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Listen to This: Friendship Secrets and First Dances in Middle School
Secrets, rumors, shifting friendships, overbearing parents, and, on top of all that, a first dance—how does anyone survive seventh grade? Told from dual points of view, this novel about two tweens finding their voices and standing up for themselves is for fans of Lisa Yee, Leslie Connor, and Janae Marks.
Lily, Maddie, and Sasha have always been the perfect friendship trio. But this year, everything is changing. Maddie and Sasha made the elite soccer team, and Lily feels that they’re always leaving her behind. And everyone seems to have secrets Maddie, and Sasha, and Lily’s sister, and even Lily herself.
Lily’s classmate Will wishes he had some secrets. After all, his life is already out there for the whole world to hear about, thanks to his dad’s super-popular parenting podcast. And Will hates it, but telling his dad that is harder than the hardest climbing wall at Philly Rocks. Until his dad finally crosses a line, and Will’s not sure he can forgive him.
But maybe when Lily and Will meet, they’ll find just what they someone who will listen.
Lily, Maddie, and Sasha have always been the perfect friendship trio. But this year, everything is changing. Maddie and Sasha made the elite soccer team, and Lily feels that they’re always leaving her behind. And everyone seems to have secrets Maddie, and Sasha, and Lily’s sister, and even Lily herself.
Lily’s classmate Will wishes he had some secrets. After all, his life is already out there for the whole world to hear about, thanks to his dad’s super-popular parenting podcast. And Will hates it, but telling his dad that is harder than the hardest climbing wall at Philly Rocks. Until his dad finally crosses a line, and Will’s not sure he can forgive him.
But maybe when Lily and Will meet, they’ll find just what they someone who will listen.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2024
10 people are currently reading
2709 people want to read
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March 28, 2024
✰ 3 stars ✰
“Being in seventh grade was like climbing a smooth rock face with no safety ropes. Every action mattered. Every choice meant something.”
There are days when I miss my middle school days and then there are definitely days when I don't miss the drama that came in those middle school days. 😅 But, I wouldn't change a minute of it, because every experience shaped the person that I am, the friendships that I made, and the emotions that helped me understand myself better and what I wanted to be and who I wanted to spend my time with. It is these challenges that the two twelve-year-old protagonists of Listen to This face, as they learn what it means about being true to yourself. 🙏🏻
The cover is slightly misleading, as Will and Lily don't really communicate via text as much as I was inclined to believe, but their two respective perspectives reflect well with one another and portray just how hard it is to be twelve-years-old. Ah, 7th grade - just a bit more advanced that sweet sixth grade and on the cusp of exciting eighth grade. Good times, good memories of how so easily the gossip mill can spread secrets and rumors. Honestly, I had forgotten just how hard it is to be a part of a friend group and trying to figure out how to react when someone shares a secret with you, or what to do when maybe you don't like to get along with a friend. 😥 Friendships are tough to make - Lily definitely learns that the hard way when she wants to impress the beautiful Sienna; friendships are even harder to keep when Will doesn't quite understand why his friend Gavin behaves the way that he does. But, that is part of growing up. Learning to make the right choices on your own so that you won't be hurt by the company that you keep.
“Because it should be easier. And in some ways, it is. But that’s only because people are starting to feel more comfortable with who they are.”
I may not have been as invested in the excitement of parties as Lily was, but I do remember how much it stung if your interests didn't align with a classmate that you wanted to impress or being on the outskirts of a secretive pact shared between other girlfriends. I liked how the author explored how Lily experienced an attack of loneliness and an attack of malicious slander, and how she chose to fight for herself and stand her ground. 👍🏻👍🏻 'It was the loneliness of the two people who you thought were your best friends listening to you, but not understanding.' She is a lot tougher than she gave herself credit for, especially carrying not one but two separate burdens that weighed on her heavily. ❤️🩹
“A lie. The easy way out. Because just like on the climbing wall, following a familiar path was easier than risking a new route.”
The growing pains that Will faced was one that I felt was a reflection of the time we're in. It is true that celebrity kids have always struggled with stardom, but with the rise of social media, the popularity of being an influencer with a vlog is a challenge and a lucrative appeal all on its own. It takes a certain level of balance and trust to have a parent give their child unwanted attention on a public platform, which Will certainly struggled with - rightfully so. 'Sometimes, all the embarrassment and the disloyalty did him in.' 😥 It may seem like it is more of a case of bad parenting, but it is something that perhaps, kids nowadays can relate to. I felt for Will and how he felt betrayed by his father's constant need to share all of Will's personal struggles online - made even worse at how some of those moments are intimate precious memories of his mother. I did not blame him for his frustration and anger towards his father for not being taken seriously or even ignoring the fact that he has the right to his privacy. 😟
“I think poetry is about more than just romance. I think it’s about life. All of it. The good, the bad, the ugly. It’s your day put through a sieve so only the really important stuff is left.”
“Basically, it’s life in all caps, no lowercase letters in sight.”
It was cute how Will and Lily's paths eventually crossed; even if it was the classic crusharoo that drew them to each other. But, it was sweet and it felt natural in the way that they were able to be awkward and honest with each other. Twelve is such a dangerous age - an emotional rollercoaster of figuring out what interests you and who interests you - paving the way for a whole other world of experiences. 'And different and new is hard.' 🥺 It can be tough and scary, but trusting in yourself of what you believe to be right for your heart and knowing that you have people in your corner that you trust - it really makes taking the next step all the more rewarding. I felt quite nostalgic while reading it - definitely made for an interesting trip down memory lane. Though, funnily enough, some of the issues about what it means to be a friend and being honest with yourself - still rings true even now for me. 🥲
I do feel that the conclusion was not as fulfilling or rewarding as I would have liked; as much as I appreciated Will taking a stance for himself against his father, it did not feel as resolved as I would have liked. I understand how it does add a bit of realism to the plot - that such matters aren't capable of being resolved so quickly, but I would have liked a bit more closure on that aspect. 😕 But, the way I see it and appreciate it is that at this age, there is always the chance of a possibility of shifting friendships. They'll face their ups and downs - share conflicting interests and even keep secrets hidden. But, that is, after all, a part of growing up. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 And with its simple yet relatable dialogue and storyline, this heartfelt and quite frankly honest middle grade can help those who are facing similar issues, better understand and figure out how best to approach the situation, so that they won't be hurt in the process and help themselves for the better. 🌟
“Being in seventh grade was like climbing a smooth rock face with no safety ropes. Every action mattered. Every choice meant something.”
There are days when I miss my middle school days and then there are definitely days when I don't miss the drama that came in those middle school days. 😅 But, I wouldn't change a minute of it, because every experience shaped the person that I am, the friendships that I made, and the emotions that helped me understand myself better and what I wanted to be and who I wanted to spend my time with. It is these challenges that the two twelve-year-old protagonists of Listen to This face, as they learn what it means about being true to yourself. 🙏🏻
The cover is slightly misleading, as Will and Lily don't really communicate via text as much as I was inclined to believe, but their two respective perspectives reflect well with one another and portray just how hard it is to be twelve-years-old. Ah, 7th grade - just a bit more advanced that sweet sixth grade and on the cusp of exciting eighth grade. Good times, good memories of how so easily the gossip mill can spread secrets and rumors. Honestly, I had forgotten just how hard it is to be a part of a friend group and trying to figure out how to react when someone shares a secret with you, or what to do when maybe you don't like to get along with a friend. 😥 Friendships are tough to make - Lily definitely learns that the hard way when she wants to impress the beautiful Sienna; friendships are even harder to keep when Will doesn't quite understand why his friend Gavin behaves the way that he does. But, that is part of growing up. Learning to make the right choices on your own so that you won't be hurt by the company that you keep.
“Because it should be easier. And in some ways, it is. But that’s only because people are starting to feel more comfortable with who they are.”
