Gabriela Speaks Out

American Girl: Gabriela #2

by Teresa E. Harris

Gabriela's second novel picks up where her first left off. Her BFF may be going to another school, but Gabby is determined to make sixth grade the best year ever! She's even ready to stand up to confident and intimidating Aaliyah Reade-Johnson if she makes fun of Gabby for her stutter. What she isn't ready for is Sixth Grade Initiation--a series of pranks the older kids play on the sixth graders. Gabby could stop the tradition if she wins the school election . . . but Aaliyah is running, too, which means Gabby's chances for victory are slim. Can Gabby find the courage to stand on her own, speak out for change, and do what seems impossible?

Genres: Contemporary, Childrens, Juvenile, Middle Grade

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2017

Reviews

[Lucy Costello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book about self esteem.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really liked this book. I thought it was all very realistic. Everything that happened really could be happening to a middle school kid and I liked how Gabriella got over her problems with grace, stood up for herself and what she believes in and tried to make a difference at the same time. Really was a fan of this years girl of the year. Good job AG.

[Raine Villanueva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gabriela McBride is entering sixth grade at Kelly Middle School, while her best friend Teagan Harmon announced to her that she's going to attend Main Line Tech, but still they are having fun in poetry sessions at Liberty Arts Center with their friends. One day, she saw a flyer where she's applying to become a sixth-grade ambassador of her school, so does her rival classmate Aaliyah Reade-Johnson. She and Aaliyah are going to compete among with a few other students of their school to gain the sixth ambassador title by doing their speeches (Gabriela has speech problems) and challenge their confidences.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up where the first left off, as Gabriela moves into a new school year and starts sixth grade. The story is very realistic, with convincing social dynamics and personal struggles, and there are lots of great messages about seeing past someone's tough exterior to see the pain underneath, advocating for yourself, and advocating for a welcoming community.

Gabriela also continues to explore her interests in dance and poetry, and her friend Isaiah introduces her to some historic Black poets. This is a great book for kids, and is well-developed enough to appeal to adult American Girl fans as well. I'm glad that I finally got around to reading it.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confession: I almost never read or finish the books for my American Girl Book Discussion. This month I had the time and also didn't have discussion questions ready. This books was good. It addressed middle school bullying, hazing (though not using that term), and "finding your voice". Gabriela is a fun character to follow and the poetry she writes is realistic to what a sixth grader would actually write.

[Rachel E. Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another awesome book about a powerful little girl. Gabriela continues to astound in the second book in her series. I loved the story about her trying to use her voice to help others and build bridges. I also enjoyed watching her work through her speak impediment, and how she never let it stop her.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational story about improving oneself and helping those around you.

[Skylar Newbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

REVIEW TO COME

[Elliot]

Genre: realistic fiction, kidlit
Disabled character(s): Gabriella, main character
Disability type: stutter

[unicorn_princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it when I was a kid

[Jessica Arend · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Emma Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I liked this book much better than the first one in the series.

Note: mention of a palm-reader

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awwwww Gabby did it again! I love reading these American Girl books out loud to my daughter and Gabriela's story might be my favorite one yet! Love the dynamic of their family, love her triumphs and wins. I'm hear for YA ya'll, I don't care how old you get! Great book!!

[Stephanie Stefun]

I loved how Gabriela found a way to "speak out" against bullying and initiation at her new middle school, even without her best friend at her side.

Amidst the poetry used in the book, there were a few lines that stood out to me...

"You do belong"
"Different is okay"
Lay those words down
Like a welcome mat

For glorious this world would be
If men stopped burning bridges
And held out their hands instead

Without changing of minds there can be no change.
And that is how history's made.

Let's instead reach out our hands
Build bridges in between
Let's listen to all voices
Let everyone be seen