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Maeve Mulvaney Has Had Enough
Fourteen-year-old Maeve feels more at home in the pages of her comics and sketchbook than she does in "Nowhereville" (her maybe-not-so-nice nickname for the small Florida town where her family just moved). In the comic-book version of her life, she's a brave superhero who always bests the bad guys. In reality? Not so much.
When a bully at her new school makes her life miserable over her weight (and a sexist teacher defends him), Maeve isn't sure what to do. Her mom thinks she should just cheer up, brush it off, and stay positive. But then Maeve hears from other misfit eighth graders who are also being picked on, and she decides that enough is enough.
Drawing inspiration from her comics, Maeve creates a feminist superhero club, hoping she and her new friends can inspire meaningful change in their community. But it turns out, fighting back without becoming the bully yourself is harder than it seems . . .
This heartfelt and uplifting novel serves as a sweet reminder that heroes are stronger together, that home is where you make it, and that the greatest superpower you have is your voice.
When a bully at her new school makes her life miserable over her weight (and a sexist teacher defends him), Maeve isn't sure what to do. Her mom thinks she should just cheer up, brush it off, and stay positive. But then Maeve hears from other misfit eighth graders who are also being picked on, and she decides that enough is enough.
Drawing inspiration from her comics, Maeve creates a feminist superhero club, hoping she and her new friends can inspire meaningful change in their community. But it turns out, fighting back without becoming the bully yourself is harder than it seems . . .
This heartfelt and uplifting novel serves as a sweet reminder that heroes are stronger together, that home is where you make it, and that the greatest superpower you have is your voice.
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First published April 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 25, 2025
This really dragged up some uncomfortable memories. LOL
July 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this middle grade novel about a fat, anxious, angry girl whose family moves from Vermont to 'Nowhereville' Florida and the group of friends she makes at her new school who together form an activist group to stand up against bullying, sexism, racism and homophobia. There was great anxiety rep, body positivity, student activism and so much more. I also loved that she was into drawing comics and had to learn how to express her feelings to her parents and stand up for herself at school and at home. Highly recommended for fans of books like Tear this down or Same page. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
August 15, 2025
This was such an empowering middle grade novel and sends a really important message about bullying, sexism,… I was outraged so often while reading this book, and it’s sad to realize that the situations occurring in this book 100% also occur in real life.
Overall, this was a great book!
Thank you NetGalley and Holiday House for the e-arc.
Overall, this was a great book!
Thank you NetGalley and Holiday House for the e-arc.
March 1, 2025
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this one. Maeve was such a good character. I really loved seeing her journey here. She grew so much. I also really liked reading about all her relationships. However, I wish everyone had gotten what they deserved in the end. So many people made me SO mad. How are all these adults so goddamn terrible?? (not you, Ms AJ, I love you) But goddamn. So many awful people in this. It did all feel so real and unfair in the most authentic way... I did really enjoy this book overall but I feel like the end could have been a little more fleshed out? It felt like something was missing. Still, this was a great middle grade that I would definitely recommend!
I liked this one. Maeve was such a good character. I really loved seeing her journey here. She grew so much. I also really liked reading about all her relationships. However, I wish everyone had gotten what they deserved in the end. So many people made me SO mad. How are all these adults so goddamn terrible?? (not you, Ms AJ, I love you) But goddamn. So many awful people in this. It did all feel so real and unfair in the most authentic way... I did really enjoy this book overall but I feel like the end could have been a little more fleshed out? It felt like something was missing. Still, this was a great middle grade that I would definitely recommend!
May 10, 2025
Excellent bk about activism, bravery, and standing up for yourself. Maeve starts an activism club to help fight the bullying, sexism, and more at her school.
July 4, 2025
What an inspiring book. I needed it this sad 4th of July. Maeve, I think I’ve had enough too.
February 26, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Maeve moves from Vermont to the south, along with her mother, father, and older brother Thomas when her mother gets a job at a university. She's not happy about any aspect of this move, and lets her family know about it. At a local comic book store, she's excited to see some vintage copies, but has a run in with an unpleasant boy in "a sports ball jacket" who accused her of not being a real fan. Luckily, one of the clerks, Marisol, helps her, and tells her about a local con, Squee Con, in Tampa, which is about two hours away. Her parents aren't thrilled about letting her go, but say they will consider it if she doesn't community service at school. Goodman Middle School isn't the worst place, because she meets the exuberant Daniel, who likes to use Shakespearean slang, as well as Frankie, Cori, and Jamal, who welcome her and share many of her interests. However, the boy from the comic shop, Robbie, continually gives her problem, and his goons are not shy about hurling insults like "you dress like a boy" at Maeve. Frankie, who like Maeve is on the heavier side and proudly identifies as "fat", stands up against the bullying. Maeve joins the service club, but it's run by blonde, thin, and popular Tammy, and her much nicer friend Cecelis, who can't quite stand up against Tammy's more right wing ideas for the service group. Unsatified with the treatment they get and the agenda of the service club, Maeve and her friends break out with their own Super Agitator Squad, advised by sympathetic art teacher Ms. AJ. The group discusses tocix masculinity, sexist dress codes, bullying, and other issues of the current zeitgeist, and help spread the word with an online comic addressing them. Maeve is very passionate about her work, but she runs afoul of the administration and her parents with her methods. How will Maeve find a way to change her school while also staying out of trouble in the unfair culture of her school.
Strengths: This is on trend with current thought on many important social issues, and it's good to see that Maeve and her friends work together to try to change their toxic school environment. There are many areas of interest, like comics, that are not always friendly to women and girls, so exploring that was interesting. It was nice that Maeve found a friend group right away in her new school, as well as some teachers who were supportive. The school counselor was not, but Coach Crowder is realistically complex in his actions. The idea of an online zine was intriguing.
Weaknesses: While I applaud Maeve's enthusiasm and effort, it seemed like she had some underlying issues that made her deeply unhappy. A brief interaction with her mother indicated that these might be the result of some issues with the family dynamics, and I wish she had had some help and support with the move and the bullying, perhaps through therapy.
What I really think: This is a great choice for readers who like new books about social activism, specifically involving sexism, and enoyed Dee's Maybe He Just Likes You and Young's The Prettiest.
Since my budget was cut for next year, and books on social activism don't circulate terribly well in my library, I am debating purchase for now. The culture in the south seems to be rather different than the culture in my Midwestern area.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
Maeve moves from Vermont to the south, along with her mother, father, and older brother Thomas when her mother gets a job at a university. She's not happy about any aspect of this move, and lets her family know about it. At a local comic book store, she's excited to see some vintage copies, but has a run in with an unpleasant boy in "a sports ball jacket" who accused her of not being a real fan. Luckily, one of the clerks, Marisol, helps her, and tells her about a local con, Squee Con, in Tampa, which is about two hours away. Her parents aren't thrilled about letting her go, but say they will consider it if she doesn't community service at school. Goodman Middle School isn't the worst place, because she meets the exuberant Daniel, who likes to use Shakespearean slang, as well as Frankie, Cori, and Jamal, who welcome her and share many of her interests. However, the boy from the comic shop, Robbie, continually gives her problem, and his goons are not shy about hurling insults like "you dress like a boy" at Maeve. Frankie, who like Maeve is on the heavier side and proudly identifies as "fat", stands up against the bullying. Maeve joins the service club, but it's run by blonde, thin, and popular Tammy, and her much nicer friend Cecelis, who can't quite stand up against Tammy's more right wing ideas for the service group. Unsatified with the treatment they get and the agenda of the service club, Maeve and her friends break out with their own Super Agitator Squad, advised by sympathetic art teacher Ms. AJ. The group discusses tocix masculinity, sexist dress codes, bullying, and other issues of the current zeitgeist, and help spread the word with an online comic addressing them. Maeve is very passionate about her work, but she runs afoul of the administration and her parents with her methods. How will Maeve find a way to change her school while also staying out of trouble in the unfair culture of her school.
Strengths: This is on trend with current thought on many important social issues, and it's good to see that Maeve and her friends work together to try to change their toxic school environment. There are many areas of interest, like comics, that are not always friendly to women and girls, so exploring that was interesting. It was nice that Maeve found a friend group right away in her new school, as well as some teachers who were supportive. The school counselor was not, but Coach Crowder is realistically complex in his actions. The idea of an online zine was intriguing.
Weaknesses: While I applaud Maeve's enthusiasm and effort, it seemed like she had some underlying issues that made her deeply unhappy. A brief interaction with her mother indicated that these might be the result of some issues with the family dynamics, and I wish she had had some help and support with the move and the bullying, perhaps through therapy.
What I really think: This is a great choice for readers who like new books about social activism, specifically involving sexism, and enoyed Dee's Maybe He Just Likes You and Young's The Prettiest.
Since my budget was cut for next year, and books on social activism don't circulate terribly well in my library, I am debating purchase for now. The culture in the south seems to be rather different than the culture in my Midwestern area.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
July 24, 2025
Content warning: bullying, sexual assault (not rape), child abuse
Maeve is an eighth graders who tends to let her anxiety run her life, but when her family moves from Burlington, VT to the Gainesville area of Florida, she is forced to learn how to stand up for herself.
For most of the book her parents are horrible people, but they do have a redemption arc. The Florida school Maeve attends is overrun with absolutely horrible teachers and administration. But Maeve and her classmates experience when reporting bullying at school is the sad reality in far too many districts.
I appreciated that Mangan had Maeve stumble as she learned to become an activist. Sometimes the bullied can also be a bully. I hope that this middle grade novel will encourage other kids to speak up, organize, and push back against their school districts.
This print run unfortunately is full of grammatical errors of wrong words being used "call" instead of "hall" and at least at one point mid-paragraph the wrong character name is used.
Maeve is an eighth graders who tends to let her anxiety run her life, but when her family moves from Burlington, VT to the Gainesville area of Florida, she is forced to learn how to stand up for herself.
For most of the book her parents are horrible people, but they do have a redemption arc. The Florida school Maeve attends is overrun with absolutely horrible teachers and administration. But Maeve and her classmates experience when reporting bullying at school is the sad reality in far too many districts.
I appreciated that Mangan had Maeve stumble as she learned to become an activist. Sometimes the bullied can also be a bully. I hope that this middle grade novel will encourage other kids to speak up, organize, and push back against their school districts.
This print run unfortunately is full of grammatical errors of wrong words being used "call" instead of "hall" and at least at one point mid-paragraph the wrong character name is used.
December 26, 2024
I recieved a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.
Maeve didn’t want to move from Burlington to “Nowheresville” FL. But, she’s there now. In a new town, new school. Her first trip to the local comic book store leads to conflict with a local boy who insists that she can’t possibly really know comics…and information about an upcoming convention. Her first day of school leads to connecting with friends…and bullies.
Maeve’s efforts to find a spot, to connect, and to deal with a school where it seems like certain people have a pass and where others are second class citizens, where teachers are a big part of the problem, and in figuring out who to trust will ring true to young readers in this ultimately encouraging novel that gives kids ideas on how they can be activists and use their talents to create change needed in their communities. It’s the kind of books we need now. I’m adding it to my list for my little free library.
Maeve didn’t want to move from Burlington to “Nowheresville” FL. But, she’s there now. In a new town, new school. Her first trip to the local comic book store leads to conflict with a local boy who insists that she can’t possibly really know comics…and information about an upcoming convention. Her first day of school leads to connecting with friends…and bullies.
Maeve’s efforts to find a spot, to connect, and to deal with a school where it seems like certain people have a pass and where others are second class citizens, where teachers are a big part of the problem, and in figuring out who to trust will ring true to young readers in this ultimately encouraging novel that gives kids ideas on how they can be activists and use their talents to create change needed in their communities. It’s the kind of books we need now. I’m adding it to my list for my little free library.
March 13, 2025
Teenager Maeve is less than thrilled with her parents' decision to move to the arse end of nowhere aka a small town in Florida. And their expectation that she should be more cheerful about the move is even more galling!
As an avid comic book reader - and with aspirations to becoming a comic book artist - her first encounter with a fellow student at the local comic book shop is unpromising, but gradually she begins to find her people at school.
Things, though, aren't going to settle that easily. Maeve's attitude to her new home causes friction with her new friends. So, can she persuade them that she really does want to find a means of making a place for herself in her new community?
This is an entertaining story, important in many ways, and Maeve is a relatable and engaging character. Well worth a read!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
As an avid comic book reader - and with aspirations to becoming a comic book artist - her first encounter with a fellow student at the local comic book shop is unpromising, but gradually she begins to find her people at school.
Things, though, aren't going to settle that easily. Maeve's attitude to her new home causes friction with her new friends. So, can she persuade them that she really does want to find a means of making a place for herself in her new community?
This is an entertaining story, important in many ways, and Maeve is a relatable and engaging character. Well worth a read!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
February 11, 2025
4,5 Stars
Fourteen-year-olds are often angry about the world, and they are right.
This book was not for me — it was for my inner child. This is the book I needed when I was fourteen and realised the world was unfair and felt like there was nothing I could do about it. Bullying was the main plot of this story. As an adult, I stopped caring about it at some point. I think this would have stuck with me if I was still a teenager who hasn't grown numb yet.
I hope other young readers find this story and get inspired to change the world for the better, even if it's just something small. And even if they aren't able to, I at least hope they feel a little less alone.
Thank you NetGalley and Holiday House for giving me access to an e-arc for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Fourteen-year-olds are often angry about the world, and they are right.
This book was not for me — it was for my inner child. This is the book I needed when I was fourteen and realised the world was unfair and felt like there was nothing I could do about it. Bullying was the main plot of this story. As an adult, I stopped caring about it at some point. I think this would have stuck with me if I was still a teenager who hasn't grown numb yet.
I hope other young readers find this story and get inspired to change the world for the better, even if it's just something small. And even if they aren't able to, I at least hope they feel a little less alone.
Thank you NetGalley and Holiday House for giving me access to an e-arc for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
August 20, 2025
Maeve did not want to move from Vermont to Florida and nothing she has seen has made her change her mind. Her parents just want her to have a positive attitude and her brother wants her to move on from her sadness, too. Maeve doesn't understand why her brother has moved on from reading comic books--her greatest pleasure is reading and writing comics and illustrating them. Since she isn't athletic and is fat, she feels that this is all she can do. When the bullying at her new school begins, she tries to talk to her parents about it, and then to a sympathetic teacher, but nothing changes. Instead, Maeve decides to take matters into her own hands. Maeve's adventures making friends, combating feelings of inadequacy and confronting bullies by becoming a superhero encourage readers to use their own voice for change and make for an engaging read.
August 24, 2025
There’s so much to love about this upper-middle grade novel. Fat-positive rep! LGBTQ+ rep! Activism! As a mother of an 8th grader, I really appreciated all the layers and relationships in this book. Readers will love getting to know Maeve and her fabulous group of misfit friends who fight back against sexual harassment, homophobia, bullying, and toxic masculinity. MAEVE MULVANEY HAS HAD ENOUGH by Kelly Mangan is sassy. It’s empowering. It’s incredibly relevant. It’s a book that will inspire young people to create and speak up. I jotted down a bazillion favorite lines. This is just one: “Every zine I picked up had a pulse—like the authors had unzipped their chests and shown me everything going on inside their hearts.” Maeve is badass and beautiful. I loved spending time with her and I know readers will too.
October 26, 2025
(Actual rating: 3.5 stars)
This book read easily, aside from the fact that the cover made me expect a black main character rather than the thoroughly European Irish character that we got. This discrepancy did keep from being able to fully immerse in the story. Another unfortunate thing? Maeve's situation and that of the main character in another book that I read more recently have become a little bit entangled in my mind with the more recent read overriding some of my specific thoughts regarding this particular book. I do remember a lot of disappointment from the depiction of the main character's mother and how the family resolved some of the issues. Overall though, I do not think this is a bad book, just one that missed the mark.
This book read easily, aside from the fact that the cover made me expect a black main character rather than the thoroughly European Irish character that we got. This discrepancy did keep from being able to fully immerse in the story. Another unfortunate thing? Maeve's situation and that of the main character in another book that I read more recently have become a little bit entangled in my mind with the more recent read overriding some of my specific thoughts regarding this particular book. I do remember a lot of disappointment from the depiction of the main character's mother and how the family resolved some of the issues. Overall though, I do not think this is a bad book, just one that missed the mark.
Read
November 1, 2024Perfect for fans of DRESS CODED by Carrie Firestone, THE FIRST RULE OF PUNK by Celia Perez and SLOUCH by Christina Wyman.
After 8th grader and practiced complainer Maeve moves from her liberal Vermont hometown to a far-from-liberal Florida community, she learns to use her voice as a vehicle for change by tackling sexism and toxic masculinity through an activism club and hand-drawn, mobilizing comics.
This is an affirming, fat-positive story that sits solidly on the tween shelf...but...I really wanted it to include illustrations/comics, since they're so important to Maeve and play such a critical role in the story. Truly much to love here, but that felt like a missed opportunity.
After 8th grader and practiced complainer Maeve moves from her liberal Vermont hometown to a far-from-liberal Florida community, she learns to use her voice as a vehicle for change by tackling sexism and toxic masculinity through an activism club and hand-drawn, mobilizing comics.
This is an affirming, fat-positive story that sits solidly on the tween shelf...but...I really wanted it to include illustrations/comics, since they're so important to Maeve and play such a critical role in the story. Truly much to love here, but that felt like a missed opportunity.
March 26, 2025
“Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.” —Dolores Huerta
A very enjoyable read about the power of allyship and social activism. Maeve did not want to leave her hometown for a less liberal one, but with her new friends at her side, they form the Super Agitator Squad and decide to tackle issues such as toxic masculinity and sexism. These characters are inspiring and cheer-worthy!
A very enjoyable read about the power of allyship and social activism. Maeve did not want to leave her hometown for a less liberal one, but with her new friends at her side, they form the Super Agitator Squad and decide to tackle issues such as toxic masculinity and sexism. These characters are inspiring and cheer-worthy!
April 11, 2025
First of all thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
14 year old Maeve moves from Vermont to Florida and experiences an extremely toxic environment in her new school. With the help of a great bunch of characters, they fight back against this toxicity.
It’s an empowering read, filled with inspiring quotes and comic book references. As an adult, perhaps I’m not the target market, however it was still a very enjoyable story. I’d definitely recommend it to teens everywhere.
September 11, 2024
I wrote this book to address issues like toxic positivity, toxic masculinity in geek spaces, how to make change, and the fact that none of us are perfect activists, or perfect people. But we all have the ability to make different choices— in how we act, and in how we see.
I hope you’ll enjoy it. ❤️
I hope you’ll enjoy it. ❤️
July 10, 2025
This is spectacular -- great characters, a nuanced look at bullying and at making mistakes and making amends, a fat positive book about big transitions, and a realistic portrayal of family and how they hurt us and support us, oh and comics/geekery/delight in drawing. It's also a really hopeful book about activism and making change, especially when you feel like you don't have power. Loved it.
April 11, 2025
A very good YA book. I think the author captured a teen in turmoil well and fit a coming of age story to a modern setting well.
April 28, 2025
A fantastic read -- Maeve voice is authentic and the frustrations she faces are multi-faceted (with some great support).
May 29, 2025
Loved Maeve’s heart for activism and calling out bullying. The school-based adults were incredibly caricaturish.
July 30, 2025
finding yourself, middle grade, feeling out of place in a new community that is conservative, but then finding your people
November 10, 2025
Maeve Mulvaney Has Had Enough: DNF. Voice/writing style just wasn't quite working for me.
July 1, 2025
I had to take many breaks reading this book, as it brought back so many emotions from ALL my growing-up struggles! Kelly Mangan is so great at building up relatable and lovable characters that it feels like you're in the room with them. But then they're so much stronger and wiser than the young me who would've greatly appreciated this empowering guidance of a book. I learned so much from Maeve and the SAS members and I'm so grateful. Kelly is also an illustrator, so I would love to see some comics in her next book!
September 15, 2025
Kelly has written such a deep, multi-faceted person in Maeve Mulvaney as well as a diverse, grounded, well-developed cast of characters. You see the intense feelings of Maeve on the cover? That's how I felt over and over reading this book. Middle grade kids will see themselves and be inspired. Grown-ups will see themselves and be inspired. I think this could also be an excellent book for tweens/teens and their grown-ups to read together and discuss.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews