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In the Role of Brie Hutchens...
Introducing Brie Hutchens: soap opera super fan, aspiring actor, and so-so student at her small Catholic school. Brie has big plans for eighth grade. She’s going to be the star of the school play and convince her parents to let her go to the performing arts high school. But when Brie’s mom walks in on her accidentally looking at some possibly inappropriate photos of her favorite actress, Brie panics and blurts out that she’s been chosen to crown the Mary statue during her school’s May Crowning ceremony. Brie’s mom is distracted with pride—but Brie’s in big trouble: she has not been chosen. No one has. Worse, Brie has almost no chance to get the job, which always goes to a top student.
Desperate to make her lie become truth, Brie turns to Kennedy, the girl everyone expects to crown Mary. But sometimes just looking at Kennedy gives Brie butterflies. Juggling her confusing feelings with the rapidly approaching May Crowning, not to mention her hilarious non-star turn in the school play, Brie navigates truth and lies, expectations and identity, and how to—finally—make her mother really see her as she is.
Desperate to make her lie become truth, Brie turns to Kennedy, the girl everyone expects to crown Mary. But sometimes just looking at Kennedy gives Brie butterflies. Juggling her confusing feelings with the rapidly approaching May Crowning, not to mention her hilarious non-star turn in the school play, Brie navigates truth and lies, expectations and identity, and how to—finally—make her mother really see her as she is.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published June 30, 2020
20 people are currently reading
5112 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Melleby
14 books271 followersNicole Melleby, a Jersey native, is the author of highly praised middle-grade books, including the Lambda Literary finalist Hurricane Season and ALA Notable Children's book How to Become a Planet. She lives with her wife and their cats, whose needs for attention oddly align with Nicole’s writing schedule.
Feel free to follow her on Twitter @LadyMelleby
Feel free to follow her on Twitter @LadyMelleby
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
December 30, 2020
**4.5-stars**
Brie Hutchens is a dramatic girl, but she sort of has to be.
She's an aspiring actress, after all, and she's learned most of her craft from the television Soaps she watches with her Mom.
As an 8th grader, Brie currently has her sights set on the school play, which she will use as a stepping stone for her application to a Performing Arts High School.
Additionally, at her private Catholic School, it is tradition for one of the 8th grade students to 'crown Mary' at a May Crowning ceremony. An acting gig of sorts. Perhaps she could do that too?
One afternoon, her mom catches her looking at scandalous photos of her favorite Soap star, Kelly Monaco, and she tells a huge lie in order to distract her Mom from what she has just caught her doing. She tells her, in haste, that she has been selected for the honor of Crowning Mary.
Her Mother, bless her heart, falls for it and seemingly forgets all about the dirty photos. Crisis averted.
Unfortunately, this is just the tip of the iceberg for poor Brie.
In the Role of Brie Hutchens is an Own-Voices Queer Middle Grade story that examines one girl's discovery of her own sexual identity while navigating the complexities of family, friendship and faith.
It's a lot to juggle for anyone at any age, but for Brie the complexities quickly begin to feel overwhelming.
My heart absolutely ached for Brie. You can tell, as the reader, how personal this story is. It is written from the heart with passion, and compassion, for any young person dealing with a less than sympathetic world while they try to discover their truth.
For the first few chapters, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Brie.
The drama is real people, but as the story continues, you learn, that is just who Brie is. She certainly doesn't mean anything by it. It is absolutely how she deals with the world around her.
With each turn of the page, my heart was more attached to her. I yearned for it all to just be okay. In my opinion, Melleby is absolutely brilliant at eliciting such emotions from her readers.
This was true for Hurricane Season and I believe it will be the same here.
The relationships in this book, particularly between Brie and her Mom, they were so moving. I have no words to describe how poignant those scenes were.
I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet, yet deep, coming out tale. Some scenes were uncomfortable, but I believe the overall take away is worth it.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Algonquin Young Readers, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review.
I will continue to read anything Melleby has published. She is a gem!
Brie Hutchens is a dramatic girl, but she sort of has to be.
She's an aspiring actress, after all, and she's learned most of her craft from the television Soaps she watches with her Mom.
As an 8th grader, Brie currently has her sights set on the school play, which she will use as a stepping stone for her application to a Performing Arts High School.
Additionally, at her private Catholic School, it is tradition for one of the 8th grade students to 'crown Mary' at a May Crowning ceremony. An acting gig of sorts. Perhaps she could do that too?
One afternoon, her mom catches her looking at scandalous photos of her favorite Soap star, Kelly Monaco, and she tells a huge lie in order to distract her Mom from what she has just caught her doing. She tells her, in haste, that she has been selected for the honor of Crowning Mary.
Her Mother, bless her heart, falls for it and seemingly forgets all about the dirty photos. Crisis averted.
Unfortunately, this is just the tip of the iceberg for poor Brie.
In the Role of Brie Hutchens is an Own-Voices Queer Middle Grade story that examines one girl's discovery of her own sexual identity while navigating the complexities of family, friendship and faith.
It's a lot to juggle for anyone at any age, but for Brie the complexities quickly begin to feel overwhelming.
My heart absolutely ached for Brie. You can tell, as the reader, how personal this story is. It is written from the heart with passion, and compassion, for any young person dealing with a less than sympathetic world while they try to discover their truth.
For the first few chapters, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Brie.
The drama is real people, but as the story continues, you learn, that is just who Brie is. She certainly doesn't mean anything by it. It is absolutely how she deals with the world around her.
With each turn of the page, my heart was more attached to her. I yearned for it all to just be okay. In my opinion, Melleby is absolutely brilliant at eliciting such emotions from her readers.
This was true for Hurricane Season and I believe it will be the same here.
The relationships in this book, particularly between Brie and her Mom, they were so moving. I have no words to describe how poignant those scenes were.
I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet, yet deep, coming out tale. Some scenes were uncomfortable, but I believe the overall take away is worth it.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Algonquin Young Readers, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review.
I will continue to read anything Melleby has published. She is a gem!
March 11, 2022
rep: sapphic (probably lesbian) mc & li
ARC provided by the publisher.
This book was an emotional punch straight to the heart, in all the best (gay) ways. It’s also very clearly an ownvoices story and that truth shines through every page and settles this specific kind of calm over the reader.
The story itself is pretty simple (a teen start figuring out her sexuality & the world doesn’t make it easy for her), but it’s not the dry outline that makes a book, is it? It’s the emotions all the events bring, it’s the character’s journey, her path to growing up & fighting for herself.
Because, you see, Brie has a lot to struggle with. She goes to a Catholic school where a boy got suspended for just googling gay stuff on his phone. Her mother is very religious and devoted to Virgin Mary, whereas Brie has trouble even focusing during mass. The family has financial problems and Brie dreams of going to an expensive private acting high school, which would help her become an actress. She’s experiencing her first crush, while listening to her best friend talking excitedly about a different boy every day. And on top of all that, she’s a kid in eight grade.
So much packed into one book, so much trusted on a shoulder of a kid who’s just trying to figure out how to be herself.
My favourite aspect of the book is definitely Brie’s relationship with her mother, though. It starts already a bit strained, with Brie wondering if her mom even likes her, and as Brie gets more and more sure she’s not straight, that relationship only gets worse. I do not mean to say I enjoyed watching Brie navigate her life without that vital support that her mother should have been offering - quite the opposite really. But the way it was framed, it was obvious this is a story for LGBT audience, for kids who also don’t have perfect parents & who need someone to tell them that “hey, you should put yourself first, your mom should love you unconditionally”.
And while Brie’s mom did not know how to deal with her daughter (and the narrative was clear on the fact it’s not her who should be dealing with anything here), Brie had a number of supportive people around her. This is not a dark, hopeless story in any capacity. Which is another thing I deeply appreciate: showing that even if your own family doesn’t accept you, there are others who will.
In the Role of Brie Hutchens isn’t just a gay coming-out story, even though that’s a major plot point. It’s a story of a delicate phase of adolescence, of looking for acceptance & reassurance, of figuring out what kind of person you want to be when you grow up.
ARC provided by the publisher.
This book was an emotional punch straight to the heart, in all the best (gay) ways. It’s also very clearly an ownvoices story and that truth shines through every page and settles this specific kind of calm over the reader.
The story itself is pretty simple (a teen start figuring out her sexuality & the world doesn’t make it easy for her), but it’s not the dry outline that makes a book, is it? It’s the emotions all the events bring, it’s the character’s journey, her path to growing up & fighting for herself.
Because, you see, Brie has a lot to struggle with. She goes to a Catholic school where a boy got suspended for just googling gay stuff on his phone. Her mother is very religious and devoted to Virgin Mary, whereas Brie has trouble even focusing during mass. The family has financial problems and Brie dreams of going to an expensive private acting high school, which would help her become an actress. She’s experiencing her first crush, while listening to her best friend talking excitedly about a different boy every day. And on top of all that, she’s a kid in eight grade.
So much packed into one book, so much trusted on a shoulder of a kid who’s just trying to figure out how to be herself.
My favourite aspect of the book is definitely Brie’s relationship with her mother, though. It starts already a bit strained, with Brie wondering if her mom even likes her, and as Brie gets more and more sure she’s not straight, that relationship only gets worse. I do not mean to say I enjoyed watching Brie navigate her life without that vital support that her mother should have been offering - quite the opposite really. But the way it was framed, it was obvious this is a story for LGBT audience, for kids who also don’t have perfect parents & who need someone to tell them that “hey, you should put yourself first, your mom should love you unconditionally”.
And while Brie’s mom did not know how to deal with her daughter (and the narrative was clear on the fact it’s not her who should be dealing with anything here), Brie had a number of supportive people around her. This is not a dark, hopeless story in any capacity. Which is another thing I deeply appreciate: showing that even if your own family doesn’t accept you, there are others who will.
In the Role of Brie Hutchens isn’t just a gay coming-out story, even though that’s a major plot point. It’s a story of a delicate phase of adolescence, of looking for acceptance & reassurance, of figuring out what kind of person you want to be when you grow up.
June 30, 2020
This one was okay! Not a new favorite, but I appreciate that it exists and I think I would have really, really loved this if it had been around when I was in middle school.
October 23, 2019
"Her mom didn't recognize her and hadn't been able to ever since Brie had started figuring out exactly who she was."
I usually start writing my reviews right after I finish the book, most of the time using notes I've already written down, thoughts I had here and there, only adding final thoughts and considerations.
With this book I actually had to step back and let my emotions go from full messy and all over the place to something calmer so I could write this and I'm still not sure how to even put it down on words.
This book really moved me. I could start there. I thought this would be cute with a side of impactful and I wasn't disappointed.
Since it's been a really long time since I was 13 years old, as Brie, our main character is, I wouldn't be able to say if the author did justice to 13 years old everywhere and their voices at such an age, if they talk and act, and think like that. But I like to think the author was faithful were it matters.
Brie felt real, it wasn't because she was the main character, coming to terms with her sexuality, struggling with her thoughts and feelings regarding religion, her parents and their reaction and more, she still wasn't perfect. And I really enjoyed this book tackled and revolves around other issues. Such as money and the stress and problems it brought to Brie's family, how she'd take for granted the sacrifices her family made for her. How she tried to be partly what her parents - mother in particular - wanted her to be because she knew she couldn't sacrifice that other side that was her and wouldn't change.
Often Brie couldn't see outside herself and her own feelings, be the girl she likes and how she is also struggling regarding her own sexuality, or her best friend and her endless crushes on different boys, her father suffering after losing his job, her mom tired and overworked as well. Brie wasn't a Mary Sue, feeling for her and suffering with her didn't exclude her own shortcomings and that gave this book a lot of depth. But there was also room for growth, and that made all the difference.
My favorite part about this was Brie and her relationship with her parents. How it was so different and how it affected her in different ways. The desperation and necessity to feel accepted, to have the people that mattered the most showing her was okay. That is okay to be who you are, if who you are is a girl that likes other girls.
Particularly I related to Brie a lot, coming from a religious upbringing, difficult relationship with the mother where communication wasn't always easier, closer to her dad. Figuring out that liked girls just like her and how difficult and anxious it made me. And because I related so much it touched me that bit more.
This is one of these books I needed to read when I was younger and struggling, giving in to compulsory heterosexuality and toxicity of it all. But it's also fine, I had my journey and came into terms with myself, accepting me for who I am and seeing the journey of Brie, someone that I related to and had a different path, even if a fictional one was interesting and touching.
Maybe this won't mean as much to everyone else that can't relate to so much on a personal level, but please give this a chance. It isn't perfect, could've been longer, spent more time on certain aspects but this was damn sweet and a must read for all ages.
I was provided an ARC via Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review.
I usually start writing my reviews right after I finish the book, most of the time using notes I've already written down, thoughts I had here and there, only adding final thoughts and considerations.
With this book I actually had to step back and let my emotions go from full messy and all over the place to something calmer so I could write this and I'm still not sure how to even put it down on words.
This book really moved me. I could start there. I thought this would be cute with a side of impactful and I wasn't disappointed.
Since it's been a really long time since I was 13 years old, as Brie, our main character is, I wouldn't be able to say if the author did justice to 13 years old everywhere and their voices at such an age, if they talk and act, and think like that. But I like to think the author was faithful were it matters.
Brie felt real, it wasn't because she was the main character, coming to terms with her sexuality, struggling with her thoughts and feelings regarding religion, her parents and their reaction and more, she still wasn't perfect. And I really enjoyed this book tackled and revolves around other issues. Such as money and the stress and problems it brought to Brie's family, how she'd take for granted the sacrifices her family made for her. How she tried to be partly what her parents - mother in particular - wanted her to be because she knew she couldn't sacrifice that other side that was her and wouldn't change.
Often Brie couldn't see outside herself and her own feelings, be the girl she likes and how she is also struggling regarding her own sexuality, or her best friend and her endless crushes on different boys, her father suffering after losing his job, her mom tired and overworked as well. Brie wasn't a Mary Sue, feeling for her and suffering with her didn't exclude her own shortcomings and that gave this book a lot of depth. But there was also room for growth, and that made all the difference.
My favorite part about this was Brie and her relationship with her parents. How it was so different and how it affected her in different ways. The desperation and necessity to feel accepted, to have the people that mattered the most showing her was okay. That is okay to be who you are, if who you are is a girl that likes other girls.
Particularly I related to Brie a lot, coming from a religious upbringing, difficult relationship with the mother where communication wasn't always easier, closer to her dad. Figuring out that liked girls just like her and how difficult and anxious it made me. And because I related so much it touched me that bit more.
This is one of these books I needed to read when I was younger and struggling, giving in to compulsory heterosexuality and toxicity of it all. But it's also fine, I had my journey and came into terms with myself, accepting me for who I am and seeing the journey of Brie, someone that I related to and had a different path, even if a fictional one was interesting and touching.
Maybe this won't mean as much to everyone else that can't relate to so much on a personal level, but please give this a chance. It isn't perfect, could've been longer, spent more time on certain aspects but this was damn sweet and a must read for all ages.
I was provided an ARC via Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2020
Star Rating: —> 4 Stars
This was such a great middle grade, coming out, coming of [high school] age read! RTC
This was such a great middle grade, coming out, coming of [high school] age read! RTC
June 30, 2022
Exhibiting character development by not infodumping in this review but WOW did I relate hardcore to this one. Brie’s relationship with her mom hit so close to home for me that I almost cried, as did hers with her father. So many bits made me vividly remember 8th grade. Hats off to Nicole Melleby, because WOW. I also realized I was queer in 8th grade (or, more accurately, the summer going in) and went to a Catholic school and spent my free time in my bedroom trying to read up on the community I now realized I was in (mostly reading what was in hindsight likely fake and very "and then everybody clapped" stories about queer acceptance via Pinterest or queer headcanons as opposed to soap opera clips, but still), and I was (or y'know. am.) a theatre kid. The fact that this book has been challenged is a disgrace, albeit not surprising. A must-read for anyone queer and Catholic/ex-Catholic.
November 12, 2020
Synopsis:
This adorable middle grade follows Brie Hutchens, a massive soap opera fan, aspiring actress and reluctant student. After being caught accidentally looking at inappropriate photos of her favourite actress, Brie gets herself caught up in a lie. Brie tells her mum she’ll be crowning Mary, an honour reserved for top students at her Catholic school. And now Brie has to make her lie come true to avoid getting in trouble and to do so, befriends Kennedy, the top student in her year. But sometimes Brie gets butterflies when she looks at Kennedy and her confusing feelings, school struggles and family pressures lead to an exploration of identity and acceptance and a sweet, laugh out loud story.
My thoughts:
I flew through this book and absolutely adored it! Queer middle grade is something I’ve been wanting to pick up and this was such a good starting point. Just thinking about kids reading books like this and seeing themselves represented on page makes me so emotional and I’m so happy for them. Reading this also made me emotional for the same reason, to be honest so don’t let the age rating put you off! This was a heartwarming story about identity and acceptance and I’m so glad it exists.
I loved everything about this book, the characters were so authentic and fun and I loved Brie’s development and her exploration of her identity. This really hit home for me and led to a few teary moments. In particular, her relationship with her mum and their conversations (or lack thereof) about Brie’s identity and her working out her sexuality had a big impact on me and they felt very realistic. There were a few powerful scenes along these lines that I just know will have an incredible impact.
I also really enjoyed the discussions around religion and the way sexuality intersects with the beliefs of Brie’s family and friends. This was such a powerful and important narrative and it was executed very effectively, without ever suggesting that religion and sexuality were incompatible. Additionally, I loved Brie’s friends, especially Kennedy and Parker (the emoji text from Parker had me in tears, she’s just so sweet!) and I adored Brie’s character and voice, she was really vibrant and just a delight to read about.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet and fun middle grade with a delightful cast of characters and an important exploration of identity and acceptance.
I also talk about books here: youtube | instagram | twitter
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review from Melia*
This adorable middle grade follows Brie Hutchens, a massive soap opera fan, aspiring actress and reluctant student. After being caught accidentally looking at inappropriate photos of her favourite actress, Brie gets herself caught up in a lie. Brie tells her mum she’ll be crowning Mary, an honour reserved for top students at her Catholic school. And now Brie has to make her lie come true to avoid getting in trouble and to do so, befriends Kennedy, the top student in her year. But sometimes Brie gets butterflies when she looks at Kennedy and her confusing feelings, school struggles and family pressures lead to an exploration of identity and acceptance and a sweet, laugh out loud story.
My thoughts:
I flew through this book and absolutely adored it! Queer middle grade is something I’ve been wanting to pick up and this was such a good starting point. Just thinking about kids reading books like this and seeing themselves represented on page makes me so emotional and I’m so happy for them. Reading this also made me emotional for the same reason, to be honest so don’t let the age rating put you off! This was a heartwarming story about identity and acceptance and I’m so glad it exists.
I loved everything about this book, the characters were so authentic and fun and I loved Brie’s development and her exploration of her identity. This really hit home for me and led to a few teary moments. In particular, her relationship with her mum and their conversations (or lack thereof) about Brie’s identity and her working out her sexuality had a big impact on me and they felt very realistic. There were a few powerful scenes along these lines that I just know will have an incredible impact.
I also really enjoyed the discussions around religion and the way sexuality intersects with the beliefs of Brie’s family and friends. This was such a powerful and important narrative and it was executed very effectively, without ever suggesting that religion and sexuality were incompatible. Additionally, I loved Brie’s friends, especially Kennedy and Parker (the emoji text from Parker had me in tears, she’s just so sweet!) and I adored Brie’s character and voice, she was really vibrant and just a delight to read about.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet and fun middle grade with a delightful cast of characters and an important exploration of identity and acceptance.
I also talk about books here: youtube | instagram | twitter
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review from Melia*
April 22, 2020
Brie Hutchens is an eighth-grader at a Catholic school. She loves soap operas and dreams of being the star of the school play. She wants to go to drama school next year. Brie also has feelings that she's pretty sure are different than the other kids at her school. For instance, she gets a fluttery feeling looking at photos online of her favorite soap opera actress. But when Brie's (very religious) mom walks in on her doing so, Brie freaks out and tells her Mom she's been chosen to crown the Mary statue at her school's ceremony. She hasn't of course, and even worse, she probably stands no chance at earning the gig, since it usually goes to a top student. One like Kennedy, whom Brie usually avoids. But as Brie starts to spend a little more time with Kennedy, she realizes Kennedy gives her the same feeling as that soap actress. And that none of this is going to make her mother happy (or help her crown Mary).
This is a very sweet, heartwarming, and touching story about a young girl finding her way and finding herself. I'm a sucker for coming of age stories, but when they are lesbian coming of age stories? I'm sold. Brie is an interesting character, who even comes across a little ungrateful at times--though perhaps she's just a typical teenager. She's embarrassed her dad works at her school and often seems a bit self-centered and in her own world. Okay, yeah, she's a teenager. But her battle with her sexual identity is certainly one I could identify with and it's presented in a lovely and truthful way. It's exactly the kind of book kids this age need, especially teens being raised in a religious environment.
The book is more religious than I expected, but it's not off-putting. As someone whose first love love came from a religious Catholic family, I saw so much of my past life in this book. I loved the fact that Brie is a soap fan--as kid who grew up loving Dallas, Days of Our Lives, Passions, and Sunset Beach, this part of the book was totally fun. Yet, Melleby worked in the angle in a serious way, too, as Brie uses soaps as a way to realize that maybe she isn't so different after all (thank you, soaps, for having some progressive characters ahead of your time).
"But when Brie and her mom sat in the living room, watching their soaps, Brie forgot they had so little in common."
Brie is fun and sweet and she's decidedly her own person, yet scared of how her religious mom and her Catholic school friends might see her if she reveals she likes girls. Her agonizing over this, her fear of coming out, is raw and realistic. The difficultly of coming out really resonates here, and Melleby does a wonderful job capturing how hard it is, even now.
Overall, this is a lovely and tender book--funny and sweet--and a great children's/YA read. If you love coming of age stories, YA novels, or any LQBTIA youth fiction, I think this novel will tug at your heartstrings.
A huge thanks to Kejana from Algonquin Young Readers for my copy. Look for this book on 6/30/2020!
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This is a very sweet, heartwarming, and touching story about a young girl finding her way and finding herself. I'm a sucker for coming of age stories, but when they are lesbian coming of age stories? I'm sold. Brie is an interesting character, who even comes across a little ungrateful at times--though perhaps she's just a typical teenager. She's embarrassed her dad works at her school and often seems a bit self-centered and in her own world. Okay, yeah, she's a teenager. But her battle with her sexual identity is certainly one I could identify with and it's presented in a lovely and truthful way. It's exactly the kind of book kids this age need, especially teens being raised in a religious environment.
The book is more religious than I expected, but it's not off-putting. As someone whose first love love came from a religious Catholic family, I saw so much of my past life in this book. I loved the fact that Brie is a soap fan--as kid who grew up loving Dallas, Days of Our Lives, Passions, and Sunset Beach, this part of the book was totally fun. Yet, Melleby worked in the angle in a serious way, too, as Brie uses soaps as a way to realize that maybe she isn't so different after all (thank you, soaps, for having some progressive characters ahead of your time).
"But when Brie and her mom sat in the living room, watching their soaps, Brie forgot they had so little in common."
Brie is fun and sweet and she's decidedly her own person, yet scared of how her religious mom and her Catholic school friends might see her if she reveals she likes girls. Her agonizing over this, her fear of coming out, is raw and realistic. The difficultly of coming out really resonates here, and Melleby does a wonderful job capturing how hard it is, even now.
Overall, this is a lovely and tender book--funny and sweet--and a great children's/YA read. If you love coming of age stories, YA novels, or any LQBTIA youth fiction, I think this novel will tug at your heartstrings.
A huge thanks to Kejana from Algonquin Young Readers for my copy. Look for this book on 6/30/2020!
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ PaperBackSwap ~ Smashbomb
September 23, 2020
me: (dry eyed for ya/adult lgbt lit)
middle grade book: (exists)
me: (bawling my eyes out)
Rep: lesbian mc and li, Black side character
middle grade book: (exists)
me: (bawling my eyes out)
Rep: lesbian mc and li, Black side character
October 6, 2019
I feel so lucky to have gotten to read this book by my Pitch Wars co-mentor Nicole Melleby early, because this book will change lives for queer readers. It changed mine, anyway, and I am convinced it would've been a story I'd have dog-eared to near-disintegration if it'd been around when I was trying to figure myself out as a kid.
Brie knows she likes girls. She doesn't know how she feels about Catholicism and the religious lessons she's learning in Catholic school. As someone raised religious (though not Catholic) who realized I was queer around the same time Brie does, there was a lot I could relate to, even though outgoing, soap opera-loving Brie is very different than shy, introverted middle school me. There were so many scenes to flag, so many I read once, then a second time through tears, because this book packs a punch when it comes to complex family dynamics and coming out narratives.
If you're on the fence, this book is definitely worth preordering and reading the literal minute it arrives on your doorstep.
Brie knows she likes girls. She doesn't know how she feels about Catholicism and the religious lessons she's learning in Catholic school. As someone raised religious (though not Catholic) who realized I was queer around the same time Brie does, there was a lot I could relate to, even though outgoing, soap opera-loving Brie is very different than shy, introverted middle school me. There were so many scenes to flag, so many I read once, then a second time through tears, because this book packs a punch when it comes to complex family dynamics and coming out narratives.
If you're on the fence, this book is definitely worth preordering and reading the literal minute it arrives on your doorstep.
October 22, 2020
“nothing will change if you stop trying.”
everybody should read that book because it is so important to learn what we have here! i mean it, go read that book, catch some tissues for your tears and you will be fine!
everybody should read that book because it is so important to learn what we have here! i mean it, go read that book, catch some tissues for your tears and you will be fine!
July 1, 2020
“Nothing will change if you stop trying.”
I absolutely love that a middle grade book like this exists. It’s not too often that I dive into reading within the MG age group but I’m so glad I gave this one a chance because I think it’s a really important read. In the Role of Brie Hutchens is a story about an eighth grade girl who has big plans for her last year before high school that includes being the star of the school play and getting into her dream high school for performing arts to help her become an actress one day. Sounds ambitious enough, right? Except when Brie’s mom accidentally walks in on Brie looking at naked pictures of her favorite actress, Brie blurts out the first possible thing the comes to her mind. “I’m going to crown Mary!” – which is quite possibly the worst thing she could have said. Brie’s lies quickly turn into a snowball effect as she desperately tries to win the Crown Mary essay competition, convince her parents to let her audition for the new school she wants to attend, and navigate her sexuality as she starts to have feelings for a girl in her grade.
The writing in this was so well done that I unintentionally ended up reading the entire book in one sitting. The author does a great job of keeping readers engaged whether they be in eighth grade or like me…much older (let’s leave it at that). Brie, was fleshed out extremely well and while she did have flaws they really weren’t more than just being an eighth grader who is trying to figure out who they are. I think that we can all relate to that in some way shape or form since we’ve all walked down that road. Obviously, for Brie it’s harder when trying to understand your sexuality and feeling like your parents aren’t supportive or as easy to talk to as you would have liked. The side characters were all just as enjoyable to read and I loved to see how supportive a few of her teachers were as well since they can become such an important person in a teenagers life.
Additionally, while it was hard to read about Brie’s mom initially having a hard time coming to terms with her daughter’s sexuality and how to talk about it with her I still think it was a vital part piece of the story. Not every teen has the luxury of accepting parents from the get go and I think it will further help teens in similar situation feel less alone and isolated if going through the same thing. While this does end on a happy and more positive note for Brie I enjoyed how it showed that sometimes things aren’t always perfect and often times very hard but it can and will get better. All in all, like I said earlier it makes me so happy to know that books like this exist for middle age readers. I think it’s so important for readers to be able to see themselves represented in books whether it be race, sexuality, religion, etc. If you’re looking for a heart-warming, quick paced, inspiring read I would definitely recommend picking up this own-voices queer novel!
Thank you Algonquin Young Readers for inviting me to be a part of the blog tour and sending me an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review!
Blog | Twitter
I absolutely love that a middle grade book like this exists. It’s not too often that I dive into reading within the MG age group but I’m so glad I gave this one a chance because I think it’s a really important read. In the Role of Brie Hutchens is a story about an eighth grade girl who has big plans for her last year before high school that includes being the star of the school play and getting into her dream high school for performing arts to help her become an actress one day. Sounds ambitious enough, right? Except when Brie’s mom accidentally walks in on Brie looking at naked pictures of her favorite actress, Brie blurts out the first possible thing the comes to her mind. “I’m going to crown Mary!” – which is quite possibly the worst thing she could have said. Brie’s lies quickly turn into a snowball effect as she desperately tries to win the Crown Mary essay competition, convince her parents to let her audition for the new school she wants to attend, and navigate her sexuality as she starts to have feelings for a girl in her grade.
The writing in this was so well done that I unintentionally ended up reading the entire book in one sitting. The author does a great job of keeping readers engaged whether they be in eighth grade or like me…much older (let’s leave it at that). Brie, was fleshed out extremely well and while she did have flaws they really weren’t more than just being an eighth grader who is trying to figure out who they are. I think that we can all relate to that in some way shape or form since we’ve all walked down that road. Obviously, for Brie it’s harder when trying to understand your sexuality and feeling like your parents aren’t supportive or as easy to talk to as you would have liked. The side characters were all just as enjoyable to read and I loved to see how supportive a few of her teachers were as well since they can become such an important person in a teenagers life.
Additionally, while it was hard to read about Brie’s mom initially having a hard time coming to terms with her daughter’s sexuality and how to talk about it with her I still think it was a vital part piece of the story. Not every teen has the luxury of accepting parents from the get go and I think it will further help teens in similar situation feel less alone and isolated if going through the same thing. While this does end on a happy and more positive note for Brie I enjoyed how it showed that sometimes things aren’t always perfect and often times very hard but it can and will get better. All in all, like I said earlier it makes me so happy to know that books like this exist for middle age readers. I think it’s so important for readers to be able to see themselves represented in books whether it be race, sexuality, religion, etc. If you’re looking for a heart-warming, quick paced, inspiring read I would definitely recommend picking up this own-voices queer novel!
Thank you Algonquin Young Readers for inviting me to be a part of the blog tour and sending me an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review!
Blog | Twitter
July 10, 2020
It seems to be a pretty common experience that when queer people are seeking representation in media they somehow end up falling down a rabbit hole on YouTube, watching hundreds of clips of gay storylines on soap operas. I’ve definitely been there lol. So I thought it was a really cool idea to have a Middle Grade book where a 13 year old girl is figuring out her sexuality while watching soap operas and seeking out queer storylines in that medium.
The entire book isn’t about soap operas, it mostly deals with Brie’s strained relationship with her mom and trying to distract her mom from her sexuality by getting accolades at her Catholic school. Brie feels like her mom doesn’t really see her for who she is and just refuses to talk about things with her. I thought it was a great idea to heavily incorporate the scene of Bianca coming out to her mom on All My Children into the book. That’s definitely one that always stood out to me in my own gay soap character deep dives.
I didn’t totally connect with the writing in this book. Something about it that I can’t really describe kept me feeling a little bit distant from Brie. Which is strange because I felt really deeply for everything she was going through and there were some scenes that made me tear up. But the writing itself just didn’t really do it for me.
This is definitely a unique queer Middle Grade that I think is worth checking out. Hurricane Season still remains my favorite book from Nicole Melleby, but I’m definitely excited to read more of Nicole’s work in the future.
The entire book isn’t about soap operas, it mostly deals with Brie’s strained relationship with her mom and trying to distract her mom from her sexuality by getting accolades at her Catholic school. Brie feels like her mom doesn’t really see her for who she is and just refuses to talk about things with her. I thought it was a great idea to heavily incorporate the scene of Bianca coming out to her mom on All My Children into the book. That’s definitely one that always stood out to me in my own gay soap character deep dives.
I didn’t totally connect with the writing in this book. Something about it that I can’t really describe kept me feeling a little bit distant from Brie. Which is strange because I felt really deeply for everything she was going through and there were some scenes that made me tear up. But the writing itself just didn’t really do it for me.
This is definitely a unique queer Middle Grade that I think is worth checking out. Hurricane Season still remains my favorite book from Nicole Melleby, but I’m definitely excited to read more of Nicole’s work in the future.
April 8, 2020
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Mimi Koehler
Reasons to Pick up a Copy:
- Brie’s favourite pastime is watching soap operas with her mother and it’s the cutest
- Catholic school girl falls for other Catholic school girl sounds like a tagline from fanfiction and it is gloriously executed
- You will want to hug Brie’s dad when you hear of the sacrifices he makes for his daughter
- Parker, Brie’s best friend, is a supportive honeybee and deserves all the awards – who said thirteen-year-olds can’t have wing women?
Review:
“I like girls, Ms. Santos,” Brie blurted. It seemed like in the movies or on TV, anytime a girl realized she liked girls, or a boy realized he liked boys, they had one big moment. One moment when they said the words and came out, and that was that, full stop. Brie felt like she had barely come out to herself yet, and still, her moment was happening at least once a week. Would this be her life now? Having to come out again and again and again?
In the vein of the soap operas Brie is obsessed with, In the Role of Brie Hutchens packs a punch with loads of plot twists, heartbreaking and heartwarming scenes, a bit of drama, and a whole load of laugh-out-loud moments as the reader learns about Brie’s shenanigans.
My favourite part of the book was the relationship Brie had with her mother – for years the two of them would sit down together after Brie got home from school and before her mother left for work and watch their favourite soap opera together. It is something they bonded over and that features into their relationship quite a bit.
Beyond being just a really cool trait to have a young girl be enamoured with soap operas and the dramatics that go into it and giving Brie the idea to pursue acting, It also opened up the discussion of how soap operas are often ridiculed in popular culture even though they have a lot to offer and how they have become more progressive, introducing LGBTQ+ characters and storylines to their narrative. It definitely mirrored and enriched Brie’s own experience with her mother and the issues the church and those attending it still have with being open-minded.
In that, this book also explores the ways in which acceptance of family factors into how young individuals cope with struggles surrounding their sexuality at a very important age. Brie knows that she only likes girls but she also knows that her mother, a devout Catholic, will have issues with it to the point where she wonders if her mother would even still love her if she came out. It’s a heartbreaking path both Brie and her mother find themselves on that only drives home the fact that love should be unconditional.
On top of that, Brie’s relationship with her father was unexpectedly comforting. Outlining the struggles of being ashamed of your parents when you’re with your peers paired with the effort they put into everything to make your life as easy as possible was a lovely addition to the plot.
Brie’s love interest Kennedy is everything Brie isn’t – studious, seemingly devout, demure, and overall perfect. But Brie soon learns that appearances can fool you. I loved how the story went back and forth as Brie questioned if she wanted to be like Kennedy or be with Kennedy. That is such a common struggle when it comes to figuring out your identity and it felt very true to how Brie sees herself as not as good of a student and not measuring up but also simply just having other priorities.
Overall, this was a heartwarming and enlightening read with unique characters that burrow themselves into your heart and make you want to stay home and watch General Hospital with your mother. A well-crafted story about a girl who likes a girl and who just wants that to be okay with the world – and who deserves a happily ever after…with a touch of drama on the way to getting it.
Reasons to Pick up a Copy:
- Brie’s favourite pastime is watching soap operas with her mother and it’s the cutest
- Catholic school girl falls for other Catholic school girl sounds like a tagline from fanfiction and it is gloriously executed
- You will want to hug Brie’s dad when you hear of the sacrifices he makes for his daughter
- Parker, Brie’s best friend, is a supportive honeybee and deserves all the awards – who said thirteen-year-olds can’t have wing women?
Review:
“I like girls, Ms. Santos,” Brie blurted. It seemed like in the movies or on TV, anytime a girl realized she liked girls, or a boy realized he liked boys, they had one big moment. One moment when they said the words and came out, and that was that, full stop. Brie felt like she had barely come out to herself yet, and still, her moment was happening at least once a week. Would this be her life now? Having to come out again and again and again?
In the vein of the soap operas Brie is obsessed with, In the Role of Brie Hutchens packs a punch with loads of plot twists, heartbreaking and heartwarming scenes, a bit of drama, and a whole load of laugh-out-loud moments as the reader learns about Brie’s shenanigans.
My favourite part of the book was the relationship Brie had with her mother – for years the two of them would sit down together after Brie got home from school and before her mother left for work and watch their favourite soap opera together. It is something they bonded over and that features into their relationship quite a bit.
Beyond being just a really cool trait to have a young girl be enamoured with soap operas and the dramatics that go into it and giving Brie the idea to pursue acting, It also opened up the discussion of how soap operas are often ridiculed in popular culture even though they have a lot to offer and how they have become more progressive, introducing LGBTQ+ characters and storylines to their narrative. It definitely mirrored and enriched Brie’s own experience with her mother and the issues the church and those attending it still have with being open-minded.
In that, this book also explores the ways in which acceptance of family factors into how young individuals cope with struggles surrounding their sexuality at a very important age. Brie knows that she only likes girls but she also knows that her mother, a devout Catholic, will have issues with it to the point where she wonders if her mother would even still love her if she came out. It’s a heartbreaking path both Brie and her mother find themselves on that only drives home the fact that love should be unconditional.
On top of that, Brie’s relationship with her father was unexpectedly comforting. Outlining the struggles of being ashamed of your parents when you’re with your peers paired with the effort they put into everything to make your life as easy as possible was a lovely addition to the plot.
Brie’s love interest Kennedy is everything Brie isn’t – studious, seemingly devout, demure, and overall perfect. But Brie soon learns that appearances can fool you. I loved how the story went back and forth as Brie questioned if she wanted to be like Kennedy or be with Kennedy. That is such a common struggle when it comes to figuring out your identity and it felt very true to how Brie sees herself as not as good of a student and not measuring up but also simply just having other priorities.
Overall, this was a heartwarming and enlightening read with unique characters that burrow themselves into your heart and make you want to stay home and watch General Hospital with your mother. A well-crafted story about a girl who likes a girl and who just wants that to be okay with the world – and who deserves a happily ever after…with a touch of drama on the way to getting it.
July 26, 2020
This book is so, so, so important!!! Goodness, what wonders it would have done for so many, including myself, to have had this book while growing up.
Brie Hutchens, a soap-opera loving 8th grade Catholic school student figures out she's gay and in a very slapsticky kind of moment, to keep her mom from seeing her look at pictures of boobs, she tells a lie about an academic achievement she hasn't yet earned (and probably won't earn). This is a STUNNING story about coming out, figuring yourself out, first love, friendship, and being queer in an inherently homophobic environment (ie. Catholic school).
Brie was A DELIGHT to spend time with. What a darling girl. Brie and Kennedy were the freaking cutest, and the budding romance between these kids was just so lovely. The scene in the hockey arena Their first kiss also was just an absolute joy!! DARLINGS. Brie's best friend Parker was an absolute delight, too, and their friendship was lovely.
The, to me, pivotal scene, of the book in which
I also really appreciated Brie's teachers, who were all extremely good.
I will say, content warning for homophobic parents (not the throwing their kid out of the house kind of homophobic, more the microaggressions and silent treatment kind of homophobic) but there is some improvement towards the end; it's not entirely hopeless.
I don't even want to say too much about it because the entire thing should just be ~experienced, and yet, I want to yell my love for this book from the rooftops. It was just truly magical.
Brie Hutchens, a soap-opera loving 8th grade Catholic school student figures out she's gay and in a very slapsticky kind of moment, to keep her mom from seeing her look at pictures of boobs, she tells a lie about an academic achievement she hasn't yet earned (and probably won't earn). This is a STUNNING story about coming out, figuring yourself out, first love, friendship, and being queer in an inherently homophobic environment (ie. Catholic school).
Brie was A DELIGHT to spend time with. What a darling girl. Brie and Kennedy were the freaking cutest, and the budding romance between these kids was just so lovely. The scene in the hockey arena Their first kiss also was just an absolute joy!! DARLINGS. Brie's best friend Parker was an absolute delight, too, and their friendship was lovely.
The, to me, pivotal scene, of the book in which
I also really appreciated Brie's teachers, who were all extremely good.
I will say, content warning for homophobic parents (not the throwing their kid out of the house kind of homophobic, more the microaggressions and silent treatment kind of homophobic) but there is some improvement towards the end; it's not entirely hopeless.
I don't even want to say too much about it because the entire thing should just be ~experienced, and yet, I want to yell my love for this book from the rooftops. It was just truly magical.
September 24, 2022
Content warnings: homophobia
Rep: Brie (MC) is lesbian, Kennedy is probably lesbian too.
I just want to hug Brie a lot.
She's a dramatic kid, who loves watching soaps with her mum.
I wish that Brie's mum had communicated with her better because it seemed that her mum expected Brie to just know the reason to why she couldn't do things. She's a kid, they're inherently selfish and don't think that much about others.
My heart shattered in my chest when Brie's mum iced her out when she read Brie's computer and realised she's lesbian. Like, fucking hell, it's your one job as a parent to love your kid, but n o p e.
Look, I get it, she's extremely religious, but it's the extremely religious heteros' faults that us lesbians and queer people are afraid to be ourselves.
Anyway, this was a lovely book. I loved Brie/Kennedy a lot. They were so cute together.
Bookish links: Instagram / Twitter / TikTok / Blog
Rep: Brie (MC) is lesbian, Kennedy is probably lesbian too.
I just want to hug Brie a lot.
She's a dramatic kid, who loves watching soaps with her mum.
I wish that Brie's mum had communicated with her better because it seemed that her mum expected Brie to just know the reason to why she couldn't do things. She's a kid, they're inherently selfish and don't think that much about others.
My heart shattered in my chest when Brie's mum iced her out when she read Brie's computer and realised she's lesbian. Like, fucking hell, it's your one job as a parent to love your kid, but n o p e.
Look, I get it, she's extremely religious, but it's the extremely religious heteros' faults that us lesbians and queer people are afraid to be ourselves.
Anyway, this was a lovely book. I loved Brie/Kennedy a lot. They were so cute together.
Bookish links: Instagram / Twitter / TikTok / Blog
August 17, 2023
4 stars. This was wonderful and yes I did tear up a lot while reading it. I don’t need your judgment. Brie likes girls and she’s trying to understand that part and before she even gets comfortable enough to come out to anyone her mom finds out and things go downhill. My heart broke for the poor girl. I couldn’t imagine having that important moment taken from you the way that it was for her. I knew that I liked girls at her age but I didn’t come out until I was an adult so the thought of being forced to come out makes me nauseous. Her mother handled it poorly but I loved the moment towards the end between her and Brie when Brie finally gets her to talk about it. Such a well done and emotionally satisfying scene.
The story to this was heartfelt and engaging but still fun with a sweet romance as Brie has a crush on a girl at her school named Kennedy. I liked the writing and Brie herself felt real and I loved the growth and development she went through. So much happened and she had to really grow up. I adored this book. The familial relationship dynamics and drama were both wonderful and honest and the ending left me smiling. I wasn’t expecting this to hit me as hard as it did. I really enjoyed it and I will definitely be picking up more from this author.
The story to this was heartfelt and engaging but still fun with a sweet romance as Brie has a crush on a girl at her school named Kennedy. I liked the writing and Brie herself felt real and I loved the growth and development she went through. So much happened and she had to really grow up. I adored this book. The familial relationship dynamics and drama were both wonderful and honest and the ending left me smiling. I wasn’t expecting this to hit me as hard as it did. I really enjoyed it and I will definitely be picking up more from this author.
February 8, 2020
ARC provided by NetGalley but all opinions are my own.
so i am... crying. jsdfsh no one is surprised. i knew i would love this book because i love Nicole's writing and i adore her other book, Hurricane Season, which is one of my favorite books of all time, and middle grade sapphic novels in general have a special place in my heart. i think this is because i wish i had known i was sapphic myself earlier on, and had gotten to enjoy some stories, experiences and feelings earlier. but anyways.
so this book follows brie, a passionate thirteen year old who loves soap operas and dreams of one day being an actress. she has a crush on a girl in her class, kennedy, and also struggles through an awkward and complicated relationship with her mother.
to be honest, when i read that this story would be set in a catholic church, i was scared, for reasons i'm pretty sure you all know and understand. BUT i had no reason to be, afterall. this is one of the things i appreciate the most in this book, because despite it being a catholic school, the support that the teachers offer brie is astounding. and heartwarming. and relieving. and so wholesome. and so is the support shown by her friends and her family, even though it takes her mother longer to come to terms with brie's sexuality.
speaking of, brie's mother is... flawed, even though she says she tries her best. her relationship with her daughter is quite strained and awkward. her invading brie's privacy was one thing i could not forgive, no matter how much i tried. she is not bad, she never stops caring for and supporting her daughter, and eventually comes around, but she could have dealt better with the whole situation.
it's really hard for me to write this review because so, so many things hit very close to home. so here are other aspects that i loved, that i will just mention briefly:
- the teachers encouraging brie and the other students to question their faith, never scolding them for doubting and always trying to guide them
- brie's mom making sure that brie knows consent is important
- brie never pressuring kennedy about coming out
- everyone apologizing for their mistakes and owning up to them
PLEASE read this book, it's such an important story and so heartwarming. my review does not do it justice, but maybe after i detach myself a little from it, i'll manage to be more coherent. anyways, thank you Nicole for another beautiful story. really looking forward to the next one!
"Brie never felt ready, no matter how many times she had to say the words. She hoped that Kennedy would figure out how to do it on her own time. She hoped that when she did it, it would be because she was ready. Not because she felt pressured to."
so i am... crying. jsdfsh no one is surprised. i knew i would love this book because i love Nicole's writing and i adore her other book, Hurricane Season, which is one of my favorite books of all time, and middle grade sapphic novels in general have a special place in my heart. i think this is because i wish i had known i was sapphic myself earlier on, and had gotten to enjoy some stories, experiences and feelings earlier. but anyways.
so this book follows brie, a passionate thirteen year old who loves soap operas and dreams of one day being an actress. she has a crush on a girl in her class, kennedy, and also struggles through an awkward and complicated relationship with her mother.
to be honest, when i read that this story would be set in a catholic church, i was scared, for reasons i'm pretty sure you all know and understand. BUT i had no reason to be, afterall. this is one of the things i appreciate the most in this book, because despite it being a catholic school, the support that the teachers offer brie is astounding. and heartwarming. and relieving. and so wholesome. and so is the support shown by her friends and her family, even though it takes her mother longer to come to terms with brie's sexuality.
speaking of, brie's mother is... flawed, even though she says she tries her best. her relationship with her daughter is quite strained and awkward. her invading brie's privacy was one thing i could not forgive, no matter how much i tried. she is not bad, she never stops caring for and supporting her daughter, and eventually comes around, but she could have dealt better with the whole situation.
it's really hard for me to write this review because so, so many things hit very close to home. so here are other aspects that i loved, that i will just mention briefly:
- the teachers encouraging brie and the other students to question their faith, never scolding them for doubting and always trying to guide them
- brie's mom making sure that brie knows consent is important
- brie never pressuring kennedy about coming out
- everyone apologizing for their mistakes and owning up to them
PLEASE read this book, it's such an important story and so heartwarming. my review does not do it justice, but maybe after i detach myself a little from it, i'll manage to be more coherent. anyways, thank you Nicole for another beautiful story. really looking forward to the next one!
August 16, 2020
4.5 stars ⭐
I'm so grateful this story exists. Reading this book I couldn't help but think how much this will help young queer girls who are questioning/exploring their sexuality since that can be extremely tough, especially if one finds themselves in a not very accepting environment.
In the Role of Brie Hutchens has it all: romance, humour, loveable characters and an important message to top it all off.
Brie is a really well-rounded character - I can definitely picture as an actual 13-year-old girl. Yes, she might be dramatic sometimes, but we all know that is just how most teenagers are (myself included). She is tenacious and industrious, yet still awkward and obstinate which is what makes her such a three-dimensional character as she has both strenghts and flaws.
The romance in this story is so adorable and heart-warming to the point it made me giggle with glee quite a few times. It is also very realistic. For instance, throughout the novel, even after Brie acknowledges her crush on Kennedy, there are times in which she still feels jealous of her as, in her mind, she is what her mother always wanted Brie to be like. What's more, Brie ends up realising that there's more than meets the eye when it comes to someone's relationship with their family. She finds out that Kennedy's life isn't as picture-perfect as she imagined.
Furthermore, Brie is dealing with trying to navigate her new dynamic with her mother. The protagonist goes to a Catholic school and that factor combined with the fact that her mum is very religious makes it harder for Brie to freely express who she is. Seeing this reality in books is so crucial as I know a lot of LGBTQ+ folks stuggle with this.
As a side note, I loved the way her friends reacted to her coming out - it made me smile so much.
On the other hand, I will say that I wish some of the side characters had been more fleshed out, like Wallace and Brie's brother. Neverthless, I believe that might be in part due to the fact that this is a middle-grade novel as well as it being a rather short book.
In my opinion, In the Role of Brie Hutchens ticks off all the right boxes. If you're looking for a book which discusses being queer and coming out in a more conservative, religious environment, in addition to filling your heart with joy, I urge you to pick this one up!
I'm so grateful this story exists. Reading this book I couldn't help but think how much this will help young queer girls who are questioning/exploring their sexuality since that can be extremely tough, especially if one finds themselves in a not very accepting environment.
In the Role of Brie Hutchens has it all: romance, humour, loveable characters and an important message to top it all off.
Brie is a really well-rounded character - I can definitely picture as an actual 13-year-old girl. Yes, she might be dramatic sometimes, but we all know that is just how most teenagers are (myself included). She is tenacious and industrious, yet still awkward and obstinate which is what makes her such a three-dimensional character as she has both strenghts and flaws.
The romance in this story is so adorable and heart-warming to the point it made me giggle with glee quite a few times. It is also very realistic. For instance, throughout the novel, even after Brie acknowledges her crush on Kennedy, there are times in which she still feels jealous of her as, in her mind, she is what her mother always wanted Brie to be like. What's more, Brie ends up realising that there's more than meets the eye when it comes to someone's relationship with their family. She finds out that Kennedy's life isn't as picture-perfect as she imagined.
Furthermore, Brie is dealing with trying to navigate her new dynamic with her mother. The protagonist goes to a Catholic school and that factor combined with the fact that her mum is very religious makes it harder for Brie to freely express who she is. Seeing this reality in books is so crucial as I know a lot of LGBTQ+ folks stuggle with this.
As a side note, I loved the way her friends reacted to her coming out - it made me smile so much.
On the other hand, I will say that I wish some of the side characters had been more fleshed out, like Wallace and Brie's brother. Neverthless, I believe that might be in part due to the fact that this is a middle-grade novel as well as it being a rather short book.
In my opinion, In the Role of Brie Hutchens ticks off all the right boxes. If you're looking for a book which discusses being queer and coming out in a more conservative, religious environment, in addition to filling your heart with joy, I urge you to pick this one up!
April 14, 2020
Brie Hutchens lied to her mom in a panic when she almost got caught looking up naked photos of her favorite actress. Being a mediocre student at a Catholic school, her lie of being chosen to crown Mary was unlikely to come true. And it certainly did not help when Kennedy, the perfect girl in her class, gave Brie butterflies in the stomach.
I did not plan on reading this book from Holy Saturday to the midnight of Easter. It felt special when I realized so.
Melleby did a wonderful job of tackling the issues of figuring out oneself and navigating family relationships. We followed Brie, a somewhat unreliable narrator, as she tried to come out to herself and loved ones. I personally relate to her on so many levels, including attending Catholic middle school and finding emotional release in theatre. Though Brie was not particularly likeable, she was certainly very relatable. We experienced her yearnings of being liked by her mom, confusion over her own feelings, and attraction to Kennedy.
This book is oh-so-very-cute and heartwarming in every way. For any queer teens out there, I think it makes them feel seen and gives them hope and assurance that everything is going to be okay. I highly recommend In the Role of Brie Hutchens… to readers of any age.
I received an e-ARC from Algonquin Young Readers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I did not plan on reading this book from Holy Saturday to the midnight of Easter. It felt special when I realized so.
Melleby did a wonderful job of tackling the issues of figuring out oneself and navigating family relationships. We followed Brie, a somewhat unreliable narrator, as she tried to come out to herself and loved ones. I personally relate to her on so many levels, including attending Catholic middle school and finding emotional release in theatre. Though Brie was not particularly likeable, she was certainly very relatable. We experienced her yearnings of being liked by her mom, confusion over her own feelings, and attraction to Kennedy.
This book is oh-so-very-cute and heartwarming in every way. For any queer teens out there, I think it makes them feel seen and gives them hope and assurance that everything is going to be okay. I highly recommend In the Role of Brie Hutchens… to readers of any age.
I received an e-ARC from Algonquin Young Readers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2022
gorgeous gorgeous gay girls with unresolved religious trauma/catholic guilt get anxiety stomach aches reading this because it hits too close to home. a theatre/performance loving young girl struggling with her faith, coming to terms with her attraction to other girls and trying to navigate all the fear and the shame it brings up AS WELL AS trying to stay afloat in her family and school life… the complicated relationship with the mother… who let this author inside of my preteen brain… reading this meant more to me than i can say. perhaps more on this later but that was oversharing enough 🤪
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July 22, 2020I loved this endearing MG novel! It felt like the way Judy Blume might write a book about a queer girl discerning her identity in middle school. The family dynamics were lovely. The crush was so sweet.
November 15, 2019
wowowowowowow!!! this book broke my heart and put it back together so many times! put it on your tbr shelves for next year, people, and a full review will come!
November 15, 2020
This book felt like a weird mix of my girlfriend and my childhoods! It also made me cry! Full RTC.
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May 6, 2020Loved this book. Brie is a great character who leaps off the page with her obsession with soap operas and the drama in her own life. It's an interesting exploration of coming out in a religious family and exploring what religion means to you, something that kids Brie's age are certainly doing more than in typically depicted in middle grade and teen books.
February 5, 2020
***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of IN THE ROLE OF BRIE HUTCHENS by Nicole Melleby in exchange for my honest review.***
4.5 STARS
Eighth-grader Brie uses old soap opera scenes to make sense of her life and her crushes on girls. Now that her mom works full time, they no longer bond watching General Hospital. Brie isn’t sure her mom will love her if she finds out Brie is gay. Lies, trouble in school and family problems add up to a whole lot of angst for Brie just when Kennedy, the prettiest girl in school, might feel the same way as Brie.
Brie is perfectly imperfect, not the best fit in her catholic school she doesn’t understand her mother’s strong faith. Young readers will relate to wanting to do the right thing and messing up more often than not and fears of disappointing a parent.
As an adult, I loved the snippets of soap opera scenes from the eighties and nineties, but I’m not sure teen readers will be as interested in the references. I watched many of the episodes Nicole Melleby used and laughed out loud when Brie used Guiding Light’s Reva’s “Slut of Springfield” monologue to try out for her school play. Guiding Light went off the air before most tweens were born and without that reverence, I’m not sure the scenes will mean as much, or anything which is why I didn’t round up to 5 stars.
A big recommendation to readers and libraries for the delightful IN THE ROLE OF BRIE HUTCHENS.
4.5 STARS
Eighth-grader Brie uses old soap opera scenes to make sense of her life and her crushes on girls. Now that her mom works full time, they no longer bond watching General Hospital. Brie isn’t sure her mom will love her if she finds out Brie is gay. Lies, trouble in school and family problems add up to a whole lot of angst for Brie just when Kennedy, the prettiest girl in school, might feel the same way as Brie.
Brie is perfectly imperfect, not the best fit in her catholic school she doesn’t understand her mother’s strong faith. Young readers will relate to wanting to do the right thing and messing up more often than not and fears of disappointing a parent.
As an adult, I loved the snippets of soap opera scenes from the eighties and nineties, but I’m not sure teen readers will be as interested in the references. I watched many of the episodes Nicole Melleby used and laughed out loud when Brie used Guiding Light’s Reva’s “Slut of Springfield” monologue to try out for her school play. Guiding Light went off the air before most tweens were born and without that reverence, I’m not sure the scenes will mean as much, or anything which is why I didn’t round up to 5 stars.
A big recommendation to readers and libraries for the delightful IN THE ROLE OF BRIE HUTCHENS.
December 18, 2019
What it's about: Brie Hutchens has a powerful personality, but she's very confused. She's confused about why her dad has to be the janitor at her school, which is totally embarrassing. She's confused about why she and her mom can't spend more time together watching their beloved soap operas because her mom is spending more time at work. She's confused about why her best friend Parker can't just decide on a boy to like. And she's confused about the feelings she's having, because she doesn't like boys the way Parker does. In fact, Brie is starting to think she might like girls - like, LIKE girls.
That would be confusing enough for an eighth grader, but to add to Brie's difficulties, she attends a Catholic school, where such things are DEFINITELY frowned upon. And Brie's mom is VERY religious, so Brie is pretty sure she can't talk to her mom about it.
But when Brie's mom almost walks in on Brie that time she accidentally had a naked picture of a woman open on her laptop, Brie tries to distract her mom by telling her Brie was chosen to crown Mary, which is the high honor for eighth graders at her school. The problem is, Brie is not nearly a good enough student to be chosen for that task. So Brie has to really buckle down if she hopes to make her lie the truth. But Brie's competition happens to be the amazingly talented, amazingly smart, and amazingly cute Kennedy. And now Brie is more confused than ever...
What I thought: I really appreciated the way Brie grows and changes over the course of the story. She starts out extremely self-involved and unable to see past her own wants - which is pretty typical for a middle school student. As the story progresses, this gets her into ever-increasing difficulties - as it does with typical middle school students. But by the end, she's starting to see that she has an impact on others, and that she needs to be more thoughtful about the way sh interacts with the world - as with (not nearly enough) middle school students as they head toward the end of eighth grade.
On a side note, this book is set very close to where I have lived for the past couple decades, and it was a little weird to be reading a fictional story about real places I know.
Why I rated it like I did: The story is well-written, and it might help some middle and/or high school students to see a character to whom they can closely relate - it can't be easy to try to figure out one's sexuality in the face of so many obstacles, but it's something lots of kids have to deal with each day.
Brie can be a little tough to take in places; I wonder if some younger readers will be turned off enough by some of her extra-ness that they might give up on reading before they get to the resolution.
That would be confusing enough for an eighth grader, but to add to Brie's difficulties, she attends a Catholic school, where such things are DEFINITELY frowned upon. And Brie's mom is VERY religious, so Brie is pretty sure she can't talk to her mom about it.
But when Brie's mom almost walks in on Brie that time she accidentally had a naked picture of a woman open on her laptop, Brie tries to distract her mom by telling her Brie was chosen to crown Mary, which is the high honor for eighth graders at her school. The problem is, Brie is not nearly a good enough student to be chosen for that task. So Brie has to really buckle down if she hopes to make her lie the truth. But Brie's competition happens to be the amazingly talented, amazingly smart, and amazingly cute Kennedy. And now Brie is more confused than ever...
What I thought: I really appreciated the way Brie grows and changes over the course of the story. She starts out extremely self-involved and unable to see past her own wants - which is pretty typical for a middle school student. As the story progresses, this gets her into ever-increasing difficulties - as it does with typical middle school students. But by the end, she's starting to see that she has an impact on others, and that she needs to be more thoughtful about the way sh interacts with the world - as with (not nearly enough) middle school students as they head toward the end of eighth grade.
On a side note, this book is set very close to where I have lived for the past couple decades, and it was a little weird to be reading a fictional story about real places I know.
Why I rated it like I did: The story is well-written, and it might help some middle and/or high school students to see a character to whom they can closely relate - it can't be easy to try to figure out one's sexuality in the face of so many obstacles, but it's something lots of kids have to deal with each day.
Brie can be a little tough to take in places; I wonder if some younger readers will be turned off enough by some of her extra-ness that they might give up on reading before they get to the resolution.
May 2, 2020
This is absolutely 100% THE YA book I recommend to lovers of realistic fiction. I cried at least three times. The story line itself is pretty simple, but there is SO MUCH emotion in Brie’s story. Anyone who is an LGBT ally, has struggled in adolescence with fitting in, had rocky relationships with their parents, struggled with their faith, or struggled with their sexuality will feel for Brie’s story in some way. I simply cannot recommend this book enough.
Brie is an 8th grader at a Catholic school. Brie and her mother never seem to see eye to eye, but that becomes worse when Brie gets caught looking at pictures (ahem) of her favorite actress. Quick to defuse the situation, Brie lies about being chosen to perform an honorable task, crowning Mary, at the school’s annual mass. The situation is only temporarily defused. As Brie comes to accept that she has a crush on a girl at school, her home life becomes miserable. As she wrestles with trying to earn the title she lied with her mom about, her feelings, figuring out her religion, and wanting to be an actress at a school her family cannot afford, Brie realizes her one desire is to be seen, truly, by those she cares about.
Brie is an 8th grader at a Catholic school. Brie and her mother never seem to see eye to eye, but that becomes worse when Brie gets caught looking at pictures (ahem) of her favorite actress. Quick to defuse the situation, Brie lies about being chosen to perform an honorable task, crowning Mary, at the school’s annual mass. The situation is only temporarily defused. As Brie comes to accept that she has a crush on a girl at school, her home life becomes miserable. As she wrestles with trying to earn the title she lied with her mom about, her feelings, figuring out her religion, and wanting to be an actress at a school her family cannot afford, Brie realizes her one desire is to be seen, truly, by those she cares about.
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June 13, 2023This was very cute. I really liked the exploration of queerness and faith and the realistic outcomes. This takes place in a middle school Catholic school and we have a sapphic questioning main character who is just trying to live up to the expectations of her parents while also figuring out who she is as a person and what her future looks like.
February 18, 2023
This is one of those books that, if I had read it as an actual YA, it would have changed my life.
It felt like the author crawled inside my head and feelings and then put them to paper in a way I never could.
If you grew up Catholic and queer and never felt like you could be yourself, well, this is your chance to read a story about how it could have been.
It felt like the author crawled inside my head and feelings and then put them to paper in a way I never could.
If you grew up Catholic and queer and never felt like you could be yourself, well, this is your chance to read a story about how it could have been.
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