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Don't Judge Me
Inspired by a true story of girl empowerment, acclaimed author Lisa Schroeder's new novel explores trust, self-worth, and speaking up -- especially when you're told to keep quiet.
Well-behaved girls seldom make history
Hazel doesn't like to make waves. Middle school is hard enough without causing more trouble, right? She's happy just eating lunch in the library with her BFF, writing secret haikus, and taking care of an adorable rescue tortoise.
But then Hazel discovers a list that rates the girls at her middle school based on their looks -- started by her best friend's older brother. She knows she has to do something, and she can't do it alone. The wave she'll be making might turn into a tsunami, but if Hazel can find the courage to speak up, she might just change everything.
Well-behaved girls seldom make history
Hazel doesn't like to make waves. Middle school is hard enough without causing more trouble, right? She's happy just eating lunch in the library with her BFF, writing secret haikus, and taking care of an adorable rescue tortoise.
But then Hazel discovers a list that rates the girls at her middle school based on their looks -- started by her best friend's older brother. She knows she has to do something, and she can't do it alone. The wave she'll be making might turn into a tsunami, but if Hazel can find the courage to speak up, she might just change everything.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published November 10, 2020
7 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Schroeder
39 books2,098 followersLisa Schroeder is the author of more than twenty books for kids and teens. Her latest novel is A NIGHT TO DIE FOR, a YA murder mystery. She lives in Oregon where she works full-time and writes when she can.
twitter: www.twitter.com/lisa_schroeder
instagram: lisaschroeder15
twitter: www.twitter.com/lisa_schroeder
instagram: lisaschroeder15
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
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December 12, 2020I loved this relatable, empowering #middlegradenovel! Sixth grader Hazel loves reading, playing soccer, writing haiku, and hanging out with her best friend, Tori, but she has trouble speaking up and feeling brave until she looks inside Tori’s older brother’s notebook, in which he and other boys have rated middle school girls and written upsetting comments about their looks. Readers will root for Hazel (and fall in love with her adorable tortoise, Pip!) as she finds her voice in this engaging and thought-provoking story!
October 11, 2021
Great messages. I kept forgetting that i was reading about 6th graders, as their speech was a little TOO polished. Look, I'm... over 30... and have an English degree, and i don't even speak that well most of the time....
June 7, 2022
Don't Judge Me joins other books for young readers that address the issue of school dress codes and their treatment of girls' bodies. I appreciated the way it was shown that the dress code itself wasn't the sole problem, but rather more generally the school's culture of sexist bullying, and I liked how Hazel's parents, especially her mom, supported her and inspired her to speak up. The writing was mostly smooth, though the dialogue didn't feel very natural, and there's a rushed time-skip at the end where information that was previously withheld from the reader is revealed, which I found kind of annoying.
There's some diversity in the secondary characters--there's one mention of Hazel's friend Tori being dyslexic, and Tori has two moms. Their new friend Dion is implied to be Black. It mostly felt pretty surface-level, though. I wish these books about dress codes would handle the topic in a more intersectional way--like, talk about how these issues can disproportionately affect students of color, or those who have disabilities, or are gender-nonconforming, or come from low-income families.
I didn't like how Tori really peer-pressured Hazel into performing in the school talent show--that was never challenged. There's also a weird Netflix-and-chill joke that felt out of place in a middle-grade book.
As others have pointed out, the cover design leaves something to be desired--it's made clear how Hazel has been bullyed for being on the heavier side, but none of the girls on the cover reflect this.
There's some diversity in the secondary characters--there's one mention of Hazel's friend Tori being dyslexic, and Tori has two moms. Their new friend Dion is implied to be Black. It mostly felt pretty surface-level, though. I wish these books about dress codes would handle the topic in a more intersectional way--like, talk about how these issues can disproportionately affect students of color, or those who have disabilities, or are gender-nonconforming, or come from low-income families.
I didn't like how Tori really peer-pressured Hazel into performing in the school talent show--that was never challenged. There's also a weird Netflix-and-chill joke that felt out of place in a middle-grade book.
As others have pointed out, the cover design leaves something to be desired--it's made clear how Hazel has been bullyed for being on the heavier side, but none of the girls on the cover reflect this.
September 15, 2020
I was so excited to get to read this early, because Lisa Schroeder is one of my absolute most favorite authors. She deals with heavy topics but she does it with sensitivity and while treating her characters and the kids who will be reading her books with the utmost respect.
Hazel is in the middle of a situation that she doesn't know how to handle. She's found a notebook that rates the girls at her school (including Hazel herself) and all she knows for sure is that she doesn't feel comfortable talking to adults about it. She thinks her parents will either go straight to the principal or confront the boy whose notebook she stole (her best friend's older brother) and she doesn't want to get in trouble and she doesn't want to get other people in trouble, either. She just wants this behavior to stop.
I essentially was Hazel in middle school, so I had so much empathy for her. And when she realizes that she is braver and more capable than she thought, I felt like her mom. I was so happy and so proud.
Lisa Schroeder's books (and Lisa herself) are just pure magic. They always make me happy, even as they remind me that there's a lot of good in the world. (Yes, there are also awful people. But there are more good people than bad, especially when the good ones speak up.)
Highly recommended.
Hazel is in the middle of a situation that she doesn't know how to handle. She's found a notebook that rates the girls at her school (including Hazel herself) and all she knows for sure is that she doesn't feel comfortable talking to adults about it. She thinks her parents will either go straight to the principal or confront the boy whose notebook she stole (her best friend's older brother) and she doesn't want to get in trouble and she doesn't want to get other people in trouble, either. She just wants this behavior to stop.
I essentially was Hazel in middle school, so I had so much empathy for her. And when she realizes that she is braver and more capable than she thought, I felt like her mom. I was so happy and so proud.
Lisa Schroeder's books (and Lisa herself) are just pure magic. They always make me happy, even as they remind me that there's a lot of good in the world. (Yes, there are also awful people. But there are more good people than bad, especially when the good ones speak up.)
Highly recommended.
October 23, 2020
Only child Hazel isn’t loving middle school as much as her best friend Tori. Tori wants to dive into activities and ponders how to be more popular, while Hazel feels overwhelmed by the social drama of the lunchroom and is discouraged by the new dress code which is all about what girls can’t wear. Hazel finds a notebook that Tori’s 8th grade brother Ben has been passing around to his guy friends so that they can rate and comment on over 100 girls at school, and the cruel comments she reads about herself move her out of timidity into taking action.
Hazel’s uncertainty about what action to take and her misreading of Tori’s motives for wanting to make new friends ring true to middle school life. Upper elementary readers will especially benefit from this look at toxic masculinity in a middle school setting, suggestions for what kids can do to make a difference, and hints about when it’s helpful to have adults step in to offer support and guidance. Hazel’s pet turtle provides some low-key symbolism as Hazel learns to stick her own neck out. EARC from Edelweiss.
Hazel’s uncertainty about what action to take and her misreading of Tori’s motives for wanting to make new friends ring true to middle school life. Upper elementary readers will especially benefit from this look at toxic masculinity in a middle school setting, suggestions for what kids can do to make a difference, and hints about when it’s helpful to have adults step in to offer support and guidance. Hazel’s pet turtle provides some low-key symbolism as Hazel learns to stick her own neck out. EARC from Edelweiss.
March 3, 2024
One gay couple, no profanity, no romance.
I really wanted to like this book; I had high expectations. But it was meh. The writing was so bland that I don't understand how it got published. I basically skimmed the entire thing. The plot had potential, but then it turned into a 'let's see how many women's rights issues we can address in this book', and I hate that. It always ends up with the author sounding they'e preaching directly to us readers, and that's just annoying.
All the characters were one-sided and had no personality. Hazel and her friends had no purpose other than being the heroes who enlighten the people around them. It seemed like the author made everyone oblivious to the problems just so Hazel could shine. But she was nothing special. I couldn't even remember her name halfway through the book, honestly.
Not worth reading. There are better books on the topic of women empowerment.
I really wanted to like this book; I had high expectations. But it was meh. The writing was so bland that I don't understand how it got published. I basically skimmed the entire thing. The plot had potential, but then it turned into a 'let's see how many women's rights issues we can address in this book', and I hate that. It always ends up with the author sounding they'e preaching directly to us readers, and that's just annoying.
All the characters were one-sided and had no personality. Hazel and her friends had no purpose other than being the heroes who enlighten the people around them. It seemed like the author made everyone oblivious to the problems just so Hazel could shine. But she was nothing special. I couldn't even remember her name halfway through the book, honestly.
Not worth reading. There are better books on the topic of women empowerment.
