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Everything I Know About You
"Misfit Tally is forced to room with queen bee Ava on the seventh grade's extended field trip to Washington, D.C., and discovers several surprising things about her roommate, including the possibility of an eating disorder"--
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 19, 2018
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May 17, 2018
Thanks to the author for providing @kidlitexchange with a review copy of this book!
I will preface this review with the fact that I have a close personal connection to the eating disorder topics addressed in this book, and have read extensively on the topic at times in my life. In addition, I try to read all (or as many as possible!) MG and YA titles that discuss this topic to ensure that the portrayal is 1) accurate and 2) sensitive and 3) non-glamorizing. I am so happy to say that this book hits all three of those in the best middle-grade-way possible, and in addition, addresses the life-long nature of anorexia and purging through exercise rather than a tied-with-a-bow quick fix.
Tally.....oh Tally. She is one of my new favorite middle grade heroines because of her body positive attitude and strong sense of self. She bows to no one, but also realizes her own vulnerabilities, and is willing to admit when she is wrong and apologize to those who deserve it. She EATS food and dresses to her heart's desire and rejects harmful body image and style stereotypes. Her struggles with how to deal with Ava's issues are heartfelt and so so real.
Now for the trip storyline. I *JUST* returned from a middle school bus trip to Washington DC with my daughter and her class, so this story entered my reading life at the exact right time! I connected with every part of the trip, and it brought me right back there - I loved how Dee addressed the rooming issues and social issues, as these are the exact things I witnessed during my time as a chaperone. For anyone who hasn't gone on this trip, please know that this book perfectly nails it.
EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT YOU deserves a place in every middle school library and classroom, and I have already pre-ordered copies for my library and my daughter. As a mom, THIS is the book I want my daughter reading and Tally is the heroine I want her reading about.
Please also go and read Dee's post on Nerdy Book Club on her motivation for this story - it is required reading!
AND if you want another MG on this topic, with a slightly different, but equally good twist, please read THINGS THAT SURPRISE YOU by Jennifer Maschari.
I will preface this review with the fact that I have a close personal connection to the eating disorder topics addressed in this book, and have read extensively on the topic at times in my life. In addition, I try to read all (or as many as possible!) MG and YA titles that discuss this topic to ensure that the portrayal is 1) accurate and 2) sensitive and 3) non-glamorizing. I am so happy to say that this book hits all three of those in the best middle-grade-way possible, and in addition, addresses the life-long nature of anorexia and purging through exercise rather than a tied-with-a-bow quick fix.
Tally.....oh Tally. She is one of my new favorite middle grade heroines because of her body positive attitude and strong sense of self. She bows to no one, but also realizes her own vulnerabilities, and is willing to admit when she is wrong and apologize to those who deserve it. She EATS food and dresses to her heart's desire and rejects harmful body image and style stereotypes. Her struggles with how to deal with Ava's issues are heartfelt and so so real.
Now for the trip storyline. I *JUST* returned from a middle school bus trip to Washington DC with my daughter and her class, so this story entered my reading life at the exact right time! I connected with every part of the trip, and it brought me right back there - I loved how Dee addressed the rooming issues and social issues, as these are the exact things I witnessed during my time as a chaperone. For anyone who hasn't gone on this trip, please know that this book perfectly nails it.
EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT YOU deserves a place in every middle school library and classroom, and I have already pre-ordered copies for my library and my daughter. As a mom, THIS is the book I want my daughter reading and Tally is the heroine I want her reading about.
Please also go and read Dee's post on Nerdy Book Club on her motivation for this story - it is required reading!
AND if you want another MG on this topic, with a slightly different, but equally good twist, please read THINGS THAT SURPRISE YOU by Jennifer Maschari.
Want to read
November 19, 2017A middle grade novel dealing with eating disorders? Sign me up, this is the representation needed in children’s literature.
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January 23, 2021
ah-ha! hello! welcome to the most passive review you’ve ever read.
why hello there. haven't seen you for a while.(wtf) whatever have i been doing these past few days?
well, not reading. at all.
however, i did read this. and i’ve been procrastinating against writing a review because i have no idea what to say.
but here we are. i’ll attemptand probably fail to explain my opinion one this book. i have a feeling this is not going to go well. but.
i really hate the not-like-other-girls-girl trope character, as i’ve quite clearly expressed in my reviews. and the main character in this book is so not-like-other-girls it HURTS.
but that was the only thing that was really inherently bad about this this book. it’s just… there was nothing inherently GOOD about it, either.
so yeah. i’m feeling just… passive. and we’ll close on that note.
tl;dr: i have no strong feels on this book. it was… eh. yeah.
ummmmm yeah. there ya go.
why hello there. haven't seen you for a while.
well, not reading. at all.
however, i did read this. and i’ve been procrastinating against writing a review because i have no idea what to say.
but here we are. i’ll attempt
i really hate the not-like-other-girls-girl trope character, as i’ve quite clearly expressed in my reviews. and the main character in this book is so not-like-other-girls it HURTS.
but that was the only thing that was really inherently bad about this this book. it’s just… there was nothing inherently GOOD about it, either.
so yeah. i’m feeling just… passive. and we’ll close on that note.
tl;dr: i have no strong feels on this book. it was… eh. yeah.
ummmmm yeah. there ya go.
March 28, 2018
Interest Level: 5-8
Have you ever had one of those friends who was always like a mother hen and always took care of everyone and everything? Are you one of those friends? That is Tally Martin. She is always taking care of her best friends Caleb (aka Spider) and her new friend Sonnet. When she finds out about the seventh grade class trip to Washington, DC she is so excited.. that is until she finds out that the teacher over the trip is trying to promote seventh grade unity and is making them room with their enemies. Tally is mortified that she is going to have to room with "clonegirl" Ava Sealy. They have been mortal enemies for so long, how can she be expected to spend three whole days with her? Tally, Ava, Sonnet, Caleb and everyone else on the trip soon finds out that there is more to their classmates than they every imaged. Tally soon finds out that everyone is fighting a secret battle. This book is filled with friendships, fightings, break-ups, make-ups, and even a possible crush comes to light. However, the biggest challenge Tally faces is when she finds out that her roommate may possibly have an eating disorder but she is being blackmailed into not telling anyone, especially Ava's mom. What will Tally do? Will she still have her best friends at the end of this trip, or has her tight reigns finally broken? Will she do the right thing and get her enemy help despite risking an incredibly embarrassing picture coming out? Read this amazing middle school book to see how this plays out.
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Have you ever had one of those friends who was always like a mother hen and always took care of everyone and everything? Are you one of those friends? That is Tally Martin. She is always taking care of her best friends Caleb (aka Spider) and her new friend Sonnet. When she finds out about the seventh grade class trip to Washington, DC she is so excited.. that is until she finds out that the teacher over the trip is trying to promote seventh grade unity and is making them room with their enemies. Tally is mortified that she is going to have to room with "clonegirl" Ava Sealy. They have been mortal enemies for so long, how can she be expected to spend three whole days with her? Tally, Ava, Sonnet, Caleb and everyone else on the trip soon finds out that there is more to their classmates than they every imaged. Tally soon finds out that everyone is fighting a secret battle. This book is filled with friendships, fightings, break-ups, make-ups, and even a possible crush comes to light. However, the biggest challenge Tally faces is when she finds out that her roommate may possibly have an eating disorder but she is being blackmailed into not telling anyone, especially Ava's mom. What will Tally do? Will she still have her best friends at the end of this trip, or has her tight reigns finally broken? Will she do the right thing and get her enemy help despite risking an incredibly embarrassing picture coming out? Read this amazing middle school book to see how this plays out.
Follow me:
Facebook - Laurie’s Library Place - https://www.facebook.com/LauriesLibra...
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Twitter - https://twitter.com/lauriepurser27
Goodreads - Laurie Purser - https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
Blog - Blazer Tales - https://blazertales.weebly.com/
June 14, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from Aladdin and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
This book sheds some much needed light on the too prevalent practices of body shaming and obsessing over body image. Ava and Tally are assigned to the same hotel room on their 7th grade trip to Washington D.C. They could not be more different and their lives are changed from their time together. We view the entire trip through Tally's eyes and remember what it feels like to be in middle school. Because Tally and Ava are rooming together we also get a good look at what Ava's life is like from her compulsive calorie counting and excessive exercising to her controlling mother who once was overweight, but has "turned her life around." One thing I felt this book lacked was a character who was making consistently good food choices. Tally and Ava were way on opposite sides of the spectrum and a happy medium somewhere in the story would give girls some guidance in their diet choices.
This book sheds some much needed light on the too prevalent practices of body shaming and obsessing over body image. Ava and Tally are assigned to the same hotel room on their 7th grade trip to Washington D.C. They could not be more different and their lives are changed from their time together. We view the entire trip through Tally's eyes and remember what it feels like to be in middle school. Because Tally and Ava are rooming together we also get a good look at what Ava's life is like from her compulsive calorie counting and excessive exercising to her controlling mother who once was overweight, but has "turned her life around." One thing I felt this book lacked was a character who was making consistently good food choices. Tally and Ava were way on opposite sides of the spectrum and a happy medium somewhere in the story would give girls some guidance in their diet choices.
January 1, 2018
An important book for tweens and teens! Barbara Dee has a knack for tackling tough topics in MG with grace and even some humor. This book includes authentic middle school voices, and while Ava’s eating disorder is an issue, it’s not the ONLY issue. Main character Tally has always been comfortable in her skin, until being forced to room with Ava on an overnight field trip to Washington DC makes her really look within herself. Tally’s two best friends begin drifting toward other friends and she finds herself unsure of what to do about Ava. Should she tell anyone about Ava’s eating habits? Why is she even worried about Ava? Do people ever really change? I can’t wait to include this book in my classroom library.
June 24, 2018
Tally Martin is headed to Washington, DC for a class trip. Her biggest worries are (1) will her friends avoid being bullied, and (2) will she and her friends have to room with their enemies.
Tally is dismayed to learn that, yes, she and her friends will be assigned roommates outside their comfort zones, but she gradually comes to realize that her friends are able to stand on their own feet without need of help from her and that they can all make new, unexpected friendships.
I loved these characters and how they grew from stretching themselves outside their comfort zones. It's a great story.
Tally is dismayed to learn that, yes, she and her friends will be assigned roommates outside their comfort zones, but she gradually comes to realize that her friends are able to stand on their own feet without need of help from her and that they can all make new, unexpected friendships.
I loved these characters and how they grew from stretching themselves outside their comfort zones. It's a great story.
May 26, 2019
4.5 STARS
Seventh-grader and self-professed outsider Tally should be excited about her class trip to DC, but teachers assigned hotel roommates. Now she’s stuck with Ava, one of the clonegirls, instead of her best friends and fellow bully victims Spider and Sonnet. Over the four day trip, Tally will be challenged about the meaning of friendship, bullying, family and whether to speak out when she suspects Ava of having an eating disorder.
Barbara Dee created a unique character with a distinct voice in Tally. Adopted at birth, she doesn’t look like the rest of her family and is proud to be both adopted and large, unlike the clonegirls who worry about their weight. Very protective of her friends, Tally doesn’t realize her controlling nature is alienating not just her enemies, but also her friends. She also doesn’t see how her judgments and name calling is every bit as bullying as the way others acted last year. Tally expects the worst from Ava and the others and assumes nefarious motives when they treat her kindly. She pushes others away with her words and attitude.
Tween girls will surely see themselves in multiple characters of EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT YOU. Both Tally and Ava are complex with positive and negative attributes. Though an outsider like Tally, I identified and empathized more with Ava, suffering under the pressure of parental expectations and the mental illness of an eating disorder.
***tiny spoiler***
When the teacher told the class Ava was getting treatment for anorexia and would be okay, I cringed. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness at about 10% and the rate of relapse is extremely high. In the Afterward Lee says she had had an eating disorder and should have known better than to have an adult promise everything would be fine. There are ways to reassure kids and be honest at the same time. Additionally, weeks of inpatient eating disorder treatment is only available to the very wealthy, even the best insurance companies usually only cover medical stability and the top tiered policies thirty days, not the seven pound weight gain Ava had.
***end spoiler***
EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT YOU is appropriate for and will be enjoyed by kids of all ages.
Seventh-grader and self-professed outsider Tally should be excited about her class trip to DC, but teachers assigned hotel roommates. Now she’s stuck with Ava, one of the clonegirls, instead of her best friends and fellow bully victims Spider and Sonnet. Over the four day trip, Tally will be challenged about the meaning of friendship, bullying, family and whether to speak out when she suspects Ava of having an eating disorder.
Barbara Dee created a unique character with a distinct voice in Tally. Adopted at birth, she doesn’t look like the rest of her family and is proud to be both adopted and large, unlike the clonegirls who worry about their weight. Very protective of her friends, Tally doesn’t realize her controlling nature is alienating not just her enemies, but also her friends. She also doesn’t see how her judgments and name calling is every bit as bullying as the way others acted last year. Tally expects the worst from Ava and the others and assumes nefarious motives when they treat her kindly. She pushes others away with her words and attitude.
Tween girls will surely see themselves in multiple characters of EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT YOU. Both Tally and Ava are complex with positive and negative attributes. Though an outsider like Tally, I identified and empathized more with Ava, suffering under the pressure of parental expectations and the mental illness of an eating disorder.
***tiny spoiler***
When the teacher told the class Ava was getting treatment for anorexia and would be okay, I cringed. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness at about 10% and the rate of relapse is extremely high. In the Afterward Lee says she had had an eating disorder and should have known better than to have an adult promise everything would be fine. There are ways to reassure kids and be honest at the same time. Additionally, weeks of inpatient eating disorder treatment is only available to the very wealthy, even the best insurance companies usually only cover medical stability and the top tiered policies thirty days, not the seven pound weight gain Ava had.
***end spoiler***
EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT YOU is appropriate for and will be enjoyed by kids of all ages.
April 20, 2018
I received this book as an ARC, so I don't want to give away too many plot details or spoilers, but I do have to include details! I will tag any possible spoilers at all so I don't ruin this for anyone. This book is for ages 9-13, and it is very well suited for that age group.
Ok, so our main character is Talia, known as Tally, throughout the story. I loved Tally, she was quirky and different and not afraid to stand out. She's already much taller and bulkier than other girls, s she dresses outlandishly as well. However, on the flip side of that, we do see that sometimes she uses her differences as a shield. She will take things too far to keep people away from her; that way if someone doesn't like her, she can just blame it on how she looks and not who she is. It's a defense to keep herself from being hurt, and I liked how the author brought that about.
Tally is going on a school trip with her two best friends; the three of them have always stuck together. However, on this school trip, she and her best friends Spider and Sonnet are separated from each other. Sonnet and Spider are fine with this; they seem to grasp the idea that they can make new friends, even with old enemies. People change, right? Tally doesn't agree. She can't understand why Sonnet and Spider are so forgiving. She fights the entire process, and it pushes her best friends away. I did like that the book showed people CAN change, you can forgive people and be friends; but I totally understood what Tally was going through as well. She's protective to a fault; her friends kind of turn on her quickly. Growing up, all they wanted was for Tally to protect them, it's what she's good at. But the minute they get tired of it they completely turn on her. They blame for doing WHAT THEY ASKED HER TO DO. I was just as frustrated as Tally, but this is a coming of age story, and Tally grew through it. Did she handle it well? No. But she learns from it, and it makes her a better person for it. I liked the plot, but I didn't like that Sonnet and Spider never fully apologize; both sides were wrong about something, but Tally shouldn't take all the blame.
Now for some possible spoilery parts; WARNING possible spoilers ahead, read at your own risk. One big theme of the book is body image and disordered eating. I think the way the author handled this subject and portrayed it in this story is eye opening. Details in this part:
So overall, I only have good things to say about this book. I definitely recommend for its intended age group, but I also think that older teens and young adults would enjoy it as well.
Ok, so our main character is Talia, known as Tally, throughout the story. I loved Tally, she was quirky and different and not afraid to stand out. She's already much taller and bulkier than other girls, s she dresses outlandishly as well. However, on the flip side of that, we do see that sometimes she uses her differences as a shield. She will take things too far to keep people away from her; that way if someone doesn't like her, she can just blame it on how she looks and not who she is. It's a defense to keep herself from being hurt, and I liked how the author brought that about.
Tally is going on a school trip with her two best friends; the three of them have always stuck together. However, on this school trip, she and her best friends Spider and Sonnet are separated from each other. Sonnet and Spider are fine with this; they seem to grasp the idea that they can make new friends, even with old enemies. People change, right? Tally doesn't agree. She can't understand why Sonnet and Spider are so forgiving. She fights the entire process, and it pushes her best friends away. I did like that the book showed people CAN change, you can forgive people and be friends; but I totally understood what Tally was going through as well. She's protective to a fault; her friends kind of turn on her quickly. Growing up, all they wanted was for Tally to protect them, it's what she's good at. But the minute they get tired of it they completely turn on her. They blame for doing WHAT THEY ASKED HER TO DO. I was just as frustrated as Tally, but this is a coming of age story, and Tally grew through it. Did she handle it well? No. But she learns from it, and it makes her a better person for it. I liked the plot, but I didn't like that Sonnet and Spider never fully apologize; both sides were wrong about something, but Tally shouldn't take all the blame.
Now for some possible spoilery parts; WARNING possible spoilers ahead, read at your own risk. One big theme of the book is body image and disordered eating. I think the way the author handled this subject and portrayed it in this story is eye opening. Details in this part:
So overall, I only have good things to say about this book. I definitely recommend for its intended age group, but I also think that older teens and young adults would enjoy it as well.
June 27, 2018
Barbra Dee is a gift to MG. Her ability to address tough topics with authenticity, heart and humor makes her a triple threat. This deals with challenging friendships, family, acceptance, being true to oneself and being proud of who you are. Barbara’s Tally is a character to love. Ava’s eating disorder is something that not many books explore and it is done so well.
January 10, 2018
Tally has always liked herself as she is - taller and larger than her family members, a fierce friend / bodyguard for her two best friends, a math nerd, a person with unusual fashion sense. But when she goes on the 7th grade trip to Washington, D.C., she's paired with her arch-nemesis, Ava. Ava is everything Tally is not - popular, fashion-forward, able to fit in with her classmates. When Tally's friends start to branch out and find other people to spend time with, Tally is stuck with Ava, and when she sees how little Ava eats and how much she exercises, she faces some tough decisions.
I read this entire book in one sitting, which is something I can't often do. I loved that Tally had a very well-rounded personality but that she wasn't perfect. Her fierce protection of her friends made them think of her as their babysitter or "rescue dolphin." She had her own style and was blissfully oblivious of what others thought of her. But then Ava is not a 2-dimensional antagonist, either. She has her own personality and we get to learn more about her throughout the book.
I don't know that I've ever seen a book for tweens about anorexia, but this is definitely an issue that tweens can struggle with, and I'm glad that this book exists. My only (very small) complaint has to do with the cover: it looks to me like a cover of a book for adults or older teens. I'd love to have seen some characters on the cover, or an illustration of Washington, D.C. or something. Nevertheless, this book will be added to my library's collection and I will be book-talking it to the tweens and teens.
Recommended for: tweens
Red Flags: Tally talks about how she punched a classmate for bullying her friend; Tally's roommate Ava counts the calories in her food and over-exercises, so there is discussion of anorexia as well
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars
Read-Alikes: Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, Sadia, The Popularity Papers
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Edelweiss for the purposes of review.
I read this entire book in one sitting, which is something I can't often do. I loved that Tally had a very well-rounded personality but that she wasn't perfect. Her fierce protection of her friends made them think of her as their babysitter or "rescue dolphin." She had her own style and was blissfully oblivious of what others thought of her. But then Ava is not a 2-dimensional antagonist, either. She has her own personality and we get to learn more about her throughout the book.
I don't know that I've ever seen a book for tweens about anorexia, but this is definitely an issue that tweens can struggle with, and I'm glad that this book exists. My only (very small) complaint has to do with the cover: it looks to me like a cover of a book for adults or older teens. I'd love to have seen some characters on the cover, or an illustration of Washington, D.C. or something. Nevertheless, this book will be added to my library's collection and I will be book-talking it to the tweens and teens.
Recommended for: tweens
Red Flags: Tally talks about how she punched a classmate for bullying her friend; Tally's roommate Ava counts the calories in her food and over-exercises, so there is discussion of anorexia as well
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars
Read-Alikes: Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, Sadia, The Popularity Papers
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Edelweiss for the purposes of review.
May 2, 2019
4.5 Stars
Wow. Where do I even begin with this book?
I’ve had a week to gather my thoughts, and I still can’t formulate how good this book is. It was just...I don’t know, something about it.
The characters were great. Tally was literally me at twelve. I loved her so much. Spider was another really relatable character, I really liked him. And AVA. GOOD GOD AVA. Yes, there were many points where I didn’t like her, but ultimately she was a really well-written character.
The writing style was very similar to Beth Vrabel’s, which is probably why I liked it so much. (I read CAMP DORK just after this one, and holy cow, I had to keep reminding myself that it was a different author.)
All in all, this was a really important book that I just loved with all my heart.
Wow. Where do I even begin with this book?
I’ve had a week to gather my thoughts, and I still can’t formulate how good this book is. It was just...I don’t know, something about it.
The characters were great. Tally was literally me at twelve. I loved her so much. Spider was another really relatable character, I really liked him. And AVA. GOOD GOD AVA. Yes, there were many points where I didn’t like her, but ultimately she was a really well-written character.
The writing style was very similar to Beth Vrabel’s, which is probably why I liked it so much. (I read CAMP DORK just after this one, and holy cow, I had to keep reminding myself that it was a different author.)
All in all, this was a really important book that I just loved with all my heart.
January 15, 2018
Barbara Dee again, accurately and with sensitivity touches on topics students need to read characters dealing with. Ava is struggling with an eating disorder and Tally is dealing with self-discovery. Everything I Know About You is a quick read that will have students thinking because there are not simple solutions. We have been talking a lot about endurance especially in middle school. Life is not easy. This is an important book to put in middle school kids hands!
April 12, 2018
This is the second book I have recently read by Barbara Dee, and I am a fan! She gives the readers great insight into the characters in this story. I felt like we got to know them even better throughout the book, as some of them discovered new things about themselves. This is an important book for middle grade readers.
November 26, 2018
I would've loved this when I was younger.
September 1, 2021
I think this was a great book. The fact that it could relate to middle schoolers going through the same thing was amazing. It showed readers that you are you and nobody change that, and that you should love yourself—and your body—for who and what they are. Tally was definitely a good role model for anyone who looks different than other kids, but takes that as something to love about herself. And Ava learned that she doesn’t need to look “perfect”. It also deals with budding friendships, much like many seventh graders go through. And that not all perfected popular kids, like Haley and Nadia, are mean, or that people can change, like Marco, who used to bully Spider is now one of his close friends. It’s definitely an awesome book that I would totally recommend.
Read
October 30, 2025
Trigger & Content Warnings
Secondary character with anorexia (theme)
Secondary character with anorexia (theme)
March 27, 2024
This was a very middle grade appropriate book that was partly about a girl with an eating disorder and partly about learning to see the many facets of people and not judge them until you get to know them. MC Tally is an unapologetic contrarian who feels fiercely protective over her two close friends and fiercely critical of everyone else. She reminded me a bit at the start of Liz Lemon in the reunion episode of 30 Rock, where she remembers high school as being the victim of bullying but the truth was she was super mean and judgy towards everyone else and they saw her as a bully. It was interesting to read as an adult because it was very obvious right away that her seventh grade field trip roommate Ava was not eating, exercising too much, and counting calories obsessively. I think it’s easy for young girls to look at someone like Ava who’s pretty, thin, smart, and popular and not be able to see that they may have their own private struggles. I really liked Tally’s evolution as she grappled with new ideas about friends (and enemies) and when to help and when to step back. Barbara Dee creates flawed and multifaceted tween characters who defy stereotypes and I’ll definitely be passing this along to my own seventh grader, as we both enjoyed Dee’s Maybe He Just Likes You.
52BC #9: a character driven novel
52BC #9: a character driven novel
May 26, 2021
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! It was very sweet and serious at the same time. I loved how everything worked out in the end and *yes*. Very much suggest it.
June 19, 2018
Barbara Dee has a way with characters. She has written depth and discovery into each character in Everything I Know About You. Friendships change and struggles emerge in middle school. Life isn't always easy when you have a hundred things coming at you at once. But learning about yourself and those around you can never be bad. Dee has done an amazing job of bringing to light the serious topics of adoption, eating disorders and anxiety in a very normal setting. Everything I Know About You would be a wonderful read for any middle school child "in the midst" of the change and struggle of being in between.
June 4, 2018
Thanks to the #kidlitexchange network for this review copy. All opinions are my own.
Hooray for this book and hooray for a heroine like Tally Martin! This spunky 7th grader may not have it all figured out, but she sure does have an enormous heart and I just fell in love with her!
Tally and her classmates are headed to Washington, DC for the annual 7th grade school trip, and Tally just knows it’s going to be a nightmare. To encourage “unity” among the class, their teachers have assigned Tally and her two best friends – Sonnet and Spider – to room with their sworn enemies. Tally is a vivacious, non-conforming free spirit – a big-boned girl who loves her body, squishy tummy and all. (Can I get an AMEN for that?) But her roommate, Ava, is Miss Perfect – a stick-thin “clonegirl” who is flat out mean to Tally. Ugh! Soon, though, as Tally gets to know her roomie, she discovers that things aren’t always what they seem, and Ava is far from perfect. In fact, she’s hiding something really big and scary, and Tally has to make some tough choices. She also has to navigate the changing waters of her friendships with Sonnet and Spider, who she feels are growing more and more distant from her. Change is hard, and frightening. There are plenty of bruised feelings along the way, but, as always, plenty of opportunities for growth.
Tally is one of my favorite 12-year-olds in middle grade lit today. I absolutely loved the relationship she has with her family, who love and support her no matter what; it was wonderfully refreshing to find a family so in sync with each other. And even as we watch Tally stumble along the way, you just know this smart, sassy, tender-hearted girl is going to be ok.
Please note: one of the topics covered in this book is disordered eating. It’s handled wonderfully and should foster some excellent discussion. Grownups should be prepared for some questions and emotional responses! Recommended for ages 9-13, grades 4-8. This book is out June 19!
Hooray for this book and hooray for a heroine like Tally Martin! This spunky 7th grader may not have it all figured out, but she sure does have an enormous heart and I just fell in love with her!
Tally and her classmates are headed to Washington, DC for the annual 7th grade school trip, and Tally just knows it’s going to be a nightmare. To encourage “unity” among the class, their teachers have assigned Tally and her two best friends – Sonnet and Spider – to room with their sworn enemies. Tally is a vivacious, non-conforming free spirit – a big-boned girl who loves her body, squishy tummy and all. (Can I get an AMEN for that?) But her roommate, Ava, is Miss Perfect – a stick-thin “clonegirl” who is flat out mean to Tally. Ugh! Soon, though, as Tally gets to know her roomie, she discovers that things aren’t always what they seem, and Ava is far from perfect. In fact, she’s hiding something really big and scary, and Tally has to make some tough choices. She also has to navigate the changing waters of her friendships with Sonnet and Spider, who she feels are growing more and more distant from her. Change is hard, and frightening. There are plenty of bruised feelings along the way, but, as always, plenty of opportunities for growth.
Tally is one of my favorite 12-year-olds in middle grade lit today. I absolutely loved the relationship she has with her family, who love and support her no matter what; it was wonderfully refreshing to find a family so in sync with each other. And even as we watch Tally stumble along the way, you just know this smart, sassy, tender-hearted girl is going to be ok.
Please note: one of the topics covered in this book is disordered eating. It’s handled wonderfully and should foster some excellent discussion. Grownups should be prepared for some questions and emotional responses! Recommended for ages 9-13, grades 4-8. This book is out June 19!
May 19, 2018
Thanks to the MA youth services book review blog for the FREE book! #partner @simonkids @barbaradeebooks
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Love, love, LOVED this book! I couldn’t put it down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 BIG stars!
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Tally Martin and her fellow 7th grade students are headed to Washington, DC for a class trip. Unfortunately, the teachers are assigning roommates in an effort to "foster seventh grade unity." Tally and her best friends, Sonnet and Caleb (Spider) are assigned to room with students they have typically disliked. In particularly, Tally is assigned to room with Ava, a girl Tally has deemed a perfect "clonegirl." But then when Tally sees Ava's strange eating habits and extreme exercise regimen up close, she worries that Ava may have a problem. Meanwhile, her friends aren't having the miserable time with their "enemy" roommates and Tally is confused.
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When I read, most of all I look for characters so real, so relatable, that they come alive on the page. This book achieves that goal perfectly. Tally is a fabulous character -- surprisingly comfortable in her skin for a middle school student, both in terms of her body type ("jiggly") and her fashion sense (eclectic). I was completely invested in Tally and the choices she made. It brought back those confusing feelings in middle school when I didn't really know how to be a good friend and everyone was changing so fast that it was hard to know how to act. The storyline about body issues for middle school girls is a relevant and important one -- it breaks my heart to know tweens worry about these issues, but I know that they do. I'm glad there's another book I can recommend to students who want to think more deeply about this topic. All in all, this is an absolutely wonderful read and deserves ALL THE STARS!!!
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#bookstagram #book #reading #bibliophile #bookworm #bookaholic #booknerd #bookgram #librarian #librariansfollowlibrarians #librariansofinstagram #booklove #booktography #bookstagramfeature #bookish #bookaddict #booknerdigans #booknerd #ilovereading #instabook #futurereadylibs #ISTElibs #TLChat
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Love, love, LOVED this book! I couldn’t put it down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 BIG stars!
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Tally Martin and her fellow 7th grade students are headed to Washington, DC for a class trip. Unfortunately, the teachers are assigning roommates in an effort to "foster seventh grade unity." Tally and her best friends, Sonnet and Caleb (Spider) are assigned to room with students they have typically disliked. In particularly, Tally is assigned to room with Ava, a girl Tally has deemed a perfect "clonegirl." But then when Tally sees Ava's strange eating habits and extreme exercise regimen up close, she worries that Ava may have a problem. Meanwhile, her friends aren't having the miserable time with their "enemy" roommates and Tally is confused.
~*~*~*~*~*
When I read, most of all I look for characters so real, so relatable, that they come alive on the page. This book achieves that goal perfectly. Tally is a fabulous character -- surprisingly comfortable in her skin for a middle school student, both in terms of her body type ("jiggly") and her fashion sense (eclectic). I was completely invested in Tally and the choices she made. It brought back those confusing feelings in middle school when I didn't really know how to be a good friend and everyone was changing so fast that it was hard to know how to act. The storyline about body issues for middle school girls is a relevant and important one -- it breaks my heart to know tweens worry about these issues, but I know that they do. I'm glad there's another book I can recommend to students who want to think more deeply about this topic. All in all, this is an absolutely wonderful read and deserves ALL THE STARS!!!
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#bookstagram #book #reading #bibliophile #bookworm #bookaholic #booknerd #bookgram #librarian #librariansfollowlibrarians #librariansofinstagram #booklove #booktography #bookstagramfeature #bookish #bookaddict #booknerdigans #booknerd #ilovereading #instabook #futurereadylibs #ISTElibs #TLChat
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June 28, 2018
How do you help someone who doesn't want to be helped? Should you even try to help someone that doesn't think they need it? The main character, Tally, faces these very questions in Everything I Know About You by Barbara Dee.
Tally is forced to room with one of her least favorite people, Ava, on a school field trip to Washington, D.C. While rooming with Ava, Tally notices that she keeps a list of random numbers in a notebook. There is even a gold star on a completely blank page. At first, she thinks that Ava is keeping track of how much she exercises. However, when Tally notices that the numbers don't add up, she realizes that Ava is keeping track of her calories, and she is hardly consuming any.
Tally confronts Ava about how little she eats and how much she exercises, but Ava refuses to acknowledge that she has a problem and blackmails Tally to keep her quiet. Even though Tally really dislikes Ava, she knows that she needs someone to intervene before she starves herself to death. She is faced with a huge moral dilemma: out Ava and risk being ridiculed by her peers or keep Ava's deadly secret.
Barbara Dee sheds light on a topic that many people deal with but few people discuss. Her writing had me completely hooked from the first chapter. I love that the chapters are fairly short because I think this will help readers stay engaged who have lower reading stamina. This book is a little over 300 pages long, which can be intimidating to some MG readers, but I flew through it, and I think students will as well. In a classroom setting, this book would pair very well with Every Shiny Thing by Cordelia Jensen and Laurie Morrison as they have similar themes.
Tally is forced to room with one of her least favorite people, Ava, on a school field trip to Washington, D.C. While rooming with Ava, Tally notices that she keeps a list of random numbers in a notebook. There is even a gold star on a completely blank page. At first, she thinks that Ava is keeping track of how much she exercises. However, when Tally notices that the numbers don't add up, she realizes that Ava is keeping track of her calories, and she is hardly consuming any.
Tally confronts Ava about how little she eats and how much she exercises, but Ava refuses to acknowledge that she has a problem and blackmails Tally to keep her quiet. Even though Tally really dislikes Ava, she knows that she needs someone to intervene before she starves herself to death. She is faced with a huge moral dilemma: out Ava and risk being ridiculed by her peers or keep Ava's deadly secret.
Barbara Dee sheds light on a topic that many people deal with but few people discuss. Her writing had me completely hooked from the first chapter. I love that the chapters are fairly short because I think this will help readers stay engaged who have lower reading stamina. This book is a little over 300 pages long, which can be intimidating to some MG readers, but I flew through it, and I think students will as well. In a classroom setting, this book would pair very well with Every Shiny Thing by Cordelia Jensen and Laurie Morrison as they have similar themes.
April 20, 2018
Everything I Know About You
Middle school is an awkward time for teenagers no matter which way you slice it. Imagine a group of seventh graders heading to Washington, DC on a school field trip. On the surface, this sounds like an ordinary occurrence; however, on a quest for class unity, the teachers decide to mix things up a bit with a twist on roommate assignments. Students are paired with unlikely classmates creating initial apprehension.
Tally, a free spirit, big-boned individual is paired with perfect, petite “clonegirl” Ava, and Tally’s friend Caleb, a.k.a “Spider” is matched up with Marco who bullied him the previous year, leaving her other friend Sonnet assigned to Haley, also a member of the “clonegirls.”
The DC trip is supposed to be fun; however, at every turn, Tally seems to mess things up socially with her old friends and her new roommate, among others. When Tally notices that Ava never eats anything and keeps a record of a series of numbers that don’t make sense, she confronts Ava in a concerned way. Ava threatens to post an embarrassing photo of Tally if she shares her suspicions with anyone.
Barbara Dee’s Everything I Know About You shares Tally’s dilemma and Ava’s story in an accessible way for readers to glean that friendships can be formed in the most unexpected places, and that some secrets are not meant to be kept. Most importantly, readers can learn that help is available and full recoveries are entirely possible.
Pre-order Everything I Know About You today or look for it on June 19, 2018.
Middle school is an awkward time for teenagers no matter which way you slice it. Imagine a group of seventh graders heading to Washington, DC on a school field trip. On the surface, this sounds like an ordinary occurrence; however, on a quest for class unity, the teachers decide to mix things up a bit with a twist on roommate assignments. Students are paired with unlikely classmates creating initial apprehension.
Tally, a free spirit, big-boned individual is paired with perfect, petite “clonegirl” Ava, and Tally’s friend Caleb, a.k.a “Spider” is matched up with Marco who bullied him the previous year, leaving her other friend Sonnet assigned to Haley, also a member of the “clonegirls.”
The DC trip is supposed to be fun; however, at every turn, Tally seems to mess things up socially with her old friends and her new roommate, among others. When Tally notices that Ava never eats anything and keeps a record of a series of numbers that don’t make sense, she confronts Ava in a concerned way. Ava threatens to post an embarrassing photo of Tally if she shares her suspicions with anyone.
Barbara Dee’s Everything I Know About You shares Tally’s dilemma and Ava’s story in an accessible way for readers to glean that friendships can be formed in the most unexpected places, and that some secrets are not meant to be kept. Most importantly, readers can learn that help is available and full recoveries are entirely possible.
Pre-order Everything I Know About You today or look for it on June 19, 2018.
January 13, 2018
Thank you to Barbara Dee for providing an ARC for review to #collabookation.
Tally is embarking on the seventh grade field trip to Washington, D.C. But she's been assigned to room with the head ‘clone girl’ and neither are happy. Over the course of three days with Ava, Tally’s forced to examine her motives for almost everything she does: Why does she dress so outlandishly? Why did she create the term ‘clone girl’? Who are her real friends, and what do they love about her? And, how is she supposed to help the girl she's despised for so long?
Everything I Know About You is a great read with some powerful messages: you don't need to love someone to help them, and you don't always have to help those you love. I've always thought that when you feel genuine anger at an actor, they've played their role to perfection. Just as I began to find Tally a bit too overwhelming, mature, and protective, the story turned and her prior actions caused self doubt and fear. *I actually wrote a post-it stating, “Well played, Barbara Dee.” The shift was so spot on.*
Dee illustrates perfectly the fragility of adolescence ~ the perception of self and others, the transformations friendships undergo, and the struggle to be accepted for who you are, not who others think you should be.
I'd recommend Everything I Know About You to sixth graders and older, maybe the occasional mature fifth grader. And of course, their caregivers and educators!
Tally is embarking on the seventh grade field trip to Washington, D.C. But she's been assigned to room with the head ‘clone girl’ and neither are happy. Over the course of three days with Ava, Tally’s forced to examine her motives for almost everything she does: Why does she dress so outlandishly? Why did she create the term ‘clone girl’? Who are her real friends, and what do they love about her? And, how is she supposed to help the girl she's despised for so long?
Everything I Know About You is a great read with some powerful messages: you don't need to love someone to help them, and you don't always have to help those you love. I've always thought that when you feel genuine anger at an actor, they've played their role to perfection. Just as I began to find Tally a bit too overwhelming, mature, and protective, the story turned and her prior actions caused self doubt and fear. *I actually wrote a post-it stating, “Well played, Barbara Dee.” The shift was so spot on.*
Dee illustrates perfectly the fragility of adolescence ~ the perception of self and others, the transformations friendships undergo, and the struggle to be accepted for who you are, not who others think you should be.
I'd recommend Everything I Know About You to sixth graders and older, maybe the occasional mature fifth grader. And of course, their caregivers and educators!
December 6, 2020
Wow, I surprised myself by finishing this book in one sitting in a middle of a heavy reading slump. Go me!!
I think this is my first time reading a middle-grade book and it doesnt dissapoint me at all. I love this book. I love how it tackled such a serious issue with such warm words, interesting characters, exciting build up and easy to understand.
I like the growth of Tally. Yeah, she can be annoying but that's a normal teenager. Even adults can be annoying sometimes. I love how brave and smart and caring Tally is. I love how she loves and accepted herself, how she see herself in a very loving and positive way. How she is a very open minded and open hearted (is this a word?) That she can humbly realized her mistakes and try to change herself to be better.
I love Ava too. At first she seems like a one dimensional character, you know the popular, mean girl yet she actually a very complicated girl with a heart.
And I love the hate-caring friendship between Tally and Ava. Especially the poster scene, it's such a wonderful gift!
The friendship, family, change theme are also very great. The teachers also try their hardest to educate and cafing for their students. Ava's mom is also a wonderful surprise and it shows many side of a human, with their kindness and flaws.
Anyway, in conclusion I love this book and I may reading anothe middle grade books. I love how heartwarming this one is and I crave for another books like this one.
I think this is my first time reading a middle-grade book and it doesnt dissapoint me at all. I love this book. I love how it tackled such a serious issue with such warm words, interesting characters, exciting build up and easy to understand.
I like the growth of Tally. Yeah, she can be annoying but that's a normal teenager. Even adults can be annoying sometimes. I love how brave and smart and caring Tally is. I love how she loves and accepted herself, how she see herself in a very loving and positive way. How she is a very open minded and open hearted (is this a word?) That she can humbly realized her mistakes and try to change herself to be better.
I love Ava too. At first she seems like a one dimensional character, you know the popular, mean girl yet she actually a very complicated girl with a heart.
And I love the hate-caring friendship between Tally and Ava. Especially the poster scene, it's such a wonderful gift!
The friendship, family, change theme are also very great. The teachers also try their hardest to educate and cafing for their students. Ava's mom is also a wonderful surprise and it shows many side of a human, with their kindness and flaws.
Anyway, in conclusion I love this book and I may reading anothe middle grade books. I love how heartwarming this one is and I crave for another books like this one.
December 14, 2018
Barbara Dee does such a wonderful job capturing the confusion of middle grade kids who are in transition and dealing with all kinds of problems, small and big. In this novel, the protagonist Tally is feeling pretty secure in her friendships...until she's not, and her two best friends begin to challenge her and befriend classmates Tally deems either dangerous bullies or superficial "clones" (or both).
When she's forced to room with her kind-of arch nemesis Ava on a class trip to Washington, D.C., things begin to really unravel and Tally has to do some soul searching. Is she holding on too tight and not allowing herself and her friends to grow and change? Tally also notices that Ava isn't as perfect as she seems and may be struggling with an eating disorder. Should she say something?
What I loved about this book is that it was both serious and light. Dee doesn't hide the fact that Ava is clearly underweight and in danger. At the same time, the kids sound and behave like kids who make mistakes, but ultimately learn from them and do the right thing. There's lots of humor and hope here.
When she's forced to room with her kind-of arch nemesis Ava on a class trip to Washington, D.C., things begin to really unravel and Tally has to do some soul searching. Is she holding on too tight and not allowing herself and her friends to grow and change? Tally also notices that Ava isn't as perfect as she seems and may be struggling with an eating disorder. Should she say something?
What I loved about this book is that it was both serious and light. Dee doesn't hide the fact that Ava is clearly underweight and in danger. At the same time, the kids sound and behave like kids who make mistakes, but ultimately learn from them and do the right thing. There's lots of humor and hope here.
May 15, 2018
Being a middle school teacher I am always looking for that "just right" book for "right now." This is one of those books. Kids experience so many trying situations in their lives being able to see that others are going through similar things is a way to connect for that child. It also allows a window into how others may be feeling and that you never really know what another human is dealing with.
Dealing with body image as a young girl or a young boy is an issue that is not often addressed in middle grade books. Barbara Dee handles this topic with care, grace, and knowledge. She allows the characters to discuss their own body image and how they feel others perceive them. This connection for the reader is real. The characters are real. At times, you aren't sure that you are rooting for the protagonist, she doesn't always make the smartest choices, but you do realize that she always has the best intentions.
Everything I Know About You is a book for any middle grade student but definitely a great resource for that special student.
Dealing with body image as a young girl or a young boy is an issue that is not often addressed in middle grade books. Barbara Dee handles this topic with care, grace, and knowledge. She allows the characters to discuss their own body image and how they feel others perceive them. This connection for the reader is real. The characters are real. At times, you aren't sure that you are rooting for the protagonist, she doesn't always make the smartest choices, but you do realize that she always has the best intentions.
Everything I Know About You is a book for any middle grade student but definitely a great resource for that special student.
May 30, 2018
Thank you to the kidlitexchange for sharing a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT YOU by @barbaradeebooks is a book I WISH I read when I was 11, 12, 13 years old. I NEEDED this book! Parents, friendships, body image, crushes, academics, bullying, exercise, teachers, eating disorders, forgiving, and just being completely confused about everything. . . All of these issues are in this storyline. 💕The part that really tugs at my heart is the pressure there is to keep a secret or not keep a secret. Do you tell someone your friend is hurting or in need if it will hurt her? What should you do?? 💕 I think I could be an actual character in this book in my middle grade years. I want to meet Tally and Ava... I read this book so fast and had to read it just one more time! You can preorder this June release book on Amazon. It is a great one especially for middle grade girls!
EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT YOU by @barbaradeebooks is a book I WISH I read when I was 11, 12, 13 years old. I NEEDED this book! Parents, friendships, body image, crushes, academics, bullying, exercise, teachers, eating disorders, forgiving, and just being completely confused about everything. . . All of these issues are in this storyline. 💕The part that really tugs at my heart is the pressure there is to keep a secret or not keep a secret. Do you tell someone your friend is hurting or in need if it will hurt her? What should you do?? 💕 I think I could be an actual character in this book in my middle grade years. I want to meet Tally and Ava... I read this book so fast and had to read it just one more time! You can preorder this June release book on Amazon. It is a great one especially for middle grade girls!
April 8, 2018
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway, and was impressed! I finished it in a day, and would certainly recommend this to young girls everywhere. Dee's novel holds a positive message about body image and the stress it brings to young girls. She sensitively touches on eating disorders and how this affects not only its victims, but those who are on the outside looking in.
This novel also touches on the changes in friendship during junior high, and the ways you can stand out or blend in. I think even as adults who read this book, our middle-school selves will resonate with the themes in Dee's novel. Dee's main character, Tally, is unique and exciting to follow, easy to picture and fun to journey with. Great novel, highly recommended.
This novel also touches on the changes in friendship during junior high, and the ways you can stand out or blend in. I think even as adults who read this book, our middle-school selves will resonate with the themes in Dee's novel. Dee's main character, Tally, is unique and exciting to follow, easy to picture and fun to journey with. Great novel, highly recommended.
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