I may not have been as invested in the excitement of parties as Lily was, but I do remember how much it stung if your interests didn't align with a classmate that you wanted to impress or being on the outskirts of a secretive pact shared between other girlfriends. I liked how the author explored how Lily experienced an attack of loneliness and an attack of malicious slander, and how she chose to fight for herself and stand her ground. 👍🏻👍🏻 'It was the loneliness of the two people who you thought were your best friends listening to you, but not understanding.' She is a lot tougher than she gave herself credit for, especially carrying not one but two separate burdens that weighed on her heavily. ❤️🩹
“A lie. The easy way out. Because just like on the climbing wall, following a familiar path was easier than risking a new route.”
The growing pains that Will faced was one that I felt was a reflection of the time we're in. It is true that celebrity kids have always struggled with stardom, but with the rise of social media, the popularity of being an influencer with a vlog is a challenge and a lucrative appeal all on its own. It takes a certain level of balance and trust to have a parent give their child unwanted attention on a public platform, which Will certainly struggled with - rightfully so. 'Sometimes, all the embarrassment and the disloyalty did him in.' 😥 It may seem like it is more of a case of bad parenting, but it is something that perhaps, kids nowadays can relate to. I felt for Will and how he felt betrayed by his father's constant need to share all of Will's personal struggles online - made even worse at how some of those moments are intimate precious memories of his mother. I did not blame him for his frustration and anger towards his father for not being taken seriously or even ignoring the fact that he has the right to his privacy. 😟
“I think poetry is about more than just romance. I think it’s about life. All of it. The good, the bad, the ugly. It’s your day put through a sieve so only the really important stuff is left.”
“Basically, it’s life in all caps, no lowercase letters in sight.”
It was cute how Will and Lily's paths eventually crossed; even if it was the classic crusharoo that drew them to each other. But, it was sweet and it felt natural in the way that they were able to be awkward and honest with each other. Twelve is such a dangerous age - an emotional rollercoaster of figuring out what interests you and who interests you - paving the way for a whole other world of experiences. 'And different and new is hard.' 🥺 It can be tough and scary, but trusting in yourself of what you believe to be right for your heart and knowing that you have people in your corner that you trust - it really makes taking the next step all the more rewarding. I felt quite nostalgic while reading it - definitely made for an interesting trip down memory lane. Though, funnily enough, some of the issues about what it means to be a friend and being honest with yourself - still rings true even now for me. 🥲
I do feel that the conclusion was not as fulfilling or rewarding as I would have liked; as much as I appreciated Will taking a stance for himself against his father, it did not feel as resolved as I would have liked. I understand how it does add a bit of realism to the plot - that such matters aren't capable of being resolved so quickly, but I would have liked a bit more closure on that aspect. 😕 But, the way I see it and appreciate it is that at this age, there is always the chance of a possibility of shifting friendships. They'll face their ups and downs - share conflicting interests and even keep secrets hidden. But, that is, after all, a part of growing up. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 And with its simple yet relatable dialogue and storyline, this heartfelt and quite frankly honest middle grade can help those who are facing similar issues, better understand and figure out how best to approach the situation, so that they won't be hurt in the process and help themselves for the better. 🌟
August 8, 2025
As middle grade books go, this one was pretty good about actually solving problems (without being obviously preachy). These are real life problems that kids can go through today, and the characters solve their problems through clear communication. A friend coming out, cheating, friend drama, who likes who, social media -- I like how the author writes how trusted older people helped these young adults figure out how to communicate with each other.
June 30, 2024
What a pointless book. The characters were amazing, that’s the most positive thing about the book. But the resumé was misleading from beginning to bottom. Will and Lily doesn’t talk much until almost the end of the story. The secrets were meh… Will problems with his father and the unforgivable thing happen soooo late !!! Everything was just rushed at the end…. It wasn’t a trash book, but it felt pointless.
March 23, 2024
I enjoyed this one! It really grew on me and I was disappointed when it ended because I wanted to read more of the story. As the mom of a 7th grader, I think this was an accurate representation of middle school. There were a few passages that really resonated with me and I can't wait so share this one with my kids!
I thought the dual POVs between Lily and Will worked so well. I was drawn to both of their stories but especially Will, given the situation of not having much privacy on his dad's podcast and social media. It raises an interesting question about where to draw the line. Although I also am on social media for my book account, I don't share anything personal about my children, that they themselves would be uncomfortable with.
A great realistic fiction that is a quick read and enjoyable! Recommended for ages 9+.
I thought the dual POVs between Lily and Will worked so well. I was drawn to both of their stories but especially Will, given the situation of not having much privacy on his dad's podcast and social media. It raises an interesting question about where to draw the line. Although I also am on social media for my book account, I don't share anything personal about my children, that they themselves would be uncomfortable with.
A great realistic fiction that is a quick read and enjoyable! Recommended for ages 9+.
July 20, 2024
Audiobook. What a spot-on story about middle school drama. It neatly weaves all sorts of misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and hopeful moments into one story. My heart broke for Will and Lilly several times, and I was glad the author gave some focus to the tragedy that has become parents using their kids for follows and likes. If there will be a sequel, I will be buying.
September 6, 2024
(Note: this is a 3.75) This was a very quick read. Even though it was a short book, and it felt a bit rushed at times, I still enjoyed it. I liked how the characters had more than one side to them, and there was growth within the characters. It did feel kind of silly sometimes, but I love a good silly book.
March 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this dual-narrator story about changing friendships in middle school. Maddie feels her tight trio changing when her best friends make a travel team that she doesn’t; Will hates that his dad has a podcast that airs all of his secrets. The two find an unlikely friendship amid changing times in their lives. Good for fifth and sixth graders, I’d say.
January 12, 2025
2.5 stars
November 22, 2025
Cute, sweet, heartfelt story!💕
June 15, 2024
Lily, Maddie and Sasha were three best friends who kept no secrets from the other two. Until this summer, when everything changed. Will, a classmate of the girls is dealing with issues stemming from his mother's untimely death and his father's way of dealing with it by creating a popular podcast of being a single-parent dad to a tweenager. Will's classmates have found the podcast and Will endures much teasing from his supposed best friend.
This was a stand-out book dealing with middle school drama and angst. It was real without going over-the-top. I appreciated how relevant topics were dealt with: bullies, friends growing up and apart, death, anger, and creating and maintaining acceptable boundaries. This book is very appropriate for upper elementary and middle school libraries, but may be have some sensitive topics. Warnings: homosexual relationships (Maddie expresses romantic feelings of a girl she met a summer camp) and language/coarse gestures ("What the hell?" and Will flipping his father off). I think both were handled ver appropriately and realistically. As an educator in a school that houses upper elementary students, this is not off-base as to how kids react and feel. I hope this book gets a chance in libraries - it will strike a chord with many students.
This was a stand-out book dealing with middle school drama and angst. It was real without going over-the-top. I appreciated how relevant topics were dealt with: bullies, friends growing up and apart, death, anger, and creating and maintaining acceptable boundaries. This book is very appropriate for upper elementary and middle school libraries, but may be have some sensitive topics. Warnings: homosexual relationships (Maddie expresses romantic feelings of a girl she met a summer camp) and language/coarse gestures ("What the hell?" and Will flipping his father off). I think both were handled ver appropriately and realistically. As an educator in a school that houses upper elementary students, this is not off-base as to how kids react and feel. I hope this book gets a chance in libraries - it will strike a chord with many students.
April 26, 2024
7th grade isn't easy, not when social circles, friend dynamics, and first crushes get added to the mix. Lily misses her besties Sasha and Maddie when they make an elite soccer team and she doesn't. She gravitates toward Sienna, a super popular girl, but things don't mesh well when Sienna tries to push Lily toward Sienna's childhood friend, Will. Will has moved away from being friends with Sienna because of her pushy ways. His constantly being under public scrutiny because of his dad's Dr. Dad podcast which focuses on all things Will, even sensitive, embarrassing, and awkward moments he doesn't want to share with everyone. His best friend uses sound bytes from the podcast to make stupid videos that make Will even more embarrassed about the podcast. His biggest secret - he really does like Lily and wants to get closer to her, just not Sienna's way. The dual perspective between Lily and Will layers in their own characters and allows them to grow into their own despite all the bumps and secrets along the way. Their voices allow their friends to come into their own, even some of the side characters that don't play a major role. This autonomy for all the characters helps the realistic, middle-school ups and downs feel right on point.
July 16, 2024
Listen to This is a sweet middle grade realistic fiction novel told in alternating points of view. Seventh graders Lily and Will are both experiencing growing pains in their families and friendships. Lily is feeling insecure in her trio of friends after the other two make a select soccer team and start spending a lot of time together without her. She is also frustrated at home where her mother and older sister are constantly arguing about her sister's future. Will is frustrated with his friend who doesn't always act like a friend, Gavin, and the fact that his widowed father shares way too much personal information about him on his podcast Dr. Dad. Blecher taps into adolescent feelings of insecurity and frustration with adults who make decisions without consulting the teens they impact. Secondary characters are developed enough to give them some depth, especially in the case of the novel's token mean girl, Sienna. A sweetly awkward, tentative relationship develops between Lily and Will.
Readers who may be growing up with details of their lives splashed across social media by their parents may relate to Will's struggle with being the subject of his dad's podcast.
Recommended for grades 4-7.
Readers who may be growing up with details of their lives splashed across social media by their parents may relate to Will's struggle with being the subject of his dad's podcast.
Recommended for grades 4-7.
August 10, 2024
I finished this a few days ago and now couldn't even remember what it was about to write a review. Not a good sign.
I do not understand the title, considering that phrase doesn't have any bearing on the plot line. Listen to this makes it sound like you want someone to listen to a playlist or something. A better title might have been Listen to Me as that seems to be Lily and Will's main issue is not being heard. Much of that comes from not speaking up, so they can't really complain about no one listening.
Will's dad is why states across the country are passing laws that children need to be compensated for their parent's blogs and vlogs. What kind of an asshole would post the child's every move and conversation online for everyone to read? Seriously, the kid would be afraid to do anything and would stop talking.
This is also one of those stories I hate where an absolute bully is not held accountable for their actions. Sienna is not a nice person (I'd use stronger language, but she is a child) and slanders Lily to the whole school, but nothing comes of it! Everyone's still bestest best friends in the end which is very unrealistic.
I'll give this three stars because I'm not the target audience and maybe kids would enjoy it more than I.
I do not understand the title, considering that phrase doesn't have any bearing on the plot line. Listen to this makes it sound like you want someone to listen to a playlist or something. A better title might have been Listen to Me as that seems to be Lily and Will's main issue is not being heard. Much of that comes from not speaking up, so they can't really complain about no one listening.
Will's dad is why states across the country are passing laws that children need to be compensated for their parent's blogs and vlogs. What kind of an asshole would post the child's every move and conversation online for everyone to read? Seriously, the kid would be afraid to do anything and would stop talking.
This is also one of those stories I hate where an absolute bully is not held accountable for their actions. Sienna is not a nice person (I'd use stronger language, but she is a child) and slanders Lily to the whole school, but nothing comes of it! Everyone's still bestest best friends in the end which is very unrealistic.
I'll give this three stars because I'm not the target audience and maybe kids would enjoy it more than I.
February 1, 2025
Listen to This is a sweet middle grade realistic fiction novel told in alternating points of view.
Seventh graders Lily and Will are both experiencing growing pains in their families and friendships. Lily is feeling insecure in her trio of friends after the other two make a select soccer team and start spending a lot of time together without her. She is also frustrated at home where her mother and older sister are constantly arguing about her sister's future. Will is frustrated with his friend who doesn't always act like a friend, Gavin, and the fact that his widowed father shares way too much personal information about him on his podcast Dr. Dad.
Blecher taps into adolescent feelings of insecurity and frustration with adults who make decisions without consulting the teens they impact. Secondary characters are developed enough to give them some depth, especially in the case of the novel's token mean girl, Sienna. A sweetly awkward, tentative relationship develops between Lily and Will.
Readers who may be growing up with details of their lives splashed across social media by their parents may relate to Will's struggle with being the subject of his dad's podcast.
Recommended for grades 4-7.
K.M.
School Librarian
Seventh graders Lily and Will are both experiencing growing pains in their families and friendships. Lily is feeling insecure in her trio of friends after the other two make a select soccer team and start spending a lot of time together without her. She is also frustrated at home where her mother and older sister are constantly arguing about her sister's future. Will is frustrated with his friend who doesn't always act like a friend, Gavin, and the fact that his widowed father shares way too much personal information about him on his podcast Dr. Dad.
Blecher taps into adolescent feelings of insecurity and frustration with adults who make decisions without consulting the teens they impact. Secondary characters are developed enough to give them some depth, especially in the case of the novel's token mean girl, Sienna. A sweetly awkward, tentative relationship develops between Lily and Will.
Readers who may be growing up with details of their lives splashed across social media by their parents may relate to Will's struggle with being the subject of his dad's podcast.
Recommended for grades 4-7.
K.M.
School Librarian
July 21, 2024
‘Listen to This' by Jennifer Blecher is a book about two people trying to figure things out in seventh grade.
Lily and Will go to the same school, but have different interests. Lily plays soccer and Will likes to climb. Lily feels like her best friends are drifting away when they make the elite soccer team and she doesn’t. Will struggles with his overbearing father's popular podcast. They meet when a mutual friend tries to get them to go to the school dance. What follows are a series of misunderstandings, accusations and the realization that we all have struggles and things get better when we finally speak and find someone to listen.
The book is told from dual perspectives, allowing readers to see the world through both Lily and Will's eyes. Blecher does a great job of capturing the awkwardness and insecurity of middle school. It felt a bit predictable, but the characters are really good as are the themes of friendship, self-confidence, and finding your voice. I think it’s a good read for middle school readers.
Lily and Will go to the same school, but have different interests. Lily plays soccer and Will likes to climb. Lily feels like her best friends are drifting away when they make the elite soccer team and she doesn’t. Will struggles with his overbearing father's popular podcast. They meet when a mutual friend tries to get them to go to the school dance. What follows are a series of misunderstandings, accusations and the realization that we all have struggles and things get better when we finally speak and find someone to listen.
The book is told from dual perspectives, allowing readers to see the world through both Lily and Will's eyes. Blecher does a great job of capturing the awkwardness and insecurity of middle school. It felt a bit predictable, but the characters are really good as are the themes of friendship, self-confidence, and finding your voice. I think it’s a good read for middle school readers.
December 14, 2024
Lily feels left out with her best friends Maddie and Sasha playing with the elite soccer team; it seems that they rarely have time to spend with her anymore. Plus, Maddie confides a secret to Lily and Lily is in the uncomfortable position of knowing something that Sasha doesn't. Will is just trying to get through seventh grade without being completely embarrassed by his dad's podcast, where his dad way overshares about Will's life. Will doesn't really have friends, and the one person he hangs out with, Gavin, takes some of his dad's podcasts and mashes them together with random videos; Gavin thinks it is hilarious, but Will doesn't. Lily and Will both wonder--will seventh grade be a frienship wasteland forever? Then there is the drama that is Sienna, overtaking both Lily and Will. It feels as though how they handle all of these situations can make or break them for life. Even though nothing terribly unexpected happened, I thoroughly enjoyed watching all of the remembered drama, fear, frustration, and emotional rush of seventh grade play out without having to be a part of it.
August 15, 2024
Literary Merit: 4/5 This character-driven novel is a snapshot of two middle schoolers and some of their thoughts and concerns. It's focus on relationships feels thoughtful and authentic. There isn't much resolution in terms of plot, but that also feels intentional. I enjoyed the themes of advocativing for yourself and consent in regards to social media, I think that both of these were addressed in a way that is accessible for the age group.
Originality: 5/5 This felt like a slice of life anime, which I hadn't encountered as a novel before.
Accuracy: 5/5 Characters felt authentic and were well developed as were their relationships and situations they found themselves in.
Clarity: 5/5 The characters were clear and consistent throughout.
Total: 19/20
Age Range: KR ages 8-12, PW ages 8-12
Originality: 5/5 This felt like a slice of life anime, which I hadn't encountered as a novel before.
Accuracy: 5/5 Characters felt authentic and were well developed as were their relationships and situations they found themselves in.
Clarity: 5/5 The characters were clear and consistent throughout.
Total: 19/20
Age Range: KR ages 8-12, PW ages 8-12
March 15, 2024
I started Listen to This when I had just a few minutes before an appointment, and the story really drew me in from the first chapter. I loved the dual point of view; switching back and forth between Will and Lily was fun. All of the relationships felt authentic -- from the kids to their families and even the school staff.
I especially like that the book felt like just a slice of real life, a week or two in the lives of two middle schoolers, without a MAJOR EVENT or big drama. I feel like tweens and young teens will be able to see themselves in this story and relate to Will, Lily, Gavin, Sienna, or any of the other characters.
(I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
I especially like that the book felt like just a slice of real life, a week or two in the lives of two middle schoolers, without a MAJOR EVENT or big drama. I feel like tweens and young teens will be able to see themselves in this story and relate to Will, Lily, Gavin, Sienna, or any of the other characters.
(I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
November 1, 2025
Lily feels like her friends are ditching her after they both make it onto a soccer team she's not on. Will feels humiliated by his dad's podcast, on which details of his life are shared without permission. When Lily and Will cross paths, they realize that they have found exactly what they need. Someone that will listen.
Overall, I liked the way the story unfolded. Will's part of it is very relevant today with the rise of family vlogging and parents posting vulnerable moments with their children without the consent of the child. I like the way that it was addressed and I also liked how Lily's storyline plays out, and the part that Sienna plays in both of their stories. If you know any middle schoolers who want a book that makes them feel heard, this might be the right one.
Overall, I liked the way the story unfolded. Will's part of it is very relevant today with the rise of family vlogging and parents posting vulnerable moments with their children without the consent of the child. I like the way that it was addressed and I also liked how Lily's storyline plays out, and the part that Sienna plays in both of their stories. If you know any middle schoolers who want a book that makes them feel heard, this might be the right one.
August 13, 2023
Jennifer Blecher's LISTEN TO THIS is a pitch-perfect story about Lily and Will, two seventh graders whose developing crush emerges against their own internal struggles and shifting friend dynamics. The story has spot-on elements of life for today's young teens--competitive sports, social media, and embarrassing parents, to name a few--as seen through the lens of several characters, and an insightful take on how we don't really know what it's like to walk in someone else's shoes. With a well-developed and endearing cast, and unique look at father-son and mother-daughter dynamics, this is an absolute treat of a book. Kids will adore it.
Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC.
Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC.
September 24, 2023
Thank you to #NetGalley, Jennifer Blecher and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Told from duel points of view of Lilly and Will. They are trying to learn not only who they are but also how to stand up for themselves.
Lilly's trio of friends is in trouble when two of them make an elite soccer team but Lilly's not on the team and not in on their new secrets and stories.
Will is tired of his dad sharing all his details on his parenting podcast. He wants secrets and privacy. Telling his Dad to stop though is hard.
A great read on growing up and learning to find your voice.
Told from duel points of view of Lilly and Will. They are trying to learn not only who they are but also how to stand up for themselves.
Lilly's trio of friends is in trouble when two of them make an elite soccer team but Lilly's not on the team and not in on their new secrets and stories.
Will is tired of his dad sharing all his details on his parenting podcast. He wants secrets and privacy. Telling his Dad to stop though is hard.
A great read on growing up and learning to find your voice.
May 3, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I feel like the summary of this book oversold it and that it could have benefitted from being slightly longer. I appreciated that the problems faced by Lily, Sasha, Maddie, and Will were pretty typical for middle schoolers, and I do think a lot of kids will be able relate to them. However, it seemed as if the conflicts were not as deep as they could have been, and were resolved much too quickly. I would have liked there to be a little more for the characters to overcome, in order to more closely mirror a true middle school experience.
I feel like the summary of this book oversold it and that it could have benefitted from being slightly longer. I appreciated that the problems faced by Lily, Sasha, Maddie, and Will were pretty typical for middle schoolers, and I do think a lot of kids will be able relate to them. However, it seemed as if the conflicts were not as deep as they could have been, and were resolved much too quickly. I would have liked there to be a little more for the characters to overcome, in order to more closely mirror a true middle school experience.
August 29, 2023
Middle school can be a tender time of figuring out who we are in relationship to parents, other adults, siblings, and peers. Jennifer Blecher has written a perfectly-paced novel with an effective balance of humor, surprise, and sadness, Lily and Will, the two narrators, are multidimensional kids who are navigating changes around and within themselves with believable successes and mistakes. Preteens will find encouragement and gentle wisdom in Listen to This.
Many, many thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for a free e-copy for review!
Many, many thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for a free e-copy for review!
October 6, 2023
I did enjoy this book although I don't feel like there was much texting/talking/listening between Lily and Will, which leaves me a little disappointed.
I did really like how well Blecher captured the insecurities and social navigating that middle schoolers face. Great friendships and even so-so friendships are explored. I appreciated how both Lily and Will gained the confidence to speak up about their emotions and feelings about the situations they faced.
I received a dARC from the publisher via Netgalley; this is my honest review.
I did really like how well Blecher captured the insecurities and social navigating that middle schoolers face. Great friendships and even so-so friendships are explored. I appreciated how both Lily and Will gained the confidence to speak up about their emotions and feelings about the situations they faced.
I received a dARC from the publisher via Netgalley; this is my honest review.
March 6, 2024
I really wanted to rate this book higher and like it more, but here's where I struggled:
-The title isn't connected to anything in the story. With the cover showing both main characters, I kept expecting them to interact more.
-Nothing major happens. A small hiccup is the middle of the story, which is then easily resolved.
-The ending is very blah. Just when things are looking up... curtain. Is there a sequel coming? Because that would be make sense!
What worked:
-Fairly well developed characters.
-Realistic situations
-Good portrayal of middle school.
A light read.
-The title isn't connected to anything in the story. With the cover showing both main characters, I kept expecting them to interact more.
-Nothing major happens. A small hiccup is the middle of the story, which is then easily resolved.
-The ending is very blah. Just when things are looking up... curtain. Is there a sequel coming? Because that would be make sense!
What worked:
-Fairly well developed characters.
-Realistic situations
-Good portrayal of middle school.
A light read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2024
Lily, Maddie, and Sasha are besties, but hitting grade 7 has made some changes in their friend dynamics. Maddie and Sasha are on the elite soccer team and Lily feels left out. She wages a new friendship with Will, whose single father uses every aspect of us life as fodder for his parenting podcast. Will has been growing more and more embarrassed as he gets older and the anecdotes his dad uses are more personal. Sweet (yet a little idyllic) story for grade 5+ kiddos. Good friendship skills of keeping secrets and confronting issues.
July 8, 2024
So many secrets, crushes, and ups and downs of 7th grade told from dual perspectives, we see Lily dealing with friends who are keeping secrets, and Will having to put up with his dad’s podcasts on raising kids that he hates. Will he ever tell his dad this? Sienna tells Lily that Will has a crush on her. Does he? When Sienna accuses Lily of stealing her necklace, Will has a way of proving that Lily didn’t take it. Will Sienna listen?
August 22, 2023
Jennifer Blecher's emotional insight, tight plotting, and snappy dialogue shine through in this fun, propulsive middle grade story. The alternating voices keep the story moving, and young readers will love the inside look into changing relationships, figuring out who you are in the school ecosystem, and first crushes.
February 17, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC to review
This was a great book that understood the issues of 7th graders so well. When reading this, I thought I was actually in the mind of middle school kids. Will and Lily have two separate journeys that really line up very well with one another and I think any kid who reads this will see their own world reflected back on them.
This was a great book that understood the issues of 7th graders so well. When reading this, I thought I was actually in the mind of middle school kids. Will and Lily have two separate journeys that really line up very well with one another and I think any kid who reads this will see their own world reflected back on them.
March 20, 2024
I really loved Lily and Will's voices. I felt for each of them so much!
I liked that we see real things happening to them and how they are dealing with them.
Middle school is such a tough time trying to fit in and I think Blecher does a great job showcasing this.
A great read for any middle grader who is feeling left out and trying to figure out how to fit in.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.
I liked that we see real things happening to them and how they are dealing with them.
Middle school is such a tough time trying to fit in and I think Blecher does a great job showcasing this.
A great read for any middle grader who is feeling left out and trying to figure out how to fit in.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.
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