s nervous that she might say the wrong thing and her classmates or her new teacher, Miss Marks, won’t like her. But Miss Marks is encouraging the class to ask all the questions they can think of, especially the ones with difficult answers. The more questions Minnie asks – about her uncle who lost a leg in Iraq and now lives in her basement, about her Muslim friend Amira who gets bullied, about her unconventional but inspiring teacher, about her dad’s courage to lose his job over doing the right thing, and especially about herself – the more she feels the need to speak up.
This is a fabulous book. The story has plenty of its own questions to ask – about war, religion, prejudice, kindness, taking a stand – and doesn’t pretend that there are any easy answers. Whether you are someone who always speaks up or someone who sometimes has trouble speaking to people at all, you need to give this book a try.
This is a fabulous book. The story has plenty of its own questions to ask – about war, religion, prejudice, kindness, taking a stand – and doesn’t pretend that there are any easy answers. Whether you are someone who always speaks up or someone who sometimes has trouble speaking to people at all, you need to give this book a try.
May 23, 2019
I was buying books at a thrift store, and I had four books in my hand, and needed one more as my free book (buy four, get one free). There weren't any more books that I needed (as I'm working on completing series), so I just grabbed one--it being this book.
This book isn't anything amazing, but I enjoyed reading it. Something about Minnie's voice made me want to keep reading. She felt so real, and reminded me of myself at that age. I also like that this book dealt with several hard issues, and was able to keep them all connected in some way, rather than just being random problems.
I was a little nervous to read this when I saw on this site some people had put it on their LGBT shelf, but while that issue is brought up, it is done in the way of gossip, with the gossip being treated as wrong, without actually being pro or against LGBT. I do appreciate this book for that, as it's rare to see something that takes the middle route, of not embracing or hating the LGBT community. I don't know if the author intended it that way, as the lesson in the book was more about the gossip, but... I still appreciate it.
I enjoyed the various characters, and I love how this book handled PTSD, and how it affected everyone. A hard subject, but it felt like it was done right. That was honestly my favorite bit of the book, with how that was handled at a certain point (vague for spoilers), and how the irrational was rational once explained.
Overall, it was an enjoyable book that deals with several hard issues in the right way. It's great to see Minnie grow, and the author did a great job at nailing her age. I don't think I'll ever read it again (and will be donating my copy back to the thrift store), but it's hard to say why, as I really don't have any complaints about this book. It was good to read once, but now knowing how it ends, I don't think it would captivate me the same way. It's just not a genre that interests me a ton.
This book isn't anything amazing, but I enjoyed reading it. Something about Minnie's voice made me want to keep reading. She felt so real, and reminded me of myself at that age. I also like that this book dealt with several hard issues, and was able to keep them all connected in some way, rather than just being random problems.
I was a little nervous to read this when I saw on this site some people had put it on their LGBT shelf, but while that issue is brought up, it is done in the way of gossip, with the gossip being treated as wrong, without actually being pro or against LGBT. I do appreciate this book for that, as it's rare to see something that takes the middle route, of not embracing or hating the LGBT community. I don't know if the author intended it that way, as the lesson in the book was more about the gossip, but... I still appreciate it.
I enjoyed the various characters, and I love how this book handled PTSD, and how it affected everyone. A hard subject, but it felt like it was done right. That was honestly my favorite bit of the book, with how that was handled at a certain point (vague for spoilers), and how the irrational was rational once explained.
Overall, it was an enjoyable book that deals with several hard issues in the right way. It's great to see Minnie grow, and the author did a great job at nailing her age. I don't think I'll ever read it again (and will be donating my copy back to the thrift store), but it's hard to say why, as I really don't have any complaints about this book. It was good to read once, but now knowing how it ends, I don't think it would captivate me the same way. It's just not a genre that interests me a ton.
June 19, 2017
This was a great YA book on so many levels. I would use this as a read aloud book at the beginning of the year to get students thinking.
"Minnie McClary is the new girl and knows that she doesn't quite fit in, especially not after she lost it one day in language arts. In art, Minnie has to paint a self portrait--but how can she do this when she doesn't even know who she is anymore? Things aren't great at home, either. Her uncle Bill is building a huge replica of the Apache helicopter he flew in Iraq, and her father has blown some sort of whistle and has to start over in a new job.
Then Miss Marks takes over Minnie's language class and encourages students to think critically about everything. They write their thoughts and questions in journals, marking the most private entries For Your Eyes Only. Minnie and her classmate Amira are inspired, but some people in town wonder why Miss Marks is encouraging students to ask these questions and just what, exactly, she's teaching. When a group of angry parents demands Miss Marks's suspension, Minnie finds herself asking a lot of questions--and figuring out what she has the power to change."
"Minnie McClary is the new girl and knows that she doesn't quite fit in, especially not after she lost it one day in language arts. In art, Minnie has to paint a self portrait--but how can she do this when she doesn't even know who she is anymore? Things aren't great at home, either. Her uncle Bill is building a huge replica of the Apache helicopter he flew in Iraq, and her father has blown some sort of whistle and has to start over in a new job.
Then Miss Marks takes over Minnie's language class and encourages students to think critically about everything. They write their thoughts and questions in journals, marking the most private entries For Your Eyes Only. Minnie and her classmate Amira are inspired, but some people in town wonder why Miss Marks is encouraging students to ask these questions and just what, exactly, she's teaching. When a group of angry parents demands Miss Marks's suspension, Minnie finds herself asking a lot of questions--and figuring out what she has the power to change."
November 2, 2020
Speaking your mind and taking a stand when it matters is the theme behind Minnie McClary Speaks Her Mind. Reluctant to speak out, in most cases, Minnie can no longer sit on the sidelines when her friend, Amina is bullied at school, on the bus, and on Facebook because she is Muslim. Add to all of that, their beloved teacher, Lindsay Marks is in danger of being fired because of her unique teaching style (which the kids love her for), her clothes, and her suspected sexuality. Now...Minnie's had it.
She asks her parents to take her to the school board meeting and a side of Minnie that no one suspected (even Minnie herself) shines.
Some characters and storylines are a little hazy, but the theme is a good one. Believing in yourself, speaking up when it's right, and defending those that are falsely admonished is worthwhile.
She asks her parents to take her to the school board meeting and a side of Minnie that no one suspected (even Minnie herself) shines.
Some characters and storylines are a little hazy, but the theme is a good one. Believing in yourself, speaking up when it's right, and defending those that are falsely admonished is worthwhile.
April 14, 2021
I read this book years ago and with the recent news in France I was reminded of it again, particularly Amira's situation within the story. It's certainly a worthwhile read and not many stories have stuck with me as long as this one has, and I have read many books since then. It's simply marvelous and I'd recommend it to anyone no matter how old they are. The message at its heart is beautiful and while of course it's written for younger people, it's still a fantastic read.
March 3, 2018
As a middle school reading/ELA teacher I hope to be for my students what Ms. Marks ia for Minnie and her classmates. This book is important, beautiful, and emotional...I love it and highly recommend the story.
January 5, 2025
This book was one of the most amazing and inspiring books I’ve ever read. Minnie’s urge to put herself out there and stand up for a favorite teacher. I would definitely do what Minnie for any of my teachers.
November 30, 2016
This was such a great story with an even greater message! I want to share it with all the young people. We are all one race, the human race! Stand up against hate!
July 6, 2018
I never read middle grade books anymore but this is definitely one that should be read by everyone.
July 21, 2018
Be a critical thinker and speak up. Be a risk taker and do the right things. Prejudice and ignorance blind our minds.
August 3, 2018
Realistic fiction about prejudice and understanding.
December 10, 2018
This book was the one that made me addicted to books. Valerie Hobbs Minnie McClary Speaks Her Mind was the the book that put the idea of a writing carrier in my head.
December 17, 2019
I’ve read this book quite a few times, and it just hits different than a lot of others. It has so much covered, and though it covered many different issues, I feel as if it covered them well.
July 15, 2022
I enjoyed this book. I'd rather you read this instead of me typing a paragraph... explaining why you should. Also.........
May 18, 2023
Was Not my Fav book But was still Great!
June 11, 2023
Very easy to read for young readers. Recommended book for kids as young as 10-11 years old. Start 'em young.
January 31, 2025
Recommended by the Mighty Girl website. Read with my 12yo, and we both enjoyed this tale of celebrating differences, empathy, and standing up to hate. (She was asking for a sequel.)
January 1, 2017
Minnie has moved to a new school and doesn't have any new friends, so she is trying to lay low. Until she begins finding her voice and speaking out against the injustices occurring within her school, like students bullying another for being Muslim and a teacher being asked to leave because of her progressive lesson plans. Minnie tries to talk about her problems with her favorite uncle, who has completely changed after coming back from the war in Iraq. Minnie is still trying to find the best way to communicate with the world around her.
July 21, 2012
In Minnie McClary Speaks Her Mind author Valerie Hobbs produces another engaging and important book. Hobbs gets into the mind of her eleven-year-old narrator, Minnie, so completely and authentically that it’s easy to forget an adult author is behind the voice. From the very first chapter I was rooting for Minnie, a girl who knows right from wrong, but struggles with wanting to impress her peers. Welcome to middle school, Minnie. Compounding the problem are a couple of potentially embarrassing adults in Minnie’s life, her war veteran uncle who spends his days building an attack helicopter in the basement and the controversial new English teacher, Ms. March.
As a Hobbs’ fan, I’ve noticed that many of her books contain similar themes: a character who must overcome a fear or belief to make a change in his/her world, economic hardship, a shift in family relationships, and a wise, older mentor/teacher/relative who is never preachy but acts as a Socratic guide to help a younger character solve a problem. However, each of Ms. Hobbs’ books is unique and peppered with characters we come to love. Minnie is no exception. Ms. March is one of my favorite fictional teachers ever. Then we get this shell-shocked Iraq war veteran whose every line is wise. Finally, there is Minnie’s new best-friend, Amira, the child of Middle Eastern Muslim immigrants, a modestly dressed, bold-hearted foil for self-conscious Minnie. Hobbs treats her characters and her settings with care. She doesn’t imbue them with stereotypes. She makes them come alive, and this is why I love her books. I come to love her characters, and then I just get lost in their journeys.
Bottom line: sweet but deep middle grade about friendship, family and standing up for one’s beliefs.
As a Hobbs’ fan, I’ve noticed that many of her books contain similar themes: a character who must overcome a fear or belief to make a change in his/her world, economic hardship, a shift in family relationships, and a wise, older mentor/teacher/relative who is never preachy but acts as a Socratic guide to help a younger character solve a problem. However, each of Ms. Hobbs’ books is unique and peppered with characters we come to love. Minnie is no exception. Ms. March is one of my favorite fictional teachers ever. Then we get this shell-shocked Iraq war veteran whose every line is wise. Finally, there is Minnie’s new best-friend, Amira, the child of Middle Eastern Muslim immigrants, a modestly dressed, bold-hearted foil for self-conscious Minnie. Hobbs treats her characters and her settings with care. She doesn’t imbue them with stereotypes. She makes them come alive, and this is why I love her books. I come to love her characters, and then I just get lost in their journeys.
Bottom line: sweet but deep middle grade about friendship, family and standing up for one’s beliefs.
December 8, 2016
Minnie McClary Speaks Her Mind is a novel by Emma Mills. This story is about a sixth-grade girl named Minnie McClary, who lives with her Mom, Dad, brother Dylan, and her crazy Uncle Bill. Minnie moves to Mojave Middle School at the start of the school year. She also gets a new English teacher named Miss Marks. Minnie then met her very first friend in Mojave, her name is Amiri, and she moved from Iraq, to America. The parents of most of the students and some of the school board realize they don’t like Miss Marks, because they think she is a bad influence to the kids; with a nose piercing, 7 earings in each ear, and “non-appropriate” (to the school board president) clothing. Miss Marks makes the student write in their journals everyday, and that’s where Minnie started to get her bravery from. The Mojave school board had an open meeting for Miss Marks getting fired. Minnie was brave enough to go up in front of everyone and tell what she had on her mind, about Miss Marks. She said that Miss Marks doesn’t deserve to get fired, because she taught the class and Minnie so much. The next day Miss Marks wasn’t at school, because they fired her, but a week later, she came back, because someone wrote about Minnie talking in front of the whole community, in the newspaper. And finally Minnie’s uncle moved out of Minnie’s basement, to go and explore what the world had to offer.
I thought this book was good, but it was to simple. The book was so easy for me, I didn’t realize how easy the book was at first. However, I did like the culture diversity that was in the book. And I also liked how the Miss Marks ends up coming back at the end of the story.
I recommend this book to a younger audience, that likes books about friendship.
August 30, 2012
A moving story about an amazing teacher. Miss Marks is controversial, she doesn't follow the dress code and she introduces her students to big ideas and encourages them to ask difficult questions of both themselves and their environment. Before long a group of parents form a committee to try to get Miss Marks removed from her position.
Minnie has just moved to Mojave Middles School from Pasadena where her father was fired from his job at a law firm for standing up for what he believed was right concerning a staffing situation. Her closest friend is her uncle, a war veteran with PTSD who lives in the basement and spends his time building an attack helicopter. A good student, Minnie admires her teacher, but struggles to complete the assignments as they require her to explore her beliefs and identity. When Minnie looks at herself she finds more questions than answers.
When Miss Marks is put on temporary leave, Minnie stands up at a school board meeting to let the community know just how important her teacher is to her and her fellow 6th grade students. She even makes the newspaper! But is it enough to save Miss Marks's job?
A great story about a teacher who comes along and challenges her students to think for themselves and develop a system of beliefs. A multitude of issues are explored such as the war/PTSD, and prejudice/racism. Key relationships are examined: brother/sister, niece/uncle, parent/child, teacher/student, friends with cultural differences, and student/community. Recommended for grades 6-8.
Minnie has just moved to Mojave Middles School from Pasadena where her father was fired from his job at a law firm for standing up for what he believed was right concerning a staffing situation. Her closest friend is her uncle, a war veteran with PTSD who lives in the basement and spends his time building an attack helicopter. A good student, Minnie admires her teacher, but struggles to complete the assignments as they require her to explore her beliefs and identity. When Minnie looks at herself she finds more questions than answers.
When Miss Marks is put on temporary leave, Minnie stands up at a school board meeting to let the community know just how important her teacher is to her and her fellow 6th grade students. She even makes the newspaper! But is it enough to save Miss Marks's job?
A great story about a teacher who comes along and challenges her students to think for themselves and develop a system of beliefs. A multitude of issues are explored such as the war/PTSD, and prejudice/racism. Key relationships are examined: brother/sister, niece/uncle, parent/child, teacher/student, friends with cultural differences, and student/community. Recommended for grades 6-8.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews