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Tear This Down
From Barbara Dee, the critically acclaimed author of Maybe He Just Likes You, comes an “empowering” (Booklist) middle grade novel about a girl who makes the choice to speak out against a problematic historical hometown figure no matter the cost—perfect for readers of Dress Coded.
For as long as Freya can remember, she has loved living in her cozy hometown of Wellstone. Not only is the town itself named for local and historical hero Benjamin Wellstone but everything in schools, beaches, and stores. There’s even a giant statue of him to remind everyone of the good things he did.
But while doing research for a big school project, Freya discovers that Benjamin isn’t the big hero everyone has been taught to believe. He had some redeeming qualities, but he also held incredibly problematic views towards women, believing they shouldn’t have the right to vote—or even to exist outside of the home. Disappointed by her revelation, Freya wonders if she could figure out a way to not only show what the hometown hero was really like but replace his statue with one of an unsung local suffragette Octavia Padgett.
Though Freya knows not everyone will agree with her, she is shocked when her efforts cause even bigger issues than she could have imagined. Even her own parents seem uneasy with Freya’s cause. With the help of her beloved Nan, friends new and old, and the coolest librarian she’s ever met, can Freya stand firm and tear down outdated views?
For as long as Freya can remember, she has loved living in her cozy hometown of Wellstone. Not only is the town itself named for local and historical hero Benjamin Wellstone but everything in schools, beaches, and stores. There’s even a giant statue of him to remind everyone of the good things he did.
But while doing research for a big school project, Freya discovers that Benjamin isn’t the big hero everyone has been taught to believe. He had some redeeming qualities, but he also held incredibly problematic views towards women, believing they shouldn’t have the right to vote—or even to exist outside of the home. Disappointed by her revelation, Freya wonders if she could figure out a way to not only show what the hometown hero was really like but replace his statue with one of an unsung local suffragette Octavia Padgett.
Though Freya knows not everyone will agree with her, she is shocked when her efforts cause even bigger issues than she could have imagined. Even her own parents seem uneasy with Freya’s cause. With the help of her beloved Nan, friends new and old, and the coolest librarian she’s ever met, can Freya stand firm and tear down outdated views?
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2025
14 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 25, 2025
Asking questions, utilizing research skills, incorporating your village/ community, standing up for what you believe in, activism, gender stereotypes and fighting for women’s rights are all at the forefront of Barbara Dee’s upcoming middle grade novel called Tear This Down. Like her other works, this book is filled with opportunities for discussion and growth. It will provide middle grade readers of all ages the chance to dig deep and determine what actions they want to take in their own lives. The writing is gripping and flows so that readers will turn the pages eagerly. Freya is a main character who readers will both relate to and learn from, and I for one am glad she came into my life with this particular story and experiences at this particular moment! Get your hands on a copy when it releases in February 2025!
So glad I was the first reader in the LitReviewCrew to receive our advanced copy! Thanks!
So glad I was the first reader in the LitReviewCrew to receive our advanced copy! Thanks!
September 9, 2024
“As long as we walk together, I know in my bones that one day we will win.”
🧵
Freya loves her small town of Wellstone. She may not have many friends because of her tendency to always say what’s on her mind, regardless of what anyone says. When a social studies project has her researching Benjamin Wellstone, the town founder, she learns that while he was an abolitionist, he also had many problematic thoughts on women and their right to vote. This spurs Freya into research mode. With the help of her new friend and awesome librarian they learn about suffragists, particularly local Octavia Padgett. Wanting to tear down the town statue of Wellstone and replace it with one of Padgett, Freya is met with obstacle after obstacle in her quest to right the wrongs of the past. Can she stay firm in her convictions when it seems like everyone is against her fight?
🪡
@barbaradee is a GIFT to the MG community! This book has my whole heart. From topics such as research skills, utilizing your local librarian, activism, feminism, challenging gender stereotypes and fighting for women’s rights—I couldn’t want more from a middle grade novel. All Dee’s books focus on a particular issue our youth need to learn about and be able to discuss freely. This one knocked it out of the park. Grab it for your classroom and school library when it releases February 2025.
CW: dementia, misogyny, sexism
🧵
Freya loves her small town of Wellstone. She may not have many friends because of her tendency to always say what’s on her mind, regardless of what anyone says. When a social studies project has her researching Benjamin Wellstone, the town founder, she learns that while he was an abolitionist, he also had many problematic thoughts on women and their right to vote. This spurs Freya into research mode. With the help of her new friend and awesome librarian they learn about suffragists, particularly local Octavia Padgett. Wanting to tear down the town statue of Wellstone and replace it with one of Padgett, Freya is met with obstacle after obstacle in her quest to right the wrongs of the past. Can she stay firm in her convictions when it seems like everyone is against her fight?
🪡
@barbaradee is a GIFT to the MG community! This book has my whole heart. From topics such as research skills, utilizing your local librarian, activism, feminism, challenging gender stereotypes and fighting for women’s rights—I couldn’t want more from a middle grade novel. All Dee’s books focus on a particular issue our youth need to learn about and be able to discuss freely. This one knocked it out of the park. Grab it for your classroom and school library when it releases February 2025.
CW: dementia, misogyny, sexism
May 7, 2025
OMG. I literally have NO words. THIS BOOK WAS TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!!! I really enjoyed reading about Elsie because when Audrey was talking to Freya in a mean way, she slapped her. (LOL) Then she said that it was a mosquito, and it was killed. HA HA!! And then, Audrey came to the craft fair and said, "Since when is my little cousin becoming a bad---?" I didn't think that Callie was going to be such a good friend. I still wish there was more of Elsie... LOVE THIS BOOK!! #YOUSHOULDMOSTDEFINITELYREADTHISBOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2024
This book is amazing! I love ❤️Freya’s can do attitude, her loud voice, like mine, and her passion for what’s right! I want my girls to be like her! And my 6th grade students too. Add the quilting connection, and I couldn’t put it down!
April 6, 2025
Another winner from my favorite middle grade author! Freya is spirited, sometimes disagreeable, and real. Loved the friend and family relationships. Very highly recommend!
January 19, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Freya lives in Wellstone, a small, closeknit community where her family has lived for six generations. Her mother is an artist, her father a scientist, and her beloved Nan a local realtor. She often has concerns about issues going on in the world around her, and even tries to run for student council president on the platform of requiring students to do community service, but loses badly. Her friends, Hazel and Liliana, tell her that classmates don't appreciate her approach to addressing problems, but Freya is more concerned with doing what she feels is right. When Mc. Clayton assigns a class project to research a local person of important, Freya chooses the town founder, Benjamin Wellstone, since her cousin Aubrey had challenged her over the summer about "what was so great" about the man. While researching with the help of librarian Mia, Freya finds out that while Wellstone was an abolitionist, he also had multiple writings about why women should not be allowed to vote. Angry and unable to turn in her project, she talks to her teacher and gets an extension, and starts again, focusing on suffragists from the town. She locates one, Olivia Padgett, and has the good idea that the town should take down Wellstone's statue and replace it with one of Padgett. She and Callie, a new student she meets at the library, write an article about it to post on the school website. This gets a lot of comments, both positive and negative, but also results in some pushback from the mayor, who thinks it might adversely affect tourism. To make their displeasure over being taken lightly known, Freya and her friends post signs on the Wellstone statue in the middle of the night before a local festival that say "Tear me down", and are quickly found out. Wanting to be heard, they decide to make a quilt with pictures of the "invisible women" for the Wellstone arts festival. With the help of her mother, their protest peace is finished and received with much more support. The local rotary buys the quilt and donates it for display in the library, and Freya takes the $500 they pay to start a fund to have a statue to Padgett erected opposite Wellstone.
Strengths: There are certainly many historical figures all over the US who have problematic pasts which are often undiscovered. I love the idea of a school project on local history uncovering some of these secrets, and Mr. Clayton suggesting that the students access the resources at the public library instead of relying only on the internet doesn't hurt my feelings, either! Not everything has been digitized, especially some of the more problematic pieces of the past. It was good to see that Freya was passionate about her interests, and that she had several of them, including reading to a woman at a senior facility. Nan is a grandmother who is still working and active, and one who supports her grandmother. Freya's mother has a mother and daughter crafting group, which is a great idea. There's some interesting conversation about whether the group should include Freya's friend Jax, who is a boy, or whether it's okay for there to be safe spaces that are for girls only. Even though they are concerned for her, Freya's friends support her as well. Readers who enjoyed Dee's Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet will be especially interested in this new title.
