TAYSHAS 7

MOXIE by Jennifer Mathieu

Way back in the summer, this book kept showing up on lists of MUST READ books. Having read another book by this author a few years ago, I thought it would be worthwhile to read this. Of course, I forgot this book existed until I saw it on the TAYSHAS list. To be fair, it wasn't until I was searching for TAYSHAS books on Overdrive and saw the cover that I remembered I wanted to read this. So, I put it on hold, and anxiously waited for 2+ weeks for my turn to read this. I was reading another book, and I put it aside for this. That was an excellent choice.

Here is the premise: imagine you live in a small Texas town, where high school football reigns supreme, and the players are treated like gods. These same players can say things to girls like "Go make me a sandwich" when a girl answers a question in class. They can also get away with bumping into girls on purpose, then grabbing them inappropriately. Or wear shirts with sexual innuendo on them with no repercussions, while the girls are subjected to dress code checks relentlessly. Teachers and administration do nothing about it. Now imagine you are one of the girls.

This is the way of life in East Rockport, Texas, and Viv has had enough. Inspired by her mother's Riot Grrrl days, Viv creates a zine called MOXIE in an attempt to change the status quo. As time goes by, more girls participate, and it seems like there is a shot at real change. But then Viv's friend gets suspended as being the leader of MOXIE, even though she isn't, and it's hard for the girls to keep the faith.

There is so much more to this book than what is portrayed here. Believe me, when I say it's a must-read. I loved Viv and her attempt to change things, even though she's typically not a rebel.