269 ratings (4.51 avg)
189 reviews

Ariel Hess

Add friend

http://librarielbookadventures.blog

https://www.goodreads.com/librariel17

Ariel’s Bookshelves

to-read‎ (153)
currently-reading‎ (1)

read‎ (274)
2019-want-to-read‎ (5)

dnf-d‎ (2)
coming-of-age‎ (1)

graphic-novels‎ (1)

Stats | More…

Ariel is Currently Reading

Ariel Hess rated a book it was amazing

North of Tomboy

by Julie A. Swanson (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: currently-reading

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Ariel Hess said: " Disclaimer: this review reflects my own opinions and not the opinions of the author or publisher. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

North of Tomboy is an inviting novel that takes you on the journey of a young girl Disclaimer: this review reflects my own opinions and not the opinions of the author or publisher. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

North of Tomboy is an inviting novel that takes you on the journey of a young girl struggling to find her identity in an era where women aren’t seen as members of the public but members of the household only. Jess is stuck in a household that won’t accept her for who she is and in a society that is trying to force her to become girly. Girly is seen as someone who wears dresses, plays with dolls, and has friends who are girls. In the 1970s, it was common for women to be forced into stereotypical heteronormative roles and men the same. The mom is a housewife and a school teacher by day, and the dad works in construction. Jess just wants to be herself, and she wants everyone in her life to accept her for who she is without trying to force her into a role she does not want to be in. Will the people in Jess’s life finally accept her for who she is, or will she be met with more pushback?

Julie Swanson does a phenomenal job with the writing of this book by diving into the typical heteronormative roles displayed in the 1970s households. The typical mom who works part-time as a teacher to try to make ends meet, and the dad who is upset with the lack of money he is making. Throughout the novel, we get to see each character start to develop and learn to step outside of their comfort zone in an era where that isn’t normal. Everyone struggles, especially Jess, with the roles she is being forced into. Jess just wants to play with the boys, wear pants, and cut her hair short. The author does a great job of diving into Jess’s head and explaining the feelings and emotions that she is struggling with. We also get to see her relationship with her parents and siblings change in a way that is conducive to the growth of her mental health. Her parents must either learn to accept Jess for who she is or lose her entirely. ...more "

Jul 25, 2025 11:20AM · see review

recent posts
Ariel’s Groups

Reading By Moonlight Book Club — 79 members — last activity Apr 04, 2020 03:43AM
Reading By Moonlight Book Club : International Online Book Club . Monthly challenges , Giveaways read-athons and read-along . #RBMbookclub Open for co ...more

Before the Movie Book Club- Barbara Bush Branch Library — 21 members — last activity Jun 24, 2019 07:37AM
The Before the Movie Book Club is an online book discussion group that discusses a different title each month. These titles are the source material fo ...more

Our Shared Shelf — 223042 members — last activity Feb 04, 2026 04:05AM
OUR SHARED SHELF IS CURRENTLY DORMANT AND NOT MANAGED BY EMMA AND HER TEAM. Dear Readers, As part of my work with UN Women, I have started reading ...more

AskAManager — 261 members — last activity Sep 24, 2014 07:57AM
For commentators and readers of the AskAManager blog!

Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge — 42919 members — last activity 2 hours, 23 min ago
This group is for people participating in the Popsugar reading challenge for 2026 (or any other year). The Popsugar website posted a reading challenge ...more

More of Ariel’s groups…