Weaknesses: I wish that Freya's parents had addressed the reasons that she needed to cause conflict about everything; activism in children is great, but Freya had trouble connecting to her classmates and always seemed angry in a way that didn't seem to make her happy.
What I really think: This is a great choice for readers who enjoy books where the characters have concerns about the world and work to address them will be glad to add this title to a list of social activism books that includes Dimopoulos' Turn the Tide, King's Attack of the Black Rectangles, Shang's The Secret Battle of Evan Pao, or Farr's Margie Kelley Breaks the Dress Code.
Freya lives in Wellstone, a small, closeknit community where her family has lived for six generations. Her mother is an artist, her father a scientist, and her beloved Nan a local realtor. She often has concerns about issues going on in the world around her, and even tries to run for student council president on the platform of requiring students to do community service, but loses badly. Her friends, Hazel and Liliana, tell her that classmates don't appreciate her approach to addressing problems, but Freya is more concerned with doing what she feels is right. When Mc. Clayton assigns a class project to research a local person of important, Freya chooses the town founder, Benjamin Wellstone, since her cousin Aubrey had challenged her over the summer about "what was so great" about the man. While researching with the help of librarian Mia, Freya finds out that while Wellstone was an abolitionist, he also had multiple writings about why women should not be allowed to vote. Angry and unable to turn in her project, she talks to her teacher and gets an extension, and starts again, focusing on suffragists from the town. She locates one, Olivia Padgett, and has the good idea that the town should take down Wellstone's statue and replace it with one of Padgett. She and Callie, a new student she meets at the library, write an article about it to post on the school website. This gets a lot of comments, both positive and negative, but also results in some pushback from the mayor, who thinks it might adversely affect tourism. To make their displeasure over being taken lightly known, Freya and her friends post signs on the Wellstone statue in the middle of the night before a local festival that say "Tear me down", and are quickly found out. Wanting to be heard, they decide to make a quilt with pictures of the "invisible women" for the Wellstone arts festival. With the help of her mother, their protest peace is finished and received with much more support. The local rotary buys the quilt and donates it for display in the library, and Freya takes the $500 they pay to start a fund to have a statue to Padgett erected opposite Wellstone.
Strengths: There are certainly many historical figures all over the US who have problematic pasts which are often undiscovered. I love the idea of a school project on local history uncovering some of these secrets, and Mr. Clayton suggesting that the students access the resources at the public library instead of relying only on the internet doesn't hurt my feelings, either! Not everything has been digitized, especially some of the more problematic pieces of the past. It was good to see that Freya was passionate about her interests, and that she had several of them, including reading to a woman at a senior facility. Nan is a grandmother who is still working and active, and one who supports her grandmother. Freya's mother has a mother and daughter crafting group, which is a great idea. There's some interesting conversation about whether the group should include Freya's friend Jax, who is a boy, or whether it's okay for there to be safe spaces that are for girls only. Even though they are concerned for her, Freya's friends support her as well. Readers who enjoyed Dee's Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet will be especially interested in this new title.
Weaknesses: I wish that Freya's parents had addressed the reasons that she needed to cause conflict about everything; activism in children is great, but Freya had trouble connecting to her classmates and always seemed angry in a way that didn't seem to make her happy.
What I really think: This is a great choice for readers who enjoy books where the characters have concerns about the world and work to address them will be glad to add this title to a list of social activism books that includes Dimopoulos' Turn the Tide, King's Attack of the Black Rectangles, Shang's The Secret Battle of Evan Pao, or Farr's Margie Kelley Breaks the Dress Code.
July 16, 2025
An inspiring middle grade novel about a 7th grader who refuses to do her school history report on one of her town's heroes who actively spoke out against giving women the vote. Instead she researches more into local suffragists with the help of the public librarian and a school friend who has ADHD. I love books like these that teach young readers that their voices matter and standing up for equality and being activists is important and necessary. This was good on audio and a terrific overall book. Highly recommended especially for fans of books like Mountain upside down by Sara Ryan!
February 25, 2025
Barbara Dee is amazing! I ❤️ Freya’s determination to have her voice heard! What an awesome read for young people! Women of history and present who use their voice for positive change should be heard and celebrated!
March 28, 2025
Richie’s Picks: TEAR THIS DOWN by Barbara Dee, Simon & Schuster/Aladdin, February 2025, 304p., ISBN: 978-1-6659-1767-4
“Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to ‘recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.’ To be information literate, then, one needs skills not only in research but in critical thinking.”
– American Library Association, Presidential Committee on Information Literacy
“Hazel touched my arm. ‘We just care about you, Freya. Remember when you ran for Student Council president? The morning they announced Andre won, you ran crying to the bathroom and I had to talk to you for like an hour.’
Liliana nodded. ‘Yeah, and afterward you made us promise never to let you run for anything again.
‘Okay, okay.’ I blew out some air. ‘You definitely don’t need to remind me. But that was a school election. What does that have to do with–’
‘You’re not going to win this fight, Freya,’ Hazel said. ‘It’s like you’re asking the town to get a total makeover, and that’s not going to happen, all right? And we don’t want to see you get hurt–’
‘Again,’ Liliana finished for her.
My throat felt like I’d swallowed a burning torch.
Hazel and Liliana were saying they wanted to protect me, and honestly, I believe them. Although their not being on my side basically guaranteed I’d lose. Again.
And I mean, of course I was glad they agreed that Benjamin Wellstone was horrible about women. But I couldn’t stop this o-question from bubbling up inside me: What’s the point of having this opinion, or any opinion, really, if you just keep it in your head and don’t do anything about it? If you don’t even try?’
Twelve-year-old Freya Stillman has a strong sense of justice and some strong opinions (and strong o[pinion]-questions) about the injustices females have had to endure–time and again–thanks to the rules men endlessly craft that run counter to equal treatment of the sexes.
I love how Freya’s first broadside against sexism involves recounting how every year, every required class read (HOLES; HATCHET; THE WEDNESDAY WARS; THE GIVER, etc.) features a male protagonist: “...I think boys should have to read about girls. We’re half the class, so we should have half the books,” she opines.
Meanwhile, a dead white guy named Benjamin Wellstone, who was a contemporary of Abraham Lincoln, is the namesake of their town. AND their town library. AND their town beach. And even the school Freya attends. He was an abolitionist and a writer with some progressive ideas–except when it came to his blind spot about women and, especially, women’s suffrage.
Critical thinking is an essential aspect of information literacy, and this tale contains important lessons, particularly regarding historical context, relating to information literacy.
TEAR THIS DOWN revolves around the desire of Freya and her new friend Callie to have the town demote Benjamin Wellstone (and his in-town statue), and rename itself for someone less sexist and more deserving. Freya’s efforts in this excellent coming-of-age tale will prompt discussions about getting involved in promoting change, the advisability of employing various strategies for promoting change, AND appreciating positive outcomes—even if they might appear to only be little steps in the right direction.
One particularly interesting issue that arises involves a boy friend (not boyfriend) of Freya’s who wants to become involved in an extracurricular Mother-Daughter crafting group. Is it fair to oppose such a request at the same time that one is seeking to open all sorts of doors that have been traditionally closed to women? Or is there a place for such groups?
TEAR THIS DOWN is a fun story about a middle school student finding her way…and finding a way to make a difference. provides a lot of great information on women’s rights and the suffragist movement. It offers the potential for a strong class read that features a girl protagonist–one who will show others how opening one’s mouth can lead to discomfort (and maybe even to getting grounded by parents), but can also lead to significant, positive change.
As with all books for young people relating to women’s rights, I encourage you to pair this one with the late Karen Blumenthal’s excellent nonfiction gem LET ME PLAY: THE STORY OF TITLE IX: THE LAW THAT CHANGED THE FUTURE OF GIRLS IN AMERICA.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
“Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to ‘recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.’ To be information literate, then, one needs skills not only in research but in critical thinking.”
– American Library Association, Presidential Committee on Information Literacy
“Hazel touched my arm. ‘We just care about you, Freya. Remember when you ran for Student Council president? The morning they announced Andre won, you ran crying to the bathroom and I had to talk to you for like an hour.’
Liliana nodded. ‘Yeah, and afterward you made us promise never to let you run for anything again.
‘Okay, okay.’ I blew out some air. ‘You definitely don’t need to remind me. But that was a school election. What does that have to do with–’
‘You’re not going to win this fight, Freya,’ Hazel said. ‘It’s like you’re asking the town to get a total makeover, and that’s not going to happen, all right? And we don’t want to see you get hurt–’
‘Again,’ Liliana finished for her.
My throat felt like I’d swallowed a burning torch.
Hazel and Liliana were saying they wanted to protect me, and honestly, I believe them. Although their not being on my side basically guaranteed I’d lose. Again.
And I mean, of course I was glad they agreed that Benjamin Wellstone was horrible about women. But I couldn’t stop this o-question from bubbling up inside me: What’s the point of having this opinion, or any opinion, really, if you just keep it in your head and don’t do anything about it? If you don’t even try?’
Twelve-year-old Freya Stillman has a strong sense of justice and some strong opinions (and strong o[pinion]-questions) about the injustices females have had to endure–time and again–thanks to the rules men endlessly craft that run counter to equal treatment of the sexes.
I love how Freya’s first broadside against sexism involves recounting how every year, every required class read (HOLES; HATCHET; THE WEDNESDAY WARS; THE GIVER, etc.) features a male protagonist: “...I think boys should have to read about girls. We’re half the class, so we should have half the books,” she opines.
Meanwhile, a dead white guy named Benjamin Wellstone, who was a contemporary of Abraham Lincoln, is the namesake of their town. AND their town library. AND their town beach. And even the school Freya attends. He was an abolitionist and a writer with some progressive ideas–except when it came to his blind spot about women and, especially, women’s suffrage.
Critical thinking is an essential aspect of information literacy, and this tale contains important lessons, particularly regarding historical context, relating to information literacy.
TEAR THIS DOWN revolves around the desire of Freya and her new friend Callie to have the town demote Benjamin Wellstone (and his in-town statue), and rename itself for someone less sexist and more deserving. Freya’s efforts in this excellent coming-of-age tale will prompt discussions about getting involved in promoting change, the advisability of employing various strategies for promoting change, AND appreciating positive outcomes—even if they might appear to only be little steps in the right direction.
One particularly interesting issue that arises involves a boy friend (not boyfriend) of Freya’s who wants to become involved in an extracurricular Mother-Daughter crafting group. Is it fair to oppose such a request at the same time that one is seeking to open all sorts of doors that have been traditionally closed to women? Or is there a place for such groups?
TEAR THIS DOWN is a fun story about a middle school student finding her way…and finding a way to make a difference. provides a lot of great information on women’s rights and the suffragist movement. It offers the potential for a strong class read that features a girl protagonist–one who will show others how opening one’s mouth can lead to discomfort (and maybe even to getting grounded by parents), but can also lead to significant, positive change.
As with all books for young people relating to women’s rights, I encourage you to pair this one with the late Karen Blumenthal’s excellent nonfiction gem LET ME PLAY: THE STORY OF TITLE IX: THE LAW THAT CHANGED THE FUTURE OF GIRLS IN AMERICA.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
April 8, 2025
One thing I really liked about this story was the way it tackled dealing with the messiness of differing political opinions in a positive way. While the middle school kids (and some grownups, especially online) want to jump to easy solutions and cancel culture, they end up having to wrestle with the fact that not everyone agrees on things and it’s better in the long run to work with others rather than just shutting down any ideas that you don’t like. The theme that really shines through is the world is a messy place with a complicated history, most people aren’t all good or all bad, and making progress requires communication and compromise. It should also give readers hope that change is possible.
But the best part is that the story doesn’t feel preachy. Dee is great at finding that authentic middle grade voice and it really works here. Highly recommended for fans of middle grade realistic fiction.
But the best part is that the story doesn’t feel preachy. Dee is great at finding that authentic middle grade voice and it really works here. Highly recommended for fans of middle grade realistic fiction.
March 25, 2025
A fantastic book that talks about how to address something you're passionate about through activism. Wonderful! Subtopics include appropriate versus inappropriate activism, and resilience through hardships and when things don't go the way you want or plan. It also presents an opportunity to talk about cancel culture and ways to think about productive Solutions that are outside the box and are realistic and considerate. It definitely helps encourage nuanced thinking that can be applied to tricky topics.
February 12, 2025
This book started off really slow for me, and I almost let it go at about 40% in. But then the pace and action picked up and I really enjoyed the remaining 60% of the book. Barbara Dee writes really good middle grade characters, and I think the nuance (of the town's founding father's faults) is really well done. Recommended for upper elementary and middle school readers.
March 21, 2025
Inspiring and thought-provoking story about activism, art, suffrage, and history. The MC felt very authentic and I loved how her perspective evolved.
March 22, 2025
Barbara Dee never disappoints! Freya’s a go-getter who doesn’t give up when obstacles get in her way. Along the way, she learns how to do research and teaches the reader about the women’s suffrage movement. Dee’s books are always in demand in my middle school library, and I’m sure this book will be too.
Read
October 30, 2025
Trigger & Content Warnings
Mentions of the plight of historical suffragists, including their hunger strikes & being force-fed
Mentions of the plight of historical suffragists, including their hunger strikes & being force-fed
March 12, 2025
Lots to explore here, but mainly how to channel outrage into achievable change, by building support and consensus, using each person's talents, and including as many people as possible.
Freya is outraged to discover that her town's big dude was misogynist, even though he was an abolitionist. Her impulsivity and difficulty asking for help/fear of being foiled cause her to repeatedly put her foot wrong, e.g. naming the librarian without checking first, blurting out extreme ideas, alienating people like the mayor who considers herself a feminist but is not about (or able) to tear down the statue of the town's founder.
Liked her exploration of women from the past--we don't know much about them, why?--and tying it to her current relationships with her artistic mother and her outspoken grandmother. The issue of rights for women through the centuries is a big theme--and the idea of gender roles is explored through her freind Jax's desire to be crafty. Freya also learns about judging people too quickly--quiet Callie is a great writer, even though she has ADHD (other kids think she's stuck up, because the lunchroom is too busy for her). Popular class president Andre is actually nice (to her surprise), and supports Jax, and Freya's efforts--and gives her some good advice.
Freya grows so much over the course of this book--still fired up, but more realistic and diplomatic.
Freya is outraged to discover that her town's big dude was misogynist, even though he was an abolitionist. Her impulsivity and difficulty asking for help/fear of being foiled cause her to repeatedly put her foot wrong, e.g. naming the librarian without checking first, blurting out extreme ideas, alienating people like the mayor who considers herself a feminist but is not about (or able) to tear down the statue of the town's founder.
Liked her exploration of women from the past--we don't know much about them, why?--and tying it to her current relationships with her artistic mother and her outspoken grandmother. The issue of rights for women through the centuries is a big theme--and the idea of gender roles is explored through her freind Jax's desire to be crafty. Freya also learns about judging people too quickly--quiet Callie is a great writer, even though she has ADHD (other kids think she's stuck up, because the lunchroom is too busy for her). Popular class president Andre is actually nice (to her surprise), and supports Jax, and Freya's efforts--and gives her some good advice.
Freya grows so much over the course of this book--still fired up, but more realistic and diplomatic.
December 26, 2024
Tear This Down by Barbara Dee is going on my ‘top books of the year’ list. This middle grade novel Is about a young girl who makes the choice to speak out against a problematic historical hometown figure, no matter the cost. Honestly, I was IN this book from the first page to the last. It felt like it was written just for me, both my inner child and the adult I am today. From celebrating the o-questions inside to questioning my own local history of the stories that are told and those that are not, this book made me think, made me question and made me celebrate our own inner curiosities, the teachers and librarians that cultivate them and the people in our lives who truly see us. You must add this to your TBR.
March 1, 2025
I loved this book! Barbara Dee does not disappoint. She took a relevant topic that students have definitely heard of and made it accessible and relevant to middle schoolers. As always she does a fabulous job tying in those real middle school feelings! My students are going to love this one!
January 13, 2025
Oh, how I loved this book. Freya is so extraordinary - I love that she’s unapologetically loud, asks questions, and owns her actions and mistakes. This is such a great story that demonstrates how change can happen on smaller scales - and how to make your voice heard in ways that make a difference. So empowering!
December 29, 2024
Finished Tear This Down this morning! Loved it so much. A powerful book about standing up for what you believe in and making change in a positive way. MG kids and beyond will be inspired to learn about their own local “heroes”, spend time in their libraries, and celebrate people who have made a positive impact on others. Readers will also be inspired to follow their own passions, support their friends, and push back against gender stereotypes. Add to your TBR list!!
December 31, 2024
4 stars
As an incoming Barbara Dee fan, I was expecting greatness. I was not disappointed!
Freya is an absolutely charming m.c., here to remind us that while adult voters continue to make grotesquely mind-bending decisions, our best chance for survival as a species may just be in the activism and righting of past wrongs by children, along with the valiant help of local librarians and yet another oft silenced population: elderly women. What happens when all of these folks join forces? Exciting and believable cultural shifts.
In addition to a nicely paced plot and the addressing of numerous cultural issues (without ever getting to the point of FEELING didactic), Dee brings in some intriguing ancillary characters. I especially enjoyed the hilarious interjections of Freya's sibling (and related pets). My one wish for this book was for more exploration of these secondary characters and relationships, but within reason (keeping the genre, length, conventions, etc. in mind).
This was a fun read, and I'm looking forward to recommending it to my college-level children's lit students for the foreseeable future (along with many, many other books by this rightfully celebrated author)!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Aladdin for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
As an incoming Barbara Dee fan, I was expecting greatness. I was not disappointed!
Freya is an absolutely charming m.c., here to remind us that while adult voters continue to make grotesquely mind-bending decisions, our best chance for survival as a species may just be in the activism and righting of past wrongs by children, along with the valiant help of local librarians and yet another oft silenced population: elderly women. What happens when all of these folks join forces? Exciting and believable cultural shifts.
In addition to a nicely paced plot and the addressing of numerous cultural issues (without ever getting to the point of FEELING didactic), Dee brings in some intriguing ancillary characters. I especially enjoyed the hilarious interjections of Freya's sibling (and related pets). My one wish for this book was for more exploration of these secondary characters and relationships, but within reason (keeping the genre, length, conventions, etc. in mind).
This was a fun read, and I'm looking forward to recommending it to my college-level children's lit students for the foreseeable future (along with many, many other books by this rightfully celebrated author)!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Aladdin for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
March 17, 2025
There is a lot about this I really liked, but I'm also disappointed in how realistic it is? I know Freya says she isn't giving up on her goal of getting rid of the Wellstone statue and I liked the quilt. However, in these days where politians are cowering and not fighting, I disliked the overall similar feeling this gave. I KNOW it's different because Freya is 12, but thse are my feelings given the depressing state of the world today. It just didn't feel as empowering as I think it was supposed to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2024
I really enjoyed reading the ARC of “Tear This Down.”As a Canadian, some of the American history might be lost on my middle grade students, but the themes of feminism, suffragettes, and friendship will resonate with my realistic fiction readers. I’ll definitely buy it when it’s released in February 2025!
September 27, 2025
Mock Newbery - this was good! Freya is a character I wish I had in middle school. Think she would be a mirror for a lot of people.
December 16, 2025
I loved this book and how Freya navigated using her voice to enact change!
February 8, 2025
Jeez Louise! There is so much here. The need for research before spreading (possibly false) information, respecting the work that generations before us have done, feminism, and the loud voice that a community has when they come together… this book is a powerhouse combination of important themes, and can (and WILL) be used to bring about very powerful discussion with middle grade readers.
March 18, 2025
audiobook 3.5
August 22, 2024
EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
This middle grade author has another hit on her hands with a story that readers will learn from and enjoy. Freya finds out that her town’s namesake had some negative opinions about women and she wants his statue replaced. I loved how her librarian helped with her research and that she had supportive family members- even when she made mistakes.
This middle grade author has another hit on her hands with a story that readers will learn from and enjoy. Freya finds out that her town’s namesake had some negative opinions about women and she wants his statue replaced. I loved how her librarian helped with her research and that she had supportive family members- even when she made mistakes.
February 19, 2025
"Because if it's history, it needs to be accurate, right?"
Ask questions, start discussing that force to think, reason, do something about it, and never quit. Short chapters and great writing make this relevant educational middle-grade grade easy to read and discuss in a middle-grade book club or classroom. Thought-provoking and essential.
Great characters and moments, the journal entry is one of my favorites: "April 11, 1919. My fifth day in jail, and my fourth of my hunger strike." This is one of the most emotional chapters.
Ask questions, start discussing that force to think, reason, do something about it, and never quit. Short chapters and great writing make this relevant educational middle-grade grade easy to read and discuss in a middle-grade book club or classroom. Thought-provoking and essential.
Great characters and moments, the journal entry is one of my favorites: "April 11, 1919. My fifth day in jail, and my fourth of my hunger strike." This is one of the most emotional chapters.
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