Listen to the Girls

by Chrystal D. Giles

When Calla finds out her favorite teacher has been accused of inappropriate conduct, she decides to take action in this powerful story about growing up and speaking up, about listening to others and learning to listen to yourself. Because the more Calla listens . . . the more she realizes that maybe she has something to say too.

"Important and empowering—this story is a testament to the power of girls supporting one another."—Kate Messner, New York Times bestselling author

What if the truth really is as powerful as it feels?

Calla has always had smart-girl energy. She’s Josiah the track star’s practical younger sister. Charlee and Jacoby’s problem-solving best friend. Attorney Dionne Howard’s model daughter. So it’s nice when someone seems to see her for her, outside of all that. But what if that person is a grown-up who maybe isn’t as trustworthy as Calla thought? Calla’s mom likes to say “Always do what you know is right.” But what if you don’t know what the right thing is?

These are the questions Calla faces on the last day of seventh grade, when she finds out that her favorite teacher has been accused of inappropriate conduct at his old school. Calla doesn’t know what really happened. She does know that people are saying mean things about the girls who have spoken out—and that can’t be right . . . can it? Inspired by her favorite newsblogger, EboniNews (whose motto is Amplify. Connect. Truth. ACT.), Calla has an idea. Can she find a way to ACT?

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Activism

Audible Audio

Published May 5, 2026

About the author

Chrystal D. Giles is a champion for diversity and representation in children’s literature. She made her debut with Take Back the Block, which received multiple starred reviews, was a Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and NPR Best Book, and won the IRA Social Justice Literature Award. Her latest middle-grade novel, Not An Easy Win, received four starred reviews and has been named an ALSC Notable Children's Book. Chrystal lives outside Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband and son.

Chrystal is represented by Elizabeth Bewley at Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc.

Reviews

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 4 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Netgalley

Calla Howard has supportive parents in her mother, an attorney, and her father, and accountant, and even gets along with her older brother, Josiah, who is a track star. She has two best friends, Jacoby and Charlee, and enjoys her classes at her Charlotte, North Carolina middle school, which has had a large investment of money and a new technology focus. At the end of the year, she is surprised to hear that her favorite teacher, Mr. Chavis, supposedly sexually harassed girls at his previous school in Raleigh. This has been posted on the EboniiNews site, and has everyone talking. The comments on the site are often unkind to the girls who made the accusations. Calla is really torn. She hasn't had any problems with Mr. Chavis, but she thinks the girls deserve to be heard. When a cease and desist order from Mr. Chavis' lawyer causes the EboniiNews site to take down the posts, Charlee thinks that they should put the information on the school's "safe" social media site, Connective. Again, Calla isn't sure what to think, but goes along with it. Her brother's girlfriend, Emery, talks about how everyone deserves to be heard, and her comments help the posts go viral. Soon, Listen to the Girls becomes a place for people to discuss topics they have been keeping to themselves, and people find it useful. Calla, however, starts to think more and more about her own interactions with Mr. Chavis, and as she learns more about how predators groom their victims, realizes that it's very similar to her interactions with "Chav". Her parents have her working at her father's office, going through applications that small businesses have sent in to apply for accounting help, and EboniiNews is one of the applicants. Calla feels emboldened after talking to the owner, and comes up with a plan. She is smart enough to go to her parents with the information first, and shares a letter with them that she wants to send to the local school board after the police investigation determines that while Mr. Chavis' might have engaged in inappropriate grooming behavior, his actions never crossed over the line into criminal behavior. Her parents help her with the process and support her as she deals with the aftermath of her experiences.
Strengths: Giles does an impressive job of showing both sides of this issue, which wasn't an easy thing to do. I very much appreciated that Calla had involved parents, and loved that her brother and his girlfriend would occasionally hang out with Calla. There are some great scenes of family life with meals and even a vacation. I'd love to see a lot more of that in middle grade fiction. Jacoby and Charlee are good friends who are much more interested in social media than Calla is. The slow realization that Calla has about her interactions with Mr. Chavis are completely believable, and will be very instructive to middle school readers. Giles, who also wrote Take Back the Block and Not an Easy Win, does a great job at tackling complex social issues in a way that middle grade readers can understand and learn from.
Weaknesses: It's not a weakness of the book, but I wish that all educators were more careful with how they interact with students so that no students ever feel uncomfortable. Giles cites a statistic that 80% of students report some form of harassment in school; I assume this includes interactions with other students as well. That's horrible. As an educator, this is a hard book to read. While I have, unfortunately, seen instances where teachers and coaches acted inappropriately, and were fired for it, I've also seen situations where students lied and innocent teachers almost lost their jobs.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who were intrigued by Bradley's Fighting Words, Carter's How to Be a Girl in the World, or Booth's Caprice.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A middle grade #MeToo novel about female rage, speaking up and standing up for victims of sexual assault. When seventh grader Calla learns her favorite teacher has been accused of abusing his female students at the last school he taught, she is shocked to learn that everyone seems to be blaming the girls and not taking action against the teacher. Moving, enraging and a powerful example for young girls about the power of speaking up and standing strong. Good on audio and perfect for fans of books like The story of my anger.

[Megan Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book filled with nuanced, complicated characters and a storyline that will keep readers turning the page. Equal parts moving and funny, the story embraces a complicated topic while always being sensitive to the young readers it is intended for. I can’t wait for this book to make its way into the world, and I thank the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy.

[Andrea Beatriz Arango]

As a former middle school teacher, I •love it• when authors write kids who take their time figuring stuff out. Not all young people immediately understand everything! Especially when it comes to complex situations with multiple opposing opinions. Even us adults struggle there too 😩.

And Chrystal shines at this in all her books (check out her previous two!) but I especially appreciated it in LISTEN TO THE GIRLS. Because how *are* you supposed to react to finding out your favorite teacher has been accused of something icky?

Getting to see that slow progression, Calla's dawning realization, is going to be so valuable for kids who are •also• unsure. Who want to listen and be kind, but who simultaneously have a hard time parsing out how they even feel about a situation themselves.

Because life is messy and people contain multitudes and how are you supposed to know what to believe?

Anyways, I'm happy this book exists (sad it has to), and I look forward to witnessing it reach its readers in a few weeks 🤗💐

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chrystal Giles’ Listen to the Girls is a gentle look at the sexual harassment that happens to so many young people and the power they have to speak up and affect change.

Rising 8th grader Calla Howard is a hard-working, people-pleaser from a family of high achievers with friends who “get” her despite their very different personalities. This summer will be a different one for Calla with no academic enrichment camp to attend and so much time to spend with friends and just chill. But an online report that her favorite teacher is being accused of inappropriate behavior toward two girls in his previous district puts a pall on her excitement and leads her to join with besties Jacoby and Charlee in creating an anonymous and safe space for students to share their own experiences when they have felt misunderstood or not believed. Dubbed “Listen to the Girls” in honor of the two students who spoke up but do not seem to be given much credence, the site takes off and further underlines an adult run forum that is forced to remove its reporting on Mr Chavis’ alleged harassment. As Calla reads the posts on their site and talks to the primary journalist who posted the initial report, she begins to examine her own dealings with Mr Chavis and the realization that he had her in the predator stage known as grooming makes her take a stand that may not be well received by anyone-her parents, best friends or those following the story online.

What a great novel filled with affirmation for those who have felt like no one believes their story and encouragement for those who are reluctant to speak theirs. Sexual harassment and predator behavior is everywhere and sadly, many do not realize that what they are experiencing falls into those categories. Giles includes the sad fact that the so-called grooming that is done by a sexual predator is not criminal but goes on to identify the usual steps in that stage and to emphasize the wrongness of these early behaviors. Side plots include Calla’s improved communication with her parents and a strengthening of not only her relationships with Jacoby and Charlee but her older brother as well.

Well-done and important, Listen to the Girls is an easy read and does not come across as preachy or overly instructive. Using Calla’s first person perspective allows her to convey the awkward feelings she has as she remembers things she saw and experienced in Mr Chavis’ classroom as well as show her growing confidence in herself and the rightness of her actions.

Highly recommended for grades 5-9.

*Profanity: none
*Violence: no physical or verbal fighting, but harassment is a form of violence
*Sexual content: none Mr. Chavis’ actions are limited to notes, private asides, and one uninvited touching of a student’s hair; Calla’s brother Si has a girlfriend and they snuggle on the couch and hold hands but no other physical contact is present; Jacoby becomes interested in a classmate but their is no physical contact at all between them.
*Representation: Calla and her family plus friends Armee, Takia, and Charlee are Black; Jacoby’s physical traits are not given but his brother is Emilio so possibly he is Hispanic but who knows? Readers can decide for themselves.
*LBGTQ+: none

Read alikes:
*Maybe He Just Likes You-Barbara Dee
*Fighting Words-Kimberly B Bradley
*Speak (GN and traditional format) Laurie Halse Anderson Note: for older readers as a rape is at the center of this one

[Tiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just excellent. A book all tween girls should read.

[Vanessa Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tbh I’m not sure how I feel about this book. It’s important for sure and I’m glad she highlighted grooming as part of sexual assault/harassment. It’s important for everyone to know the signs of being groomed. For the majority of the book, I felt like some of the content were like fillers or something to meet a word count. It is a middle grade book so I can get why she didn’t go into too much detail and it was age appropriate. The topic was handled beautifully.

[Katy O.]

Review will be published in School Library Journal

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calla's last day of school changes her entire summer. She expects to spend the day with her best friends, saying goodbye to her favorite teacher, and jump-starting the summer break. Instead, a post by her favorite independent journalist sends her reeling. Girls have accused her favorite teacher of sexual harassment at his last school.

Calla doesn't know what to think. Students are whispering, and the other teachers seem distracted. Then comments start appearing on the blog post attacking the girls who spoke up. That isn't right, and Calla and her friends know that when something isn't right, they need to do something. But what if things aren't what they appear? What if by doing something, Calla learns more than she is ready to handle?

This is a much-needed book about the topic of educator sexual harassment. According to research (Grant et al, 2024), 17.4% of young adult respondents to a survey reported that they had experienced educator sexual abuse, the majority of which was verbal. Despite this being something that about 1 in 6 children experiences in K-12, there are very few books about it. This is the first middle grades novel that I've read that addresses this important topic.

This is the middle grades book I desperately needed to read as a child. If I had read it before I met my sexually abusive upper elementary teacher, I would have known what she was doing and how to tell. If I had read it during or after the abuse, I wouldn't have felt as achingly alone. I would have had more words for what I went through.

I am certain this book will save lives. Although that sounds like hyperbole, it's not. Sexual abuse (including sexual harassment) can damage and/or destroy lives. This book can help prevent that.

This book needs to be in every upper elementary and middle school classroom and school library. Sadly, there are children in every school who will need the information this book provides. Plus, it's a fantastic story of family and friends as well.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

-Dr. B, survivor of educator sexual abuse

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advance Reader Copy thanks to Penguin Random House

I am surprised that this is a plot which I haven't read in a juvenile fiction book until now and love how the author, Chrystal D. Giles, approached it! We need more stories like THIS!

The topic of sexual harassment and grooming in the middle grades was laid out in a very clear and appropriate way for the age of students that will be compelled to read this story. I wish I had read it as a young girl and will encourage my own middle schooler to give it a go.

It was so lovely to have a collection of involved and supportive friends and family members in Calla's life. I especially loved the care from her male friend and big brother, in regards to such a sensitive subject.

I listened to the audiobook recording and was very pleased with the narrator's voice for such a youthful character.

I will be recommending Listen to the Girls to readers that have enjoyed books like Not Another Banned Book and Hail Mariam.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You don’t ever have to get comfortable with someone else’s disrespect.”
👂
When seventh grader Calla learns that her favorite teacher has been accused of inappropriate conduct at a previous school, she struggles to make sense of the rumors, accusations, and reactions around her. Determined to find the truth, Calla begins asking questions and listening closely to the people affected. As she learns more, she discovers the importance of speaking up, standing by her values, and finding the courage to use her own voice.
🗣️
Despite tackling complex and difficult subject matter, this middle grade novel handles it with remarkable care, nuance, and sensitivity. It doesn't shy away from the realities that young people may face, but presents them in an age-appropriate and thoughtful way that encourages important conversations. This is an especially valuable read for educators, offering insight into issues that are all too real in our schools today.

CW: grooming, bullying, s3xual harassment, emotional abuse, adult/minor relationship

[Binxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley for the E ARC.
It's the last day of seventh grade and Calla is looking forward to a relaxing summer spent with friends. One of her favorite teachers has been accused of sexual harassment at his previous school. Yes, this is an issue book, but it is a well-done issue book. Calla has conflicting emotions: disbelief that Mr. Chavis is guilty and maybe being set up, and believing that victims, especially girls, need to be listened to. Her best friends, parents, brother, and his girlfriend add depth to the story. It is as much about family and friends as it is about the issue. All in all, a good read. Calla's story gives upper-elemental and older students terms for different behaviors found in sexual harassment, including grooming, and an awareness of how to identify those behaviors that unfortunately, kids may experience.

[Lexi (Reads and Riesling) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC.

Wow. I tore through this book! The writing was phenomenal and engaging and matched the age of the characters/target audience perfectly. The author wrote Calla in such a real and grounded way that she felt like any young person you might meet, but she was also wholly unique.

The subject matter is of course not easy, but the author handled it with such care that it felt like it could really lead to some positive conversations. As a 30 year old, even I started to rethink some of my own interactions with teachers in my past and made me realize that maybe I wasn’t being overdramatic, I think this should be a required reading book for all middle schoolers. I really truly loved this book!

[Kim Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

7th grade +

Giles covers a tricky topic that adults in education hear about constantly: grooming. Calla's teacher was definitely oogey. I liked that Calla came from a strong family. They were obviously deeply involved in each other's lives, showing that any adolescent can be preyed upon, regardless of their background. At first, I didn't like the open letter and didn't believe it was realistic, but I changed my mind. Some kids go for drama at all costs. Calla was lucky to have her parents and brother! Si was fantastic!

I won't throw this on a shelf for younger kids to casually pick up. I will add this to my "upper middle grade" list of books for kids who are ready for more mature themes.

[Linda Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chrystal D. Giles is an excellent writer of middle-grade fiction, and she always does a wonderful job of tackling tough issues while presenting an engaging storyline. Listen to the Girls falls right in line with Giles' other novels, Take Back the Block and Not an Easy Win. As with Take Back the Block, Giles is able to give the reader much food for thought by astutely presenting both sides of an issue without bias. I love that about her writing. Young readers will appreciate this story as much as they have with Giles' other books.

[Alysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giles has a gift for taking some of the toughest truths kids face while growing up and transforming them into stories that are both deeply immersive and empowering.
If only we all had this story to turn to when we were younger, the world might be in a better place. Lucky are the readers who will soon have this story to assure them to listen to their guts and to stand up for themselves and each other.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

[Dorothy H. Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

LISTEN TO THE GIRLS captured my full attention from beginning to end. Chrystal's creative and careful word-weaving captures the honesty and courage, Calla, the main character exudes to share her truth about a predatory teacher, lurking between two school districts. Thankfully, Calla, and her two friends, Jacoby and Charlee, create a clever way to spark community action. This book is a great example of what youth empowerment, true friendship, and family really means.

[Jessica Vitalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has a special gift for getting into the heads of her middle grade characters and presenting their challenges in a way that feels true to life, and this book is no exception. Calla is a smart, practical middle schooler who grapples to reconcile her own truths with what she's reading online about one of her favorite teachers. This is an important story that tackles a difficult subject in a wholly age-appropriate manner.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book just leaves you speechless. Listen to the Girls was that book. On one hand I found myself relating to Calla; a young girl who is trying to make sense of the situation she's in. On the other hand I could relate to Calla's mom. There was a moment and a line that I was listening to while cooking dinner and I just burst into tears it brought forth so much emotion. A powerful story that all should read.

Thank you Random House Kids for the gifted copy.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Calla, Giles gives middle-grade students the tools and vocabulary to recognize grooming behaviors. Calla’s journey toward realizing that a trusted teacher’s actions crossed a line, and her determination to prevent him from continuing these behaviors, are authentic and engaging.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books for the electronic ARC.

[Libriar · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Calla has just finished 7th grade at a middle school in Charlotte, NC. As the summer begins, news breaks that one of her favorite teachers had been accused of sexual harassment at his former school. This is an important look at grooming, told in an interesting and engaging way. ARC courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. I think the subject matter was handled well for this age group, I like the main character, I loved the brother and their sibling relationship, I liked that both parents are there and supportive. It's a good one.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen to the Girls is very well-written and I immediately loved the main character, Calla. Calla experiences something at school that she has little understanding of, and learns a lot about herself and speaking her truth. It is a tough topic all around, and I believe the author handled it well.

[Chari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an important conversation we need to have with our youth…about consent, grooming, and following your gut instincts. Similar to Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee in that it is all told in an age appropriate way. Highly recommend.

[Danielle Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5⭐️ - this is such an important book, especially for MG preteens & teens, so that they understand what grooming looks like and how to have the courage to speak up!

[Shakirah Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An authentic and emotional exploration of a girl navigating sexual harassment and potential grooming by a trusted teacher. This isn't just a book for children, but also a vital guide for parents and educators on how to support young people in these situations. A must-read for all.

[Bridie]

Ok really important stuff for kids and this might be picky but I wish it was more focused on restorative justice lol BUT I guess that’s not the kid’s responsibility and not the point of the book

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very timely. A poignant and lovingly rendered reminder of the importance of speaking out and speaking up about painful truths. My thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

[Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my third or fourth written by this author and she knows how to handle difficult subjects for kids. I absolutely loved this.

[Lauren | TransportedLFL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Random House Kids for the free book. These opinions are my own.

This is an incredibly powerful book on an important topic about inappropriate behavior in a school. Seventh grader Calla learns that her favorite teacher has been put on leave because of allegations by girls at the school where he used to teach.

Along with her friends, Calla has to navigate how people talk about girls who come forward, where the line is for teachers, and what it means to be brave enough to speak up. It felt all too believable throughout.

I appreciated that the story ended with resources and clear definitions of consent and what adults should not ever do. I recommend that this is one where kids should be having conversations about it with trusted adults, rather than only reading on their own.