August 17, 2020
Middle school must read!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release date November 2020
Not only is middle school tough, but using your voice and speaking up when an individual, a group, or a friend is being treated unfairly can start change! Be brave, bold, and insist on respect. You may be surprised how many others feel the same! I adored Hazel and Pip!❤️
#BookPosse @lisa_schroeder @scholasticinc #hottingerhighlights
Release date November 2020
Not only is middle school tough, but using your voice and speaking up when an individual, a group, or a friend is being treated unfairly can start change! Be brave, bold, and insist on respect. You may be surprised how many others feel the same! I adored Hazel and Pip!❤️
#BookPosse @lisa_schroeder @scholasticinc #hottingerhighlights
December 17, 2020
I really hate to think that Middle School is still like this. I could certainly relate to this with my own junior high experience, but I hope that things have gotten better for girls in the past almost 40 years. There are some great lessons here about standing up for yourself and getting help with problems that seem too big and overwhelming. Recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
January 30, 2022
I like Lisa Schroeder's books for tweens and younger YA. They are pretty light, but have a message. This book is relevant, believable, relatable, and even inspirational. Plus, Hazel seems authentic.
In my view, it's her best book so far.
It teaches kids to stand up for change, even if it's scary, and to be kind. Other themes are the importance of perseverance, honesty, and that when a problem is big - it helps to problem-solve.
In my view, it's her best book so far.
It teaches kids to stand up for change, even if it's scary, and to be kind. Other themes are the importance of perseverance, honesty, and that when a problem is big - it helps to problem-solve.
June 3, 2020
Don't Judge Me is a book that needs to be read by middle schoolers. Hazel, the main character, learns how to come out of her shell and stand up for what's right when the boys at her school bully her and other students and cross the line of harassment. I only wish the school principal and the school climate would have been a little more accepting.
December 31, 2020
An important book for kids to read - I thought it would be about girl drama...not so much! Girls standing up for themselves and doing the right thing, building community in schools...an important book! Also, good family messages, an unusual, and growing up!
#bookposse
#bookposse
October 28, 2021
Compelling, perfect for the middle schoolers who face challenges similar to Hazel’s. This book really gives a great insight on courage and how even though doing the right thing can be hard, never give up! 🤩
May 17, 2024
It was pretty good but I thought it was about popular mean girls because of the cover. I guess I misread the blurb to. Another thing I didn't like was when they said haiku instead of haiku's or haikus.
April 30, 2021
This was a hard book to read in parts, even with my middle school years forty years behind me. But so good!
April 13, 2022
The book is super good but it has some errors that are really noticeable to me. Such as “we both shook are heads” and “are coming back to this school”
June 10, 2022
i couldnt stop reading it and i thought it was a great girl power book
January 28, 2023
Great girl-power and friendship story!
May 6, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. I wish every middle grader would read this book. If they read it, maybe that would stop much of the bullying and foolishness that goes on in middle school.
November 15, 2025
Great book. Couldn’t put it down.
April 17, 2022
This book is awesome! I would tell girls to read this but boys you should read this too. It is just awesome. At first I thought it was going to be boring but Lisa Schroeder you proved me wrong!
March 21, 2021
Full review: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=2...
This book is so timely and important! My county just changed their dress code, and it was introduced by a board member in our local newspaper with the title “Good riddance to dress code that singles out girls,” and there are groups of girls fighting for less discriminations in school all over the nation. Don’t Judge Me is based off an event in 2019 where a group of girls in Bethesda, Maryland fought back about the toxic culture in their school.
But don’t worry–the book is not didactic, though it definitely does teach a lesson; instead, you get a book with a topic that is so important, combined with a engaging story with not only main characters who I ended up loving but also well constructed and detailed secondary characters, including parents! Oh, and a tortoise! I loved watching Hazel find her voice, Tori find her confidence, Dion find his friends, and Pip find his home!
Another thing I really liked about Schroeder’s story is she showed that kids can make a difference. She used Hazel to show that it doesn’t take radical insubordination to make that difference. Instead it takes a purpose, a plan, support, and execution. Hazel was awesome!
This book is so timely and important! My county just changed their dress code, and it was introduced by a board member in our local newspaper with the title “Good riddance to dress code that singles out girls,” and there are groups of girls fighting for less discriminations in school all over the nation. Don’t Judge Me is based off an event in 2019 where a group of girls in Bethesda, Maryland fought back about the toxic culture in their school.
But don’t worry–the book is not didactic, though it definitely does teach a lesson; instead, you get a book with a topic that is so important, combined with a engaging story with not only main characters who I ended up loving but also well constructed and detailed secondary characters, including parents! Oh, and a tortoise! I loved watching Hazel find her voice, Tori find her confidence, Dion find his friends, and Pip find his home!
Another thing I really liked about Schroeder’s story is she showed that kids can make a difference. She used Hazel to show that it doesn’t take radical insubordination to make that difference. Instead it takes a purpose, a plan, support, and execution. Hazel was awesome!
December 2, 2021
This was AMAZING!! I really think it sends out important messages and life lessons. If you want something, go for it! Sitting around watching TV isn’t going to help you. Thanks for writing this amazing book!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews