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Girlcott
From the back cover:
"Even in paradise revolutions can be inconvenient things.
A week ago, Desma Johnson had only two things on her mind. In exactly eight days, she would be sixteen years old. And, to top it off, she was in line for a top scholarship, bringing her one step closer to her dreams. Life was perfect and nothing would get in the way of her birthday plans. But its 1959 and the secret Progressive League has just announced a boycott of all cinemas in Bermuda in order to end racial segregation.
As anxieties around the boycott build, Desma becomes increasingly aware of the racial tensions casting a dire shadow over the island. Neighbours she once thought were friendly and supportive begin to show another side. So, Desma must learn that change is never easy, and even when others expect small things from black girls, she has the right to dream big.
In this startling debut, Florenz Webbe Maxwell takes a little known fact about Caribbean history and weaves an engaging tale that speaks eloquently to the contemporary experience. Girlcott takes you beyond the image of Bermuda as a piece of paradise and charts a narrative of resistance, hope and the importance of fighting for change.
Girlcott won a Burt Award for Caribbean Literature (2016) prize."
"Even in paradise revolutions can be inconvenient things.
A week ago, Desma Johnson had only two things on her mind. In exactly eight days, she would be sixteen years old. And, to top it off, she was in line for a top scholarship, bringing her one step closer to her dreams. Life was perfect and nothing would get in the way of her birthday plans. But its 1959 and the secret Progressive League has just announced a boycott of all cinemas in Bermuda in order to end racial segregation.
As anxieties around the boycott build, Desma becomes increasingly aware of the racial tensions casting a dire shadow over the island. Neighbours she once thought were friendly and supportive begin to show another side. So, Desma must learn that change is never easy, and even when others expect small things from black girls, she has the right to dream big.
In this startling debut, Florenz Webbe Maxwell takes a little known fact about Caribbean history and weaves an engaging tale that speaks eloquently to the contemporary experience. Girlcott takes you beyond the image of Bermuda as a piece of paradise and charts a narrative of resistance, hope and the importance of fighting for change.
Girlcott won a Burt Award for Caribbean Literature (2016) prize."
175 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 10, 2018
I think Girlcott would be extremely accessible to tweens and teens as a path to discussing the history of segregation and the importance on non-violent resistance. Despite the heavy content, the tone of the book is very light and it is a quick, enjoyable read with a strong message. Set in 1959 Bermuda, Girlcott is the story of Desma, a black teen girl planning her 16'th birthday party, complete with a sleepover and trip to the cinema, when an anti-segregation boycott threatens to ruin all her plans. For the first time in her life, Desma begins to understand the realities of segregation and the ways that it affects her family and her community.
Desma is smart, brave, and an eminently relatable teenage heroine. I didn't know anything about the history of segregation in Bermuda and had never heard about this very real cinema boycott, but this was a fascinating introduction. Unlike the United States, Bermudian segregation was de facto and almost invisible to the outside viewer. Yet it affected lives in insidious ways. Girlcott is a celebration of women and of peaceful political resistance. I found it to be both fun and powerful, an apt message for the moment. This would be a great book to put in the hands of young teens, and then watch out to see what they do with it! It is also worth noting that Desma loves math and dreams of becoming an actuary. STEM representation like that is always great to see!
Desma is smart, brave, and an eminently relatable teenage heroine. I didn't know anything about the history of segregation in Bermuda and had never heard about this very real cinema boycott, but this was a fascinating introduction. Unlike the United States, Bermudian segregation was de facto and almost invisible to the outside viewer. Yet it affected lives in insidious ways. Girlcott is a celebration of women and of peaceful political resistance. I found it to be both fun and powerful, an apt message for the moment. This would be a great book to put in the hands of young teens, and then watch out to see what they do with it! It is also worth noting that Desma loves math and dreams of becoming an actuary. STEM representation like that is always great to see!
October 15, 2017
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Actual rating 3.5
The history behind this story is unfortunately more interesting than the story itself. Whilst there are parts of the book that are well fleshed out, like Desma (who I love) and the theatre boycott itself, there was too much that just wasn't explored enough. This is partly because the book is very short (only 175 pages) and there isn't enough room to fully explore the supporting characters.
It's fairly well written and the characters are believable even if some of them are a bit dull, the Johnson's made me so intensely angry and were vivid in their horrific views as were most of the other white characters in this book.
Overall, I found this a relatively enjoyable read, it could have done with being longer to really flesh out the characters but it was brilliant to learn about such an important event in Caribbean history through Desma.
Actual rating 3.5
The history behind this story is unfortunately more interesting than the story itself. Whilst there are parts of the book that are well fleshed out, like Desma (who I love) and the theatre boycott itself, there was too much that just wasn't explored enough. This is partly because the book is very short (only 175 pages) and there isn't enough room to fully explore the supporting characters.
It's fairly well written and the characters are believable even if some of them are a bit dull, the Johnson's made me so intensely angry and were vivid in their horrific views as were most of the other white characters in this book.
Overall, I found this a relatively enjoyable read, it could have done with being longer to really flesh out the characters but it was brilliant to learn about such an important event in Caribbean history through Desma.
September 16, 2017
Between 3.5 and 4. Great themes that are sadly still important today and lost on so many. It's great that this is YA and intended to stir that age group into not simply accepting things as they are, but to really examine and question societal norms, attitudes, laws, etc. The protagonist is well-written and feels authentically sixteen, which is not something that can often be said in YA. The secondary characters could've been a little more fleshed out. Some smaller plot points seemed to have fizzled out without much resolution, but the main plot around the boycott was quite well done. I almost think it could've been a tad longer to tie things up a bit better. This book does an especially great job at highlighting the way we must question everything and not simply let things go if they're not causing an immediate problem for us as individuals. Desma learns to see through fresh eyes and comes to understand that not all is what she assumed, and that sometimes taking a stand is necessary, even if that means sacrificing order.
I received an advance copy from the publisher for an honest review.
I received an advance copy from the publisher for an honest review.
December 2, 2017
Easy and enjoyable read which sheds light on an obscured piece of Caribbean history. But most importantly a reminder to everyone to be anything but a bystander. Desma's voice feels authentic and the dialogue is lively and comical. The characters are also believable just wish we got more of the Wallaces. Although they were an acidic bunch I really enjoyed them. I did this book with a teen book club and it was well-received.
July 4, 2022
A young adult fictional story based on the Theatre Boycott that took place in Bermuda in 1959 as a peaceful protest against segregation.
Reading a young adult historical fiction based in my country is really cool. I've also met the author, before she was an author (at least of this book), and I can confirm that she is an incredible person.
This book definitely reads as young adult, so it's true to the genre, giving reflections that would mimic the thought process of a young person facing these issues.
It was also really cool to hear Bermuda-specific things. Definitely recommend!
Reading a young adult historical fiction based in my country is really cool. I've also met the author, before she was an author (at least of this book), and I can confirm that she is an incredible person.
This book definitely reads as young adult, so it's true to the genre, giving reflections that would mimic the thought process of a young person facing these issues.
It was also really cool to hear Bermuda-specific things. Definitely recommend!
August 19, 2017
OMG! This engaging YA historical fiction novel exceeded my expectations! I was unaware of Bermuda's history of segregation before so Florenz Webbe Maxwell continues to right wrongs!
November 11, 2017
One of my big passions in reading is finding reasonably obscure YA novels, especially diverse ones that also come under the heading of historical fiction. In Girlcott, I found something to satisfy all these needs.
Set in the Bahamas in 1959, Girlcott tells the story of a real-life boycott which was aimed at ending racial segregation. Our main figure in the story is sixteen year old Desma, who is looking forward both to her birthday celebrations and the scholarship which will give her a chance to achieve her dream of becoming qualified as an actuary. But when the mysterious Progressive League announces a boycott of cinemas as a protest against the segregation that negatively impacts the black population, Desma finds her plans derailed in more ways than one.
In some ways, Girlcott is a little frustrating; the politics in the background are intriguing, but Desma, initially anyway, is only concerned about whether her birthday party will go ahead, which irritated me until I remember that she's a teenager so it's quite likely that her feelings would be shared by any other nearly sixteen year old anywhere. Her early self-centredness makes her gradual understanding more effective too, as she quickly learns the significance and necessity of what the Progressive League is doing.
There are some very effective sections in the book. The one which has stuck with me the most since reading concerned Desma and a local white family for whom she had babysat, and who are keen for her to come and work for them as a nanny. Early in the novel, Desma turns down this offer, but has to do so delicately to avoid causing offence, even though it is her who should be affronted by a suggestion that doesn't take into account her potential. It's an eye-opening episode, for both Desma and the reader.
Girlcott is a pretty slight novel - it took me less than a couple of hours to read - but it packs a punch by using real-life but little known events that have topical value even now. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for more varied YA, particularly those with an interest in history.
Set in the Bahamas in 1959, Girlcott tells the story of a real-life boycott which was aimed at ending racial segregation. Our main figure in the story is sixteen year old Desma, who is looking forward both to her birthday celebrations and the scholarship which will give her a chance to achieve her dream of becoming qualified as an actuary. But when the mysterious Progressive League announces a boycott of cinemas as a protest against the segregation that negatively impacts the black population, Desma finds her plans derailed in more ways than one.
In some ways, Girlcott is a little frustrating; the politics in the background are intriguing, but Desma, initially anyway, is only concerned about whether her birthday party will go ahead, which irritated me until I remember that she's a teenager so it's quite likely that her feelings would be shared by any other nearly sixteen year old anywhere. Her early self-centredness makes her gradual understanding more effective too, as she quickly learns the significance and necessity of what the Progressive League is doing.
There are some very effective sections in the book. The one which has stuck with me the most since reading concerned Desma and a local white family for whom she had babysat, and who are keen for her to come and work for them as a nanny. Early in the novel, Desma turns down this offer, but has to do so delicately to avoid causing offence, even though it is her who should be affronted by a suggestion that doesn't take into account her potential. It's an eye-opening episode, for both Desma and the reader.
Girlcott is a pretty slight novel - it took me less than a couple of hours to read - but it packs a punch by using real-life but little known events that have topical value even now. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for more varied YA, particularly those with an interest in history.
November 6, 2017
Was given this book by a Catholic priest who lived in Bermuda. The author is a friend/parishioner. It's a Young Adult book about a theatre boycott in 1959 in Bermuda. The book is fiction - places, characters, and incidents are from the author's imagination, but SEGREGATION was real in Bermuda. Unlike other countries, there was no laws on the book legislating segregation, yet, churches, schools, clubs, the hospitals remained segregated because they were considered private. According to the author, Black Bermudians seemed to know their place and the policy became more powerful than any law. This story is told through a young girl, Desma. She is turning 16 years old and she/family are planning a special party with friends at the theatre/cinema. The boycott* or in her case, "girlcott" is going to replace the party. The story is told well. In some ways, it seems like a world years decades, centuries ago, but it existed and needs to be told. And, Florenz was a librarian. Who doesn't like librarians! The book won 2nd Place in 2016 - Burt Award for Caribbean Literature. The winner of the Burt Award - Dreams Beyond the Shores by Tamika Gibson. *"Boycott is named after an Irishman, Charles Boycott, who tried to evict his tenants over rent. People stopped doing business with him. And, that's how the word 'boycott' came about." (p. 130)
September 8, 2017
Oh goodness, this was such a good and important book.
I can never know what it's like to be a black woman. That's just the nature of life. I will never know how it feels to be looked down on for the color of my skin. To have doors closed in my face. For people to act as if I was not human. But, by reading well-written books by black women about black characters and the struggles they face, I can get a glimpse of what they've gone through.
Girlcott is a stunning example of this. By reading through Desma's experience of learning exactly what racism and segregation mean as she leaves her childhood behind, I got to see her world. I could read about her pain. My heart broke and I wanted to cry, choking on ugly black emotions and my own white guilt. But it's necessary to feel those things. It's necessary to know, even if I can never fully KNOW.
(You know?)
It reminds me why we have to keep fighting for equality. It reminds me why I cannot stay silent and complicit in racism.
In summation, Girlcott was astounding. Well crafted with touching characters waking up to the injustice around them and going through troubled times to make their world a better place. How much more can you ask for in a book?
I can never know what it's like to be a black woman. That's just the nature of life. I will never know how it feels to be looked down on for the color of my skin. To have doors closed in my face. For people to act as if I was not human. But, by reading well-written books by black women about black characters and the struggles they face, I can get a glimpse of what they've gone through.
Girlcott is a stunning example of this. By reading through Desma's experience of learning exactly what racism and segregation mean as she leaves her childhood behind, I got to see her world. I could read about her pain. My heart broke and I wanted to cry, choking on ugly black emotions and my own white guilt. But it's necessary to feel those things. It's necessary to know, even if I can never fully KNOW.
(You know?)
It reminds me why we have to keep fighting for equality. It reminds me why I cannot stay silent and complicit in racism.
In summation, Girlcott was astounding. Well crafted with touching characters waking up to the injustice around them and going through troubled times to make their world a better place. How much more can you ask for in a book?
September 12, 2017
Girlcott
by Florenz Webbe Maxwell
Blue Banyan Books
Blouse & Skirt Books
Historical Fiction , Teens & YA
Pub Date 15 Sep 2017
I am reviewing a copy of Girlcott through Blue Banyan Books/Blouse & Skirt Books and Netgalley:
Just a week and a day ago Desma Johnson had only two things on her mind, in eight days she would be sixteen and she was inline for a top scholarship getting her closer to her dream. But it's 1959 and the Secret Progressive League has announced that they were going to Boycott all cinemas in Bermuda in an effort to end racial segregation.
Desma Johnson is determined to study for the exams so she can go to college and become an actuary.
As the events around the Boycott start building up, racial tension becomes more and more evident.
This book shows us that in the not so distant past, whites and blacks and Bermuda's lived separate, very segregated lives, but Desma the courageous young character in this book is determined to show that she is as worthy as her peers, and deserves a chance to go to college.
I give GirlCott five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
February 23, 2021
This book is so important to Bermuda and I'm so thankful to Mrs. Webbe Maxwell for writing it. It would have been really easy for Mrs. Webbe Maxwell to have her main character be someone in the Progressive Group, organizing the 1959 Theatre Boycott; indeed that would also have been a story worth telling. However, by having the main character be a 15 year old girl, primarily concerned about her birthday party and being able to ride her mobylette, Desma is a character that most Bermudians can relate to. We see the subtleties of segregation through Desma's eyes. The ways that white people invite her to the table, but shoot her down when she dares want more for herself than the scraps they offer is so indicative that Bermuda's racial issues were not quite the same as our neighbors to the West, but always right there under the surface.
July 7, 2017
Excellent read for middle and high school students! Mrs. Maxwell's tale brings to an important moment in Bermuda's history to life through the eyes of (almost) 16 year old Desma, who suddenly and harshly has her eyes open to the racial segregation she's been experiencing her whole life, but did not realize it because it was the 'norm'.
This book should be required reading of ALL children in Bermuda, and is highly recommended for anyone interested in the battle for racial equality in the British colonies and Caribbean.
This book should be required reading of ALL children in Bermuda, and is highly recommended for anyone interested in the battle for racial equality in the British colonies and Caribbean.
September 2, 2017
A coming of age story told in the voice of sixteen-year-old Desma sheds light on desegregation in Bermuda during the year 1959. This story was certainly relatable to students of United States history and particularly poignant during our country's current events. Desma vascillates between a focus on ehr upcoming birthday and the resulting party, her schooling and intended career, and a growing awareness of her place, real and percieved, in the world.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
February 16, 2020
When I was little Mrs. Maxwell came to my school to tell us Bermudian folk tales. I’m so glad she finally wrote her own story. I loved it. It perfectly captures some of the ideals and thoughts of that time. In some ways the mindsets have not changed much. That fear or expectation that black Bermudians be satisfied no matter how raw of a deal they are getting is still present today. Definitely told in Maxwell’s very unique and very Bermudian voice it was a joy to read.
October 21, 2017
Florenz Webbe Maxwell's award-winning historical fiction account of a boycott in the Bahamas is an action-packed, tension-filled story of a teenage girl caught up in the social issues emerging in her country. The author provides information about how the US Civil Rights movement affected the Caribbean in a gripping novel that is a welcome addition to the canon of Caribbean YA fiction.
December 29, 2017
Though this was a young adult read, I thoroughly enjoyed the story based on the Theatre Boycott in Bermuda. As a Bermudian, it was interesting to gain insight about segregation in Bermuda and the dynamics leading up to the Boycott told through the lens of historical fiction.
April 6, 2020
Although this novel is listed as a young adult novel I believe it is a must read for all Bermudians, young and old. I knew very little about the Bermuda Theatre Boycott of 1959 until I read this novel. It is an excellent read. The subject is quite disturbing. We’ve come a long way Bermuda ...
October 25, 2021
Thank you Mrs. Maxwell for writing this important piece of Bermudian history. I enjoyed this book and am grateful for the reality it is based on. This should be essential reading for all young Bermudians.
June 12, 2024
A beautiful quick read from the perspective of a 16 year old about racism in Bermuda. Written in a way that doesn't throw the topic in your face but rather discusses it as it is happening to the protagonist. Definitely worth reading!
August 12, 2025
I have been reading a lot of books from the islands in and around the Caribbean and I have to say this is the best one yet. I felt like all the others I have read I was forcing myself but with this one I enjoyed reading about Desma and her learning about herself and those around her.
Read
November 26, 2025Read the World- Bermuda. I enjoyed this YA book set in Bermuda in1959.. I didn't know much about the history of segregation there so the book was educational for me.
December 3, 2017
This history is important to tell--the rarely told story of race relations in Bermuda. Desma is a character who is full of life so I was interested in her story. Unfortunately the plot was a bit basic--I wanted more, especially from the supporting characters. This novel seems like a good fit for upper elementary or middle grade readers who are interested in history.
(Source: eARC from NetGalley)
(Source: eARC from NetGalley)
September 24, 2017
Despite writing an entire dissertation on Caribbean literature, I'm unfortunately not as well-versed in Caribbean history as I'd like to be. Which is why I had no idea about the historic Bermudian theatre boycott until I stumbled upon this book.
There was a lot that I enjoyed about the book. I loved the protagonist, Desma, and her personality. I thought she was incredibly realistic in that she cared far more about her 16th birthday party than desegregation. Or even that she seemed ignorant about segregation itself, seeming to accept society as it was. She only begins to question things when the white family she babysits for suddenly begins to spit hate towards her because she turned down their job offer, and in lieu of the rumours of the theatre boycott. Desma's gradual understanding of segregation in Bermuda, and the importance of the boycott was also presented realistically. Desma, as a character, had a great character arc.
Unfortunately, everything else in the book that wasn't Desma, or the plot of the theatre boycott, was totally lacking. The characters were underdeveloped, as were various plot points. So when they were resolved, or when Desma interacted with other characters, it felt completely flat and one-dimensional. The dialogue and prose was also quite clumsy, and often felt forced - or even a bit redundant and condescending. Just because it's a kids book, doesn't mean you need to overexplain or talk down to your audience.
All in all, I did enjoy certain things about the book, but the writing, characters, and subplots ultimately hindered much of my enjoyment.
Read a full review of the book here.
There was a lot that I enjoyed about the book. I loved the protagonist, Desma, and her personality. I thought she was incredibly realistic in that she cared far more about her 16th birthday party than desegregation. Or even that she seemed ignorant about segregation itself, seeming to accept society as it was. She only begins to question things when the white family she babysits for suddenly begins to spit hate towards her because she turned down their job offer, and in lieu of the rumours of the theatre boycott. Desma's gradual understanding of segregation in Bermuda, and the importance of the boycott was also presented realistically. Desma, as a character, had a great character arc.
Unfortunately, everything else in the book that wasn't Desma, or the plot of the theatre boycott, was totally lacking. The characters were underdeveloped, as were various plot points. So when they were resolved, or when Desma interacted with other characters, it felt completely flat and one-dimensional. The dialogue and prose was also quite clumsy, and often felt forced - or even a bit redundant and condescending. Just because it's a kids book, doesn't mean you need to overexplain or talk down to your audience.
All in all, I did enjoy certain things about the book, but the writing, characters, and subplots ultimately hindered much of my enjoyment.
Read a full review of the book here.
August 10, 2021
I love when a novel though fictional, still teaches me a thing or two of our Caribbean Countries’ history. Set in Bermuda, the plot of GIRLCOTT reminded me of the saying, “If you don’t stand for something, you could fall for anything.” The main character, Desma showed up and showed our teenagers how you can stand up for what you believe but do do so peacefully and respectfully. Desma, was excited to celebrate her 16th birthday when a cinema boycott due to racial segregation in Bermuda seems set to ruin these plans. The author did a great job of developing a very strong young female teenager who’s driven, motivated and poised to maximize her potential but yet ready to fight for the rights of black people in Bermuda.
I truly enjoyed this story which was a light and easy read and though it was a YA novel, I am happy it taught me a not-too-happy part of Bermuda’s history. Additionally, I am a sucker for some good quotes, and that Mrs. Webbe Maxwell did:
From Desma’s Mom
Quote: “Anger is sometimes more hurtful than the injury that caused it.”
Quote: “God promises a safe landing not a calm passage.”
Quote: “A fool speaks, the wise man listens.”
“Too large a morsel chokes the young”…I irony of this statement from Desma’a mom since they allowed her to work at such a young age, making adult decisions but yet they they were apprehensive about telling her of the struggles of their past since they thing she wasn’t mature enough to handle the gravity of story.
Quote: When spiders’ web unite, they can tie up a lion…
From Desma’s Dad:
Quote: The lion’s power lies in our fear of him.
From Mrs. Burrows:
Quote: Familiarity breeds comtempt
Einstein gave Samuel Woolf (a famous artist) this formula. “If A is success in life, then A = x+y+z. X is work, Y is play and Z is keep your mouth shut.”
Desma’s version: “If A is Girlcott standing up for justice, then A=x+y+z. X is knowledge, Y is integrity and Z is action.
I also learnt the origin of the word boycott: “Boycott” was named after after an Irishman, Charles Boycott, who tried to evict his tenants over rent. People stop doing business with him.
This should be a book on the English Literature curriculum.
I truly enjoyed this story which was a light and easy read and though it was a YA novel, I am happy it taught me a not-too-happy part of Bermuda’s history. Additionally, I am a sucker for some good quotes, and that Mrs. Webbe Maxwell did:
From Desma’s Mom
Quote: “Anger is sometimes more hurtful than the injury that caused it.”
Quote: “God promises a safe landing not a calm passage.”
Quote: “A fool speaks, the wise man listens.”
“Too large a morsel chokes the young”…I irony of this statement from Desma’a mom since they allowed her to work at such a young age, making adult decisions but yet they they were apprehensive about telling her of the struggles of their past since they thing she wasn’t mature enough to handle the gravity of story.
Quote: When spiders’ web unite, they can tie up a lion…
From Desma’s Dad:
Quote: The lion’s power lies in our fear of him.
From Mrs. Burrows:
Quote: Familiarity breeds comtempt
Einstein gave Samuel Woolf (a famous artist) this formula. “If A is success in life, then A = x+y+z. X is work, Y is play and Z is keep your mouth shut.”
Desma’s version: “If A is Girlcott standing up for justice, then A=x+y+z. X is knowledge, Y is integrity and Z is action.
I also learnt the origin of the word boycott: “Boycott” was named after after an Irishman, Charles Boycott, who tried to evict his tenants over rent. People stop doing business with him.
This should be a book on the English Literature curriculum.
March 28, 2018
Girlcott tells the story of the 1959 Theatre Boycott in Bermuda, a grass roots rebellion aimed at ending racial segregation on the island. The highly secretive Progressive Group leads the boycott of the theatre, where blacks and whites have separate seating areas. The loss of business means a huge loss in revenue, but the goals go beyond simple dollars and cents. The idea is to end segregation on this superficially island paradise.
The novel, aimed at young adults, is told through the eyes of heroine Desma Johnson, a 16-year-old feeling the shame of racial segregation for the first time. Desma first sees the boycott as an inconvenience. She had planned her birthday party at the theatre! But in a very short time, this smart and kind-hearted teenager has a very difficult awakening.
Desma learns how racism in Bermuda has kept people down, even in her own family. For the first time, she discovers the tragic story of her own grandfather, who lost everything after doing nothing more than standing up for himself. She herself loses a scholarship that would have allowed her to pay for college when the powers that be decided it cannot go to a black girl. But inspired by events around her, Desma bravely decides to take a stand. She chooses to celebrate her birthday by leading classmates to a Girlcott, joining protesters at the theatre.
Mrs. Maxwell drew on her own experience as a member of the Progressive Group to write Girlcott. I couldn't help cheering on Desma! Super book!
The novel, aimed at young adults, is told through the eyes of heroine Desma Johnson, a 16-year-old feeling the shame of racial segregation for the first time. Desma first sees the boycott as an inconvenience. She had planned her birthday party at the theatre! But in a very short time, this smart and kind-hearted teenager has a very difficult awakening.
Desma learns how racism in Bermuda has kept people down, even in her own family. For the first time, she discovers the tragic story of her own grandfather, who lost everything after doing nothing more than standing up for himself. She herself loses a scholarship that would have allowed her to pay for college when the powers that be decided it cannot go to a black girl. But inspired by events around her, Desma bravely decides to take a stand. She chooses to celebrate her birthday by leading classmates to a Girlcott, joining protesters at the theatre.
Mrs. Maxwell drew on her own experience as a member of the Progressive Group to write Girlcott. I couldn't help cheering on Desma! Super book!
August 25, 2020
Enticing read. It was nice to read about a teenager from a different culture (than mine). Love the main character, she had a strong voice. This book tackled some very important issues like segregation and the civil rights movement, still very relevant nowadays.
January 7, 2026
Reading the world #12
April 11, 2018
Set in 1959 Bermuda, Girlcott is a coming of age story about a 15-(soon-to-be 16) year old whose life is going pretty well. She's about to receive a scholarship with the hopes of going to college to become an actuary and she's planning the best 16th birthday celebration-- except there's going to be a boycott by a secret group for anti-segregation of cinemas, where she plans to take her whole class as part of her plans. The book itself follows Desma including her family, her best friend, Eilleen, her classmates and community. I think Girlcott is a digestible story for teens about segregation, and how common and "accepted" it was to not challenge the oppression for the sake of peace. It does also tackle peaceful resistance and how effective it can be. The book is the perfect type of book that doesn't isn't too heavy to read but still done well to bring across the importance of the issues presented.
It was enlightening to read about the history of segregation in Bermuda especially since it is based on the real Theatre Boycotts.Girlcott highlights women, women in STEM, people of colour who deserve a higher education and the very real effects of segregation.
Desma's family is a great family. Her dad's optimism, hard work, and passion are inspiring; her mom's words of wisdom always had me thinking and Eileen is the amazingly smart, loyal and supportive. The myriad of character personalities really helped to show the various reactions to segregation and to the opportunity to end it.
This would be a great book to put in the hands of young teens. A great book, a great message and a pleasure to read.
It was enlightening to read about the history of segregation in Bermuda especially since it is based on the real Theatre Boycotts.Girlcott highlights women, women in STEM, people of colour who deserve a higher education and the very real effects of segregation.
Desma's family is a great family. Her dad's optimism, hard work, and passion are inspiring; her mom's words of wisdom always had me thinking and Eileen is the amazingly smart, loyal and supportive. The myriad of character personalities really helped to show the various reactions to segregation and to the opportunity to end it.
This would be a great book to put in the hands of young teens. A great book, a great message and a pleasure to read.
July 1, 2018
YA book. Easy to read and drawing n important themes in modern teenage lives. I enjoyed it. I recommended it to my teenage nieces,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews