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The Mean Girl Who Never Speaks
Mya is investigating Libby, the new girl at school. Libby won’t speak, smile or play with anyone. The Children's Police Force thinks she is mean, but they need proof. Finding proof is Mya’s job. It won’t be easy. Libby isn’t just mean, she is sneaky, too. When Mya talks to her, Libby fake cries in class. Now Libby has a teacher on her side. Who will she trick next? To solve the case, Mya must prove that Libby is mean and warn everyone. Can she stop Libby before it’s too late? Or will this mean girl take over the school?
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This book is written in British English. The story is also available in the Detective Mya Dove 3 Book Collection.
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This book is written in British English. The story is also available in the Detective Mya Dove 3 Book Collection.
114 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 2013
1222 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 3, 2018
As someone with social anxiety, I teared up at some of the parts. This book has an amazing story.
July 26, 2023
Wonderful lessons for all of us, grownups too.
Trying to prove someone is mean led Mya to think about her values. What does mean look like? My face is naturally in a frown except when grinning. Does that make me mean? People sometimes judge me as mean but those who know me consider me friendly but shy. Hopefully Mya learned this lesson.
Trying to prove someone is mean led Mya to think about her values. What does mean look like? My face is naturally in a frown except when grinning. Does that make me mean? People sometimes judge me as mean but those who know me consider me friendly but shy. Hopefully Mya learned this lesson.
July 29, 2018
This was a quick, easy and funny book l am going to read the next one. If you are looking for a quick and easy and funny read this is the book
I was looking for a quick aand short read and this book fit right in . Great book reading 2
I was looking for a quick aand short read and this book fit right in . Great book reading 2
July 28, 2023
What a wonderful book about non nero normative children. We adults kind of focus on teens and others but to read about social anxiety from the view of a peer us fantastic! I can hardly wait to share this book with someone else! Highly Recommended 5/5
November 8, 2023
This book touches on how social anxiety manifests in children.
Perfect for elementary school teachers to add to their classroom libraries to help students.
Perfect for elementary school teachers to add to their classroom libraries to help students.
October 19, 2022
I read this with my son (8 years old). He really loved it. I asked him what his rating and review was, and he said 5 stars and that he loved it and thought it was a really interesting book and very funny. And he wants to read more and find out who Mya's secret boss is.
The humor was great. The story was interesting, and he was very involved in the story. As a parent I liked the message, and I think the book did a good job of showing kids what it might look like when kids are different and how you shouldn't rush to judge their behavior but figure out why they're doing what they're doing, instead of just telling kids to "be nice" it showed the nuance of kid social groups. But also that you don't have to be friends with people who are mean just don't be mean back. This is developmentally right on target. This is the age when kids are starting to not just be best friends with everyone because they're in their class but are choosing friends, which is stressful and confusing. The book did a good job of capturing that in an interesting, humorous way.
As far as reading level, we read this book outloud (my son read it to me) and he could read all of the words without a problem and could have read and understood it independently. He's in the 3rd grade and the same age as the main character.
The humor was great. The story was interesting, and he was very involved in the story. As a parent I liked the message, and I think the book did a good job of showing kids what it might look like when kids are different and how you shouldn't rush to judge their behavior but figure out why they're doing what they're doing, instead of just telling kids to "be nice" it showed the nuance of kid social groups. But also that you don't have to be friends with people who are mean just don't be mean back. This is developmentally right on target. This is the age when kids are starting to not just be best friends with everyone because they're in their class but are choosing friends, which is stressful and confusing. The book did a good job of capturing that in an interesting, humorous way.
As far as reading level, we read this book outloud (my son read it to me) and he could read all of the words without a problem and could have read and understood it independently. He's in the 3rd grade and the same age as the main character.
October 25, 2015
Maybe somewhere between 3-4 out of 5 stars. I had gotten this book for free sometime ago on kindle and it was short so I thought I could read it quickly as I was wondering if the girl was mean or had some disability or problems. It's written in British English so that may be a bit confusing at first for tone; I don't like how the book had a bit of bathroom humor in it which is why I rated it what I did. I'm not sure what the age range of the book is - it's definitely a lesson on an issue that comes up more now than before. I like how the character is nice in the end and stands up for Libby but again the humor seemed a bit off -- or maybe the bathroom humor just threw me off entirely. Blue is a good writer though - she has a lot of descriptions in her stories, too which makes the story potentially stand out. A fun quick read but It may not be appropriate for certain age levels.
October 20, 2024
Detective May Dove review by L
I would recommend this book for kids that enjoy mystery. This is a great book and the next few will be as good as the first book.
I would recommend this book for kids that enjoy mystery. This is a great book and the next few will be as good as the first book.
December 27, 2017
Mya is a officer P.I. (in training) working on a case of the girl who says nothing and does noting, no smile no playing, nothing. They - the other students think she is mean because she acts this way. However there is more to the 'mean girl' Mya does her job and gets to the bottom of the case.
Fun book, and message behind the 'investigation' and reveal is wonderful. Know people the best you can and then support them in ways that are best for them.
Fun book, and message behind the 'investigation' and reveal is wonderful. Know people the best you can and then support them in ways that are best for them.
January 28, 2018
The book every teacher should have in their class!
Lovely story about how children see other children who are not acting in the same way they do...And how much it takes to understand social anxiety. Good lesson for class leaders who should make their class familiar with the problem and ask children to help and be patient.. my child doesn't speak at school either due to selective mutism.
Lovely story about how children see other children who are not acting in the same way they do...And how much it takes to understand social anxiety. Good lesson for class leaders who should make their class familiar with the problem and ask children to help and be patient.. my child doesn't speak at school either due to selective mutism.
October 20, 2022
Light, enjoyable and fun
I read this book with my granddaughter and she loved it. She was doing the reading . She loved the book and thought it was fun and exciting. She looked on the back and requested another book by this author. That was a first, so this selection was well worth the money. Now off to order another adventure of Detective Mya Dove!
I read this book with my granddaughter and she loved it. She was doing the reading . She loved the book and thought it was fun and exciting. She looked on the back and requested another book by this author. That was a first, so this selection was well worth the money. Now off to order another adventure of Detective Mya Dove!
April 19, 2015
This was an excellent book with a great message for kids to understand on a kids level. Very entertaining and realistic in many areas of childs life in todays society.
May 22, 2018
A good topic but I did not enjoy the voice of the story.
February 2, 2020
I don’t for a second believe that Mya was 6 years old and this is somewhat bothersome to me.
October 13, 2024
Excellent
by Zuni Blue is an intriguing and engaging young adult novel that delves into the complexities of middle school life, friendships, and identity. It's the first book in a series that follows the protagonist, Lena, a seemingly shy and quiet girl who everyone assumes is a "mean girl" because she never speaks.
Plot Overview:
Lena doesn't talk, but her silence isn't an act of defiance or arrogance. As readers discover throughout the story, Lena has her own reasons for staying quiet, and this mystery is what makes the book compelling. The story begins with Lena navigating her middle school environment, where she faces a mix of curiosity, misunderstanding, and rumors. Although she doesn't talk, Lena is perceptive and observes the social dynamics around her, including the behavior of "mean girls" and other stereotypes present in school.
Her quiet nature leads others to misinterpret her, and she is soon labeled as "mean," even though she’s far from it. Throughout the book, readers see how her classmates’ judgments affect Lena, while Lena, in turn, learns more about her peers and the hidden reasons behind their behaviors.
Themes:
One of the key themes of the book is the idea that silence doesn’t always mean approval, aggression, or indifference. Lena’s silence is a defense mechanism, but it also serves as a way for her to analyze the world around her. Zuni Blue uses this as a powerful metaphor for the misconceptions people have about others based on appearances or assumptions.
Another prominent theme is the complexity of friendship. Lena’s journey shows that real friendships aren’t always about talking but about understanding, empathy, and support. The book also touches on bullying, peer pressure, and how young people struggle to find their voice, both literally and metaphorically, in environments where they feel misunderstood.
Characterization:
Lena is a well-developed character, full of layers that readers will enjoy peeling back. Though she is the main focus, the secondary characters are also given depth. Her classmates, especially those involved in the school’s social hierarchy, reflect common but complex school dynamics, making them relatable to readers.
Writing Style:
Zuni Blue's writing is simple yet effective, capturing the voice of middle schoolers without oversimplifying their thoughts or experiences. The author skillfully weaves Lena’s silence into the narrative, making it a key part of the storytelling rather than a gimmick. The pacing is quick enough to keep younger readers engaged, but there’s also enough depth to make older readers reflect on the messages the book offers.
Conclusion:
The Mean Girl Who Never Speaks* is a thought-provoking read that invites readers to consider how we judge others based on outward behavior. Lena’s story is both heartwarming and insightful, offering lessons in empathy, understanding, and self-expression. It’s a great start to a series that promises to explore these themes further, making it a highly recommended read for middle schoolers and anyone who enjoys character-driven stories.
by Zuni Blue is an intriguing and engaging young adult novel that delves into the complexities of middle school life, friendships, and identity. It's the first book in a series that follows the protagonist, Lena, a seemingly shy and quiet girl who everyone assumes is a "mean girl" because she never speaks.
Plot Overview:
Lena doesn't talk, but her silence isn't an act of defiance or arrogance. As readers discover throughout the story, Lena has her own reasons for staying quiet, and this mystery is what makes the book compelling. The story begins with Lena navigating her middle school environment, where she faces a mix of curiosity, misunderstanding, and rumors. Although she doesn't talk, Lena is perceptive and observes the social dynamics around her, including the behavior of "mean girls" and other stereotypes present in school.
Her quiet nature leads others to misinterpret her, and she is soon labeled as "mean," even though she’s far from it. Throughout the book, readers see how her classmates’ judgments affect Lena, while Lena, in turn, learns more about her peers and the hidden reasons behind their behaviors.
Themes:
One of the key themes of the book is the idea that silence doesn’t always mean approval, aggression, or indifference. Lena’s silence is a defense mechanism, but it also serves as a way for her to analyze the world around her. Zuni Blue uses this as a powerful metaphor for the misconceptions people have about others based on appearances or assumptions.
Another prominent theme is the complexity of friendship. Lena’s journey shows that real friendships aren’t always about talking but about understanding, empathy, and support. The book also touches on bullying, peer pressure, and how young people struggle to find their voice, both literally and metaphorically, in environments where they feel misunderstood.
Characterization:
Lena is a well-developed character, full of layers that readers will enjoy peeling back. Though she is the main focus, the secondary characters are also given depth. Her classmates, especially those involved in the school’s social hierarchy, reflect common but complex school dynamics, making them relatable to readers.
Writing Style:
Zuni Blue's writing is simple yet effective, capturing the voice of middle schoolers without oversimplifying their thoughts or experiences. The author skillfully weaves Lena’s silence into the narrative, making it a key part of the storytelling rather than a gimmick. The pacing is quick enough to keep younger readers engaged, but there’s also enough depth to make older readers reflect on the messages the book offers.
Conclusion:
The Mean Girl Who Never Speaks* is a thought-provoking read that invites readers to consider how we judge others based on outward behavior. Lena’s story is both heartwarming and insightful, offering lessons in empathy, understanding, and self-expression. It’s a great start to a series that promises to explore these themes further, making it a highly recommended read for middle schoolers and anyone who enjoys character-driven stories.
May 2, 2019
Maya Dove is a six-year-old detective who has already established her reputation at school. One of Maya’s classmates asks her to determine if a new girl at school, Libby Smith is mean or nice. Instead of chapters, the book is presented as a day of the week chronicle as Maya attempts to solve the case. Readers are brought through the day’s happenings in the classroom. Maya gathers her clues, but when Friday arrives she reveals her opinions in a classroom speech.
I am not sure whether Maya really solves the case. She does not state whether Libby is mean or nice but presents her solution in a way that introduces an important social issue. Certainly, Maya’s opinions are quite sophisticated for a six-year-old.
This book is targeted for 5 to 11-year-old readers. The text and vocabulary are an easy read until readers come to the end and Maya’s conclusion. I am not sure whether younger readers will understand the concept of social anxiety. That part of the book is most appropriate for readers ages nine and older. Younger readers will probably need adult help in understanding this concept. I was left with the feeling that the book ended a bit abruptly and the characters might have been fleshed out with more detail.
I am not sure whether Maya really solves the case. She does not state whether Libby is mean or nice but presents her solution in a way that introduces an important social issue. Certainly, Maya’s opinions are quite sophisticated for a six-year-old.
This book is targeted for 5 to 11-year-old readers. The text and vocabulary are an easy read until readers come to the end and Maya’s conclusion. I am not sure whether younger readers will understand the concept of social anxiety. That part of the book is most appropriate for readers ages nine and older. Younger readers will probably need adult help in understanding this concept. I was left with the feeling that the book ended a bit abruptly and the characters might have been fleshed out with more detail.
January 6, 2022
This book shows EXACTLY why adults need to explain things to kids. Not doing so leads to bullying.
Case in point: I can still vividly picture my first-grade teacher telling us after recess one day that we needed to be nice to the new girl. She told us that some kids were teasing her about her hat and took it off. Then they all laughed at her because she was bald. Seriously. If somebody had just explained what cancer is and what treatments due to the body, then that little girl may not have been traumatized. And perhaps, one of the other students would have said and/or done something early enough to prevent her being humiliated.
Same goes for emotional & neurological issues in addition to physical ones (have another grade-school example for that one).
Give kids credit for understanding things better than we think.
Educate kids on how to pick up on differences so they can help.
Guide kids on making good choices and standing up to bullies.
Case in point: I can still vividly picture my first-grade teacher telling us after recess one day that we needed to be nice to the new girl. She told us that some kids were teasing her about her hat and took it off. Then they all laughed at her because she was bald. Seriously. If somebody had just explained what cancer is and what treatments due to the body, then that little girl may not have been traumatized. And perhaps, one of the other students would have said and/or done something early enough to prevent her being humiliated.
Same goes for emotional & neurological issues in addition to physical ones (have another grade-school example for that one).
Give kids credit for understanding things better than we think.
Educate kids on how to pick up on differences so they can help.
Guide kids on making good choices and standing up to bullies.
December 6, 2024
The Mean Girl Who Never Speaks
Zuni Blue
A definite must-read for everyone.
This is a well-written book that not only helps children to understand why not to judge, but it also speaks to adults. People are very eager to judge someone who acts differently and to treat them badly. It is only when you try to understand that you learn the truth.
Zuni Blue
A definite must-read for everyone.
This is a well-written book that not only helps children to understand why not to judge, but it also speaks to adults. People are very eager to judge someone who acts differently and to treat them badly. It is only when you try to understand that you learn the truth.
July 16, 2017
Its heart touching and funny at the same time
I rated this book five stars because it is about awareness of social anxiety and it has some silly parts as well! I the only thing I did not love about this book is that libby was crying so much and it made me sad. Otherwise this book was a book I will never forget!!
I rated this book five stars because it is about awareness of social anxiety and it has some silly parts as well! I the only thing I did not love about this book is that libby was crying so much and it made me sad. Otherwise this book was a book I will never forget!!
January 21, 2018
Don't judge a book by it's cover, and don't judge a person until you know them. The story of Mya Dove on the case of the new girl who doesn't speak. Written in the form of a police officer writing their case notes it makes for an interesting and enjoyable read. Within the pages also contains a very important message which a lot of people need to understand and learn about. I applaud the writer and will enjoy reading more of her work.
November 28, 2021
Great Story
Wow! I was excited to read such a sell written story.
I read this book looking for a gift for a friend to help them to enjoy reading.
This book really kept me intrigued wanting to know what happens next.
And the story within the story is fantastic.
Thank You Zurich for sharing your talent with the world !
Wow! I was excited to read such a sell written story.
I read this book looking for a gift for a friend to help them to enjoy reading.
This book really kept me intrigued wanting to know what happens next.
And the story within the story is fantastic.
Thank You Zurich for sharing your talent with the world !
March 30, 2019
Simple yet powerful
I was drawn to the idea of students as young as 6 years old to do speeches in front of the class , I think it's a great way to practice and boost their self-confidence.
I was drawn to the idea of students as young as 6 years old to do speeches in front of the class , I think it's a great way to practice and boost their self-confidence.
May 3, 2019
Cool book for kids who have issues that aren't always understood by other children.
I don't usually read kids' books, but I wanted to learn more about how kids interact and how kids handled issues if they were shy or scared or had learning disabilities.
I don't usually read kids' books, but I wanted to learn more about how kids interact and how kids handled issues if they were shy or scared or had learning disabilities.
August 4, 2020
I am an adult
I read the book because my granddaughter was reading it and she said she liked the novel. The book had some nice life lessons in it and the writing was interesting. A perfect book for this age group. Recommended
I read the book because my granddaughter was reading it and she said she liked the novel. The book had some nice life lessons in it and the writing was interesting. A perfect book for this age group. Recommended
November 27, 2021
Soo it is a book about a a girl Mya Dove who is a child police and has a case to solve where she has to find whether the new girl is mean or not and if she can prove that she is mean she gets paid with grapes !!
January 22, 2025
This is a great young reader book about a girl detective who solves mysteries. My 4th grade granddaughter loves it.
As we read it, we spoke with British accents, which made it even more fun. She’s so great.
As we read it, we spoke with British accents, which made it even more fun. She’s so great.
April 23, 2025
Review done by my daughter- 9 year old girl- I really like how they explained how people shouldn’t judge others by their cover (how they look/appear). Her being a detective that solves the case of the mean girl was done really well.
September 21, 2018
Great explanation
I read this book to my 6 yr old to explain how people with anxiety cope. She loved it. I enjoyed it as well.
I read this book to my 6 yr old to explain how people with anxiety cope. She loved it. I enjoyed it as well.
September 26, 2018
I loved it!
I love and that in the end everything is going well and they agree to help libby!!! It was an amazing book
I love and that in the end everything is going well and they agree to help libby!!! It was an amazing book
December 3, 2018
Awesome
I loved the book it gave me the idea of what happens to some people and why they might not talk!
I loved the book it gave me the idea of what happens to some people and why they might not talk!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews