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Just Lizzie
In this beautifully written contemporary middle grade debut, an eighth grader's study of asexuality in science class leads her to understand her own asexual identity as she embarks on a journey toward self-discovery and self-advocacy. For readers of Alex Gino and Ashley Herring Blake.
There’s the part of me that doesn’t understand kissing or cuteness or attraction, and then there’s the part of me that feels so lonely. How do I make sense of those two parts? Maybe I’ll never make sense of them.
What do you do when there's a question inside you that feels so big, you don't know how to put words to it? How do you even begin to ask it?
Fourteen-year-old Lizzie is experiencing a lot of change: Her family had to move after the incident with their neighbor, leaving behind not only her beloved apple tree but what feels like her childhood along with it. Lizzie's brother is too busy for her in his first semester of college, and her friends are more interested in dating than dolls. It’s hard not to feel left behind, especially as she tries to explain the fact that she still has zero interest in boys, girls, or the baffling behavior known as “flirting.”
But just as Lizzie’s world feels like it's closing in, a class lesson on asexual reproduction in plants piques her curiosity, leading her to look up whether people can be asexual too—and suddenly her world opens up. Lizzie finally finds an identity, a word for all her messy, unnamable feelings that feels like it fits, although she quickly realizes that a label isn’t enough if no one believes it’s real.
Accessible, moving, and compassionate, Just Lizzie effortlessly braids a nuanced individual journey of identity with the bittersweet angst of growing up, growing apart, and learning there are many ways to live and love.
There’s the part of me that doesn’t understand kissing or cuteness or attraction, and then there’s the part of me that feels so lonely. How do I make sense of those two parts? Maybe I’ll never make sense of them.
What do you do when there's a question inside you that feels so big, you don't know how to put words to it? How do you even begin to ask it?
Fourteen-year-old Lizzie is experiencing a lot of change: Her family had to move after the incident with their neighbor, leaving behind not only her beloved apple tree but what feels like her childhood along with it. Lizzie's brother is too busy for her in his first semester of college, and her friends are more interested in dating than dolls. It’s hard not to feel left behind, especially as she tries to explain the fact that she still has zero interest in boys, girls, or the baffling behavior known as “flirting.”
But just as Lizzie’s world feels like it's closing in, a class lesson on asexual reproduction in plants piques her curiosity, leading her to look up whether people can be asexual too—and suddenly her world opens up. Lizzie finally finds an identity, a word for all her messy, unnamable feelings that feels like it fits, although she quickly realizes that a label isn’t enough if no one believes it’s real.
Accessible, moving, and compassionate, Just Lizzie effortlessly braids a nuanced individual journey of identity with the bittersweet angst of growing up, growing apart, and learning there are many ways to live and love.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published November 14, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
November 16, 2023
In a Nutshell: A middle-grade/lower-YA novel about an asexual girl's coming to terms with her sexual orientation. Honestly, I love the intent much more than the content, but just for the fact that it introduces the topic of asexuality to the target age group, I will be generous with my rating.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
Bookish Yays:
💐 The biggest yay is easily the main theme of the book. Asexuality is, as far as I know, not yet a sexual orientation explored in books for this age range. The very fact that the book does not just mention asexuality but also makes it the focal point of the content deserves applause.
💐 The secondary characters, be it Lizzie’s best friend Sarah Nan or her teachers, are interesting. They aren’t portrayed as perfectly positive characters, as is common in this genre, but as humans willing to learn. There are two mother-daughter relationships in the book, and the contrast between them adds much to the story. I always like it when human characters are depicted realistically.
💐 Some of the plot points, though minor, were interesting. I especially enjoyed the details of the self-defence classes and of Lizzie’s science project on asexual reproduction in nature. The scene where the characters ponder over what it means to become an adult is also well written.
💐 It is interesting to see how the author linked asexual reproduction with asexuality in humans, though the two concepts aren’t exactly the same. She also succeeds in establishing asexuality as normal and that asexual people can still have relationships.
💐 The age of fourteen is a midway age - neither child nor adult. It is a time of confusion and a time of change. The story incorporates both these aspects well, with all the characters (even the adults) experiencing either a modification in their circumstances or an uncertainty in their life.
💐 The book highlights ‘Asexuality Visibility and Education Network’ (AVEN) multiple times. There is also a list of helpful resources at the end of the book.
💐 The author’s note is excellent. As she identifies as asexual, and she is also a school teacher for middle-graders, she seems the right person to pen a book on this topic.
Bookish Nays:
🌵 This is a debut work, and it suffers from the common problem of debut novels, what I call the ‘kitchen sink’ syndrome. The theme of asexuality was strong enough to carry the book. But the plot still incorporates – either at a detailed or a superficial level – the importance of self-defence, (attempted sexual/physical) assault, bullying, sexual activity in teens, understanding of adulthood, acceptance of menstruation, fighting the “boys will be boys” mentality, body dysmorphia, change of residence, aromanticism,… Every single theme here is important, but throw in too many in a single book and the value of each goes for a toss. The book should have stuck to the few that are closest to the core theme of asexuality.
🌵 Extending the above, a common confusion is the difference between the connected but distinct ideas of asexuality and aromanticism. Lizzie seems to be both asexual and aromantic, based on what she reveals about herself. But the book clearly puts her in the asexual category, and aromanticism gets but a passing mention. Though the author’s note clarifies the reason why she chose to keep aromanticism aside, I still feel the book missed on an excellent opportunity here, especially as it is meant for young minds going through the same confusion.
🌵 Lizzie’s character didn’t appeal much to me, despite my feeling sorry for her. Her irritation with her mother doesn’t feel justified. She either cries or gets angry with anyone who chooses to date or speaks of attraction, but doesn’t communicate her feelings. I don’t think she made for a great role model, and also that her portrayal doesn’t do justice to the ace community. Being asexual doesn’t mean you hate everyone else for thinking about attraction or romance, but that you yourself don’t feel the same need. Even if she were still trying to understand herself, her passive-aggressive attitude seemed extreme. This behaviour might be an effect of her inner turmoil, but it didn’t make it easy to like her.
🌵 I didn’t get why the plot point about the assault was given so much focus in the book. It was just incidental to the main plot and added nothing much of value.
[Bookish Doubt:
I hope the Halloween-celebrating crowd in my friends list can answer this: is it common for fourteen-year-olds to go trick-or-treating? I thought this was something only younger kids do.]
All in all, I admire the author’s attempt at bringing this important and underrepresented sexual identity to the attention of the young target readers. The implementation might have been a bit here and there, but there are enough positive points in favour of this OwnVoices debut novel.
I would advocate this book to older MGs and above, i.e. the 11+ age group (and that too, only to mature eleven year olds.) Though this is marketed as a middle-grade book, younger MGs might find the number of topics and the information a bit too overwhelming. Plus, the detailed mention of the assault, the details about sexual activity, and the scene where one character flashes her friends make me reluctant to recommend this to the middle grade crowd. Some plot points will be better suited to the lower YA age range (13-16 years). That said, the writing is strongly MG in style.
3.5 stars, rounding up for the core theme.
My thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books and NetGalley for the DRC of “Just Lizzie”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
Fourteen-year-old Lizzie isn’t sure why she hates her developing body or why she can’t say the right gushy things to her pregnant teacher the way the other girls can. But most of all, she wonders why she doesn’t feel ANYTHING towards other boys or even girls. It is only when the topic of asexual reproduction in plants comes up in class that she feels like nature might hold an answer to her queries.
The story comes to us in the first person perspective of Lizzie.
Bookish Yays:
💐 The biggest yay is easily the main theme of the book. Asexuality is, as far as I know, not yet a sexual orientation explored in books for this age range. The very fact that the book does not just mention asexuality but also makes it the focal point of the content deserves applause.
💐 The secondary characters, be it Lizzie’s best friend Sarah Nan or her teachers, are interesting. They aren’t portrayed as perfectly positive characters, as is common in this genre, but as humans willing to learn. There are two mother-daughter relationships in the book, and the contrast between them adds much to the story. I always like it when human characters are depicted realistically.
💐 Some of the plot points, though minor, were interesting. I especially enjoyed the details of the self-defence classes and of Lizzie’s science project on asexual reproduction in nature. The scene where the characters ponder over what it means to become an adult is also well written.
💐 It is interesting to see how the author linked asexual reproduction with asexuality in humans, though the two concepts aren’t exactly the same. She also succeeds in establishing asexuality as normal and that asexual people can still have relationships.
💐 The age of fourteen is a midway age - neither child nor adult. It is a time of confusion and a time of change. The story incorporates both these aspects well, with all the characters (even the adults) experiencing either a modification in their circumstances or an uncertainty in their life.
💐 The book highlights ‘Asexuality Visibility and Education Network’ (AVEN) multiple times. There is also a list of helpful resources at the end of the book.
💐 The author’s note is excellent. As she identifies as asexual, and she is also a school teacher for middle-graders, she seems the right person to pen a book on this topic.
Bookish Nays:
🌵 This is a debut work, and it suffers from the common problem of debut novels, what I call the ‘kitchen sink’ syndrome. The theme of asexuality was strong enough to carry the book. But the plot still incorporates – either at a detailed or a superficial level – the importance of self-defence, (attempted sexual/physical) assault, bullying, sexual activity in teens, understanding of adulthood, acceptance of menstruation, fighting the “boys will be boys” mentality, body dysmorphia, change of residence, aromanticism,… Every single theme here is important, but throw in too many in a single book and the value of each goes for a toss. The book should have stuck to the few that are closest to the core theme of asexuality.
🌵 Extending the above, a common confusion is the difference between the connected but distinct ideas of asexuality and aromanticism. Lizzie seems to be both asexual and aromantic, based on what she reveals about herself. But the book clearly puts her in the asexual category, and aromanticism gets but a passing mention. Though the author’s note clarifies the reason why she chose to keep aromanticism aside, I still feel the book missed on an excellent opportunity here, especially as it is meant for young minds going through the same confusion.
🌵 Lizzie’s character didn’t appeal much to me, despite my feeling sorry for her. Her irritation with her mother doesn’t feel justified. She either cries or gets angry with anyone who chooses to date or speaks of attraction, but doesn’t communicate her feelings. I don’t think she made for a great role model, and also that her portrayal doesn’t do justice to the ace community. Being asexual doesn’t mean you hate everyone else for thinking about attraction or romance, but that you yourself don’t feel the same need. Even if she were still trying to understand herself, her passive-aggressive attitude seemed extreme. This behaviour might be an effect of her inner turmoil, but it didn’t make it easy to like her.
🌵 I didn’t get why the plot point about the assault was given so much focus in the book. It was just incidental to the main plot and added nothing much of value.
[Bookish Doubt:
I hope the Halloween-celebrating crowd in my friends list can answer this: is it common for fourteen-year-olds to go trick-or-treating? I thought this was something only younger kids do.]
All in all, I admire the author’s attempt at bringing this important and underrepresented sexual identity to the attention of the young target readers. The implementation might have been a bit here and there, but there are enough positive points in favour of this OwnVoices debut novel.
I would advocate this book to older MGs and above, i.e. the 11+ age group (and that too, only to mature eleven year olds.) Though this is marketed as a middle-grade book, younger MGs might find the number of topics and the information a bit too overwhelming. Plus, the detailed mention of the assault, the details about sexual activity, and the scene where one character flashes her friends make me reluctant to recommend this to the middle grade crowd. Some plot points will be better suited to the lower YA age range (13-16 years). That said, the writing is strongly MG in style.
3.5 stars, rounding up for the core theme.
My thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books and NetGalley for the DRC of “Just Lizzie”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
November 9, 2023
I just love how there are so many different types of characters in middle grade these days. Lizzie’s journey of being surrounded by people having crushes, feeling different, then being comforted by learning about asexuality was so rewarding to see. On top of the stress of middle school friendships, Lizzie and her family have had to move after an incident with their neighbor. Taking a self-defense class helps her to deal with some of her emotions after that scary situation.
This was such a great read. I loved seeing the different topics that were brought up in the story. Like how upsetting it can be when someone you assumed would understand you ends up not being what you need at all. Or what it means to grow up and become an adult. Just Lizzie is a beautifully written book that touches on some heavy topics without ever getting too dark. Definitely check it out if you’re looking for a good coming of age story that discusses asexuality.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a great read. I loved seeing the different topics that were brought up in the story. Like how upsetting it can be when someone you assumed would understand you ends up not being what you need at all. Or what it means to grow up and become an adult. Just Lizzie is a beautifully written book that touches on some heavy topics without ever getting too dark. Definitely check it out if you’re looking for a good coming of age story that discusses asexuality.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2023
4.5/5 ~ Just Lizzie is a "contemporary middle grade debut, [in which] an eighth grader's study of asexuality in science class leads her to understand her own asexual identity as she embarks on a journey toward self-discovery and self-advocacy."
Stories about discovering what asexuality is and learning to accept and love yourself for being ace are the stories I love most.
Just Lizzie was a very realistic portrayal of a young person who doesn't seem to "fit in" in this allonormative world and who feels seen when learning about asexuality. She wants to let people know but she's also scared about not being understood. Around her, some get it and reassure her, while others don't understand.
On another note, I'm not 100% sure I liked the comparison of asexually-reproductive plants with asexual people, as I feel that those are two very different things and the plant-comparison is often used as a joke/insult. But I do understand that the term used in botany can be the thing that leads to someone discovering the multiple meanings of "asexual".
Altogether, Just Lizzie is a wonderful coming of age story, an asexual self-doscovery, also dealing with other important themes such as friendships, family relationships, teacher-student relationships (=trying to find an adult to help you understand yourself), and violence against women.
(PS: the author's note reminds us that this is one asexual awakening but there are many other experiences and that it is also important to read intersectionally)
I talk about books here: Instagram / TikTok / Linktree
Stories about discovering what asexuality is and learning to accept and love yourself for being ace are the stories I love most.
Just Lizzie was a very realistic portrayal of a young person who doesn't seem to "fit in" in this allonormative world and who feels seen when learning about asexuality. She wants to let people know but she's also scared about not being understood. Around her, some get it and reassure her, while others don't understand.
On another note, I'm not 100% sure I liked the comparison of asexually-reproductive plants with asexual people, as I feel that those are two very different things and the plant-comparison is often used as a joke/insult. But I do understand that the term used in botany can be the thing that leads to someone discovering the multiple meanings of "asexual".
Altogether, Just Lizzie is a wonderful coming of age story, an asexual self-doscovery, also dealing with other important themes such as friendships, family relationships, teacher-student relationships (=trying to find an adult to help you understand yourself), and violence against women.
(PS: the author's note reminds us that this is one asexual awakening but there are many other experiences and that it is also important to read intersectionally)
I talk about books here: Instagram / TikTok / Linktree
June 29, 2024
Queer middlegrade has a way of always making me emotional, and this story about figuring out you're asexual hit pretty close to home at times.
April 4, 2023
Ooh I get to be the first reviewer, it's so exciting!
Okay so Just Lizzie is an absolutely adorable middle grade about 8th grader Lizzie and her self-discovery of learning about asexuality.
Lizzie's family just had to move after they had a bad experience at their past house. Her older brother just moved to college and her parents are a little bit distant. Her best friend just got her first boyfriend and everyone always wants to know who she has a crush on. But the thing is, is that Lizzie doesn't have a crush on anyone and she's tired of feeling like there's something wrong with her.
For their 8th grade science class they have to do this big project and when Lizzie learns about asexual reproduction in plants she starts to think that maybe she could do her project on that and does more research into whether or not people can be asexual.
I cried quite a few times while reading this. Just slow tears while I was sitting there reading the story. Nothing dramatic or sobby but just quiet tears of understanding and empathy for Lizzie's situation.
Lizzie tries to tell people and the adults in her life are not super supportive or understanding. They just don't get it and I think we underestimate how harmful that can be even though it isn't outright hatred or violence. Hearing someone tell you that you're wrong or that it doesn't exist or how you feel isn't valid is incredibly hurtful especially at such a young age when you're just figuring things out.
I think one of my favorite parts of the story was Lizzie figuring out who her community was. People who she thought she could count on didn't always have the best responses and people that she never would have expected had her back. I loved seeing her really stand up for herself and her identity as the book went on and feel more confident in not only understanding asexuality but claiming it.
This book doesn't come out until November but I'm going to be hyping it up hard all year. It's a very important middle grade and one that I wish I had had as an asexual kid. Granted I didn't know that I was asexual at the time but maybe it would have helped me sort some things out.
I do wish the book had gone a little bit more into detail about the differences between asexuality and aromanticism. It's mentioned in the author's note but I think it's especially important to make that distinction especially when Lizzie learning about asexuality was such a big part of the story. It is mentioned maybe two or three times that there might be a difference between sexual attraction and romantic attraction in middle school terms but it isn't discussed the same way that asexuality is. And like I get that the author is asexual and not aromantic but I think for a lot of the story it felt like Lizzie could be aromantic and I think that just got a little bit left out.
White midsize asexual MC
Okay so Just Lizzie is an absolutely adorable middle grade about 8th grader Lizzie and her self-discovery of learning about asexuality.
Lizzie's family just had to move after they had a bad experience at their past house. Her older brother just moved to college and her parents are a little bit distant. Her best friend just got her first boyfriend and everyone always wants to know who she has a crush on. But the thing is, is that Lizzie doesn't have a crush on anyone and she's tired of feeling like there's something wrong with her.
For their 8th grade science class they have to do this big project and when Lizzie learns about asexual reproduction in plants she starts to think that maybe she could do her project on that and does more research into whether or not people can be asexual.
I cried quite a few times while reading this. Just slow tears while I was sitting there reading the story. Nothing dramatic or sobby but just quiet tears of understanding and empathy for Lizzie's situation.
Lizzie tries to tell people and the adults in her life are not super supportive or understanding. They just don't get it and I think we underestimate how harmful that can be even though it isn't outright hatred or violence. Hearing someone tell you that you're wrong or that it doesn't exist or how you feel isn't valid is incredibly hurtful especially at such a young age when you're just figuring things out.
I think one of my favorite parts of the story was Lizzie figuring out who her community was. People who she thought she could count on didn't always have the best responses and people that she never would have expected had her back. I loved seeing her really stand up for herself and her identity as the book went on and feel more confident in not only understanding asexuality but claiming it.
This book doesn't come out until November but I'm going to be hyping it up hard all year. It's a very important middle grade and one that I wish I had had as an asexual kid. Granted I didn't know that I was asexual at the time but maybe it would have helped me sort some things out.
I do wish the book had gone a little bit more into detail about the differences between asexuality and aromanticism. It's mentioned in the author's note but I think it's especially important to make that distinction especially when Lizzie learning about asexuality was such a big part of the story. It is mentioned maybe two or three times that there might be a difference between sexual attraction and romantic attraction in middle school terms but it isn't discussed the same way that asexuality is. And like I get that the author is asexual and not aromantic but I think for a lot of the story it felt like Lizzie could be aromantic and I think that just got a little bit left out.
White midsize asexual MC
June 4, 2024
Lizzie’s life is turned upside-down when her family is forced to move from her childhood home after an incident with their neighbor. To make matters worse, Lizzie’s brother is at college now and her best friend is more interested in kissing boys than hanging out. Lizzie doesn’t know how to handle all these changes or the intense loneliness she feels. But maybe her 8th grade science project will change that.
Lizzie's story is one that both young and old ace people will relate to. Wilfrid does a wonderful job capturing the range of emotions that come with being an asexual middle schooler. So much so that it made me cry multiple times! This book shows how important community and connections are. I also loved that Wilfrid put resources in the back of the book, it's a really nice touch that encourages readers on their own journey of figuring out who they are.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lizzie's story is one that both young and old ace people will relate to. Wilfrid does a wonderful job capturing the range of emotions that come with being an asexual middle schooler. So much so that it made me cry multiple times! This book shows how important community and connections are. I also loved that Wilfrid put resources in the back of the book, it's a really nice touch that encourages readers on their own journey of figuring out who they are.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2024
It's so weird to think about how different things could be if books like this existed when I was a kid
June 29, 2023
A really well-written middle grade novel that explores what it feels like to be different as one pre-teen girl ponders whether she might be asexual by researching different examples of asexual organisms.
I loved how relatable Lizzie was! I feel like a lot of readers will be able to identify with her as a character struggling with their sexuality and figuring out how to share that with friends and family. Recommended for fans of authors like Alex Gino or AJ Sass.
I listened to a very early audio copy and the synthetic voice narration wasn't the best. Hopefully the final version will have a much better narrator to make Lizzie seem a little less robotic. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
I loved how relatable Lizzie was! I feel like a lot of readers will be able to identify with her as a character struggling with their sexuality and figuring out how to share that with friends and family. Recommended for fans of authors like Alex Gino or AJ Sass.
I listened to a very early audio copy and the synthetic voice narration wasn't the best. Hopefully the final version will have a much better narrator to make Lizzie seem a little less robotic. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
March 1, 2024
I was in 8th grade just like Lizzie when things started feeling different for me. Everyone was talking about things I wasn’t interested in. People had relationships and boyfriends and I always told everyone I was waiting till marriage and didn’t care. Then as I got older, people started to get more and more involved with each other. I was the odd man out. I didn’t feel normal or like everyone else. I didn’t hear the word “asexual” until college. I didn’t know what it was. Having a word to better understand myself helped make everything clear. I wasn’t strange and I wasn’t alone. I could have used a book like this at my age.
Lizzie’s journey mirrors mine in a lot of ways. When her brother and friends were moving forward and she felt like she was left behind, that mimicked me almost perfectly. I was so mad at my friends for no reason. I could feel her sadness and frustration. I’m also glad Lizzie had support groups online to turn to. The resources nowadays are incredible.
The fact she wanted to do a project to tell everyone about being ace so they would understand her was so brave and I wish more people understood what being ace was and what that meant. Her family/friends seemed either supportive or confused. My throat closed up a little when her mom and teacher said maybe she just hadn’t found the right person yet or she was too young to know because that’s the main defense everyone gives.
There’s also some trauma mixed in with her ex neighbor and I’m glad that they included that too to show that Lizzie is just a normal kid who has issues like everyone else. She wants to feel safe and be happy and she’s just herself. She also learned that she could be friendly with boys and they weren’t all just jerks who treated her lol badly. Standing up to her bully made me cheer.
All in all this was had great examples and I recommend this for everyone who is questioning, wants to lean about being asexual, or just wants a fun story to read.
Also coming back to say I appreciated this was a book where it explained you can be ace and be aromantic but they aren’t the same thing. And it specified you can be ace and be in a relationship. A lot of books nowadays want being ace to mean being happy to “just be friends” with everyone and it bugs me, so thank you!
Lizzie’s journey mirrors mine in a lot of ways. When her brother and friends were moving forward and she felt like she was left behind, that mimicked me almost perfectly. I was so mad at my friends for no reason. I could feel her sadness and frustration. I’m also glad Lizzie had support groups online to turn to. The resources nowadays are incredible.
The fact she wanted to do a project to tell everyone about being ace so they would understand her was so brave and I wish more people understood what being ace was and what that meant. Her family/friends seemed either supportive or confused. My throat closed up a little when her mom and teacher said maybe she just hadn’t found the right person yet or she was too young to know because that’s the main defense everyone gives.
There’s also some trauma mixed in with her ex neighbor and I’m glad that they included that too to show that Lizzie is just a normal kid who has issues like everyone else. She wants to feel safe and be happy and she’s just herself. She also learned that she could be friendly with boys and they weren’t all just jerks who treated her lol badly. Standing up to her bully made me cheer.
All in all this was had great examples and I recommend this for everyone who is questioning, wants to lean about being asexual, or just wants a fun story to read.
Also coming back to say I appreciated this was a book where it explained you can be ace and be aromantic but they aren’t the same thing. And it specified you can be ace and be in a relationship. A lot of books nowadays want being ace to mean being happy to “just be friends” with everyone and it bugs me, so thank you!
July 25, 2023
Lizzie is an eighth grade girl who is dealing with changing friendships, annoying boys, and a traumatic event that happened to her family. Because of this encounter, the family moved to another neighborhood in town. Her older brother is leaving for college and her childhood friend has been drifting more to the “popular” crowd. On top of this, Lizzie feels disconnected to the conversations of peers revolving around crushes. When a science project introduces her to other sexualities, she begins exploring what that might mean for her. There is a strong theme of change happening in the external plot of this book as people and circumstances around her seem to be changing, making her feel alone.
This is a book that is going to help a lot of people, whether they are the same age as Lizzie or discovering their sexuality at a later part in life. Asexuality is such a broad topic and identity that can encompass many different things. The author notes in the back of the book that she wasn’t able to provide all the information she would’ve liked to, but encouraged doing more research. But I think Wilfrid did do a good job of introducing some misconceptions that people have about asexuality like that asexual people can’t have partners.
She talked about everything in very age-appropriate ways, in language that middle school kids use. I appreciated that she also talked about sex and periods in a very straightforward way. Many middle grade books don’t cover those topics. But they are things that many kids that age are thinking about. Wilfrid shows healthy ways of discussing it, like with parents, older siblings, and other trusted adults.
Most of all, I liked the way that the author encourages readers that it is okay to not have all the answers or labels. Self discovery is an ongoing process that can change and grow over time. Lizzie is anxious during a lot of this book about “what” she is and if she’s “normal” enough. But we end with her in a really healthy place of acceptance and realizing the interconnectedness of her own life, whether or not she feels romantic or sexual feelings. She is not alone.
(Thank you to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
This is a book that is going to help a lot of people, whether they are the same age as Lizzie or discovering their sexuality at a later part in life. Asexuality is such a broad topic and identity that can encompass many different things. The author notes in the back of the book that she wasn’t able to provide all the information she would’ve liked to, but encouraged doing more research. But I think Wilfrid did do a good job of introducing some misconceptions that people have about asexuality like that asexual people can’t have partners.
She talked about everything in very age-appropriate ways, in language that middle school kids use. I appreciated that she also talked about sex and periods in a very straightforward way. Many middle grade books don’t cover those topics. But they are things that many kids that age are thinking about. Wilfrid shows healthy ways of discussing it, like with parents, older siblings, and other trusted adults.
Most of all, I liked the way that the author encourages readers that it is okay to not have all the answers or labels. Self discovery is an ongoing process that can change and grow over time. Lizzie is anxious during a lot of this book about “what” she is and if she’s “normal” enough. But we end with her in a really healthy place of acceptance and realizing the interconnectedness of her own life, whether or not she feels romantic or sexual feelings. She is not alone.
(Thank you to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
December 20, 2023
I think this is an amazing representation of Asexual youth and the coming out story. Definitely a book I’d have one of my kids read if they had questions.
August 4, 2023
Lizzie has been feeling insecure ever since her old neighbor tried to break into her old home, and even though her family has moved to the other side of town, she can't help but worry. Meanwhile, her friends are going on about crushes and boyfriends, and even her brother, who is leaving for college, isn't immune from the persistent sex drive. But Lizzie isn't feeling it. When she finds the word "asexual" and discovers it means a person who doesn't experience sexual attraction, things finally start to make sense. Unfortunately, no one seems to know what the word means or believe that a 14-year-old can give up on romance. Lizzie didn't have a lot of confidence to begin with, but without some special help, she worries she might just end up alone.
Starting this book with an assault (not sexual or graphic) was definitely a downer. I understand why this had to be there, but it casts a sour light on the first few chapters. Once we get into Lizzie's story and experiences, though, well, this mirrors my own experiences so well. I cried when Lizzie learned, as I did, that not wanting sex doesn't make a person broken, and I found her friends' and family's reactions entirely relatable. This is very much the kind of book I wish middle-school me had been able to read, and I hope it finds its way into many such hands.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Starting this book with an assault (not sexual or graphic) was definitely a downer. I understand why this had to be there, but it casts a sour light on the first few chapters. Once we get into Lizzie's story and experiences, though, well, this mirrors my own experiences so well. I cried when Lizzie learned, as I did, that not wanting sex doesn't make a person broken, and I found her friends' and family's reactions entirely relatable. This is very much the kind of book I wish middle-school me had been able to read, and I hope it finds its way into many such hands.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
May 22, 2023
"Just Lizzie" is a heartbreaking and heartwarming story of a 8th grader, Lizzie, whose study of asexuality in science class leads her to understand her own sexual identity. Throughout this story Lizzie deals with not only self-discovery and self-advocacy as it relates to her asexuality, but also the aftermath of losing her childhood home due to a move across town, her brother going off to college, and the all-too-common "boys will be boys" attitude.
"Just Lizzie" is an engaging middle grade story that's accessible to students and families, is moving, and breeds compassion.
I listened to this as an advanced audiobook (with a synthesized voice) but wasn't able to read an E-copy. I recognize the time that it would take for an actual person to read and record an audiobook, but there are some serious problems with AI voice. Primarily, it wasn't able to provide any intonation, didn't pause between sentences or when switching POVs, and often mispronounced words made for a difficult listen.
Audio ARC provided by NetGalley, review is completely voluntary.
TW: References to and instances of stalking, reference to and a scene containing physical abuse of a parent by a neighbor.
"Just Lizzie" is an engaging middle grade story that's accessible to students and families, is moving, and breeds compassion.
I listened to this as an advanced audiobook (with a synthesized voice) but wasn't able to read an E-copy. I recognize the time that it would take for an actual person to read and record an audiobook, but there are some serious problems with AI voice. Primarily, it wasn't able to provide any intonation, didn't pause between sentences or when switching POVs, and often mispronounced words made for a difficult listen.
Audio ARC provided by NetGalley, review is completely voluntary.
TW: References to and instances of stalking, reference to and a scene containing physical abuse of a parent by a neighbor.
May 22, 2023
There has been such wonderful growth in Middle Grade queer / trans literature in recent years, and with Just Lizzie, Karen Wilfrid has created a beautiful and truly, I believe, life-changing, and even life-saving work of art. As evidenced by her end of book author's note, Wilfrid writes the story of Lizzie, a girl learning for the first time that asexual (and aromantic) identities don't just exist, but are entirely valid and wonderful ways of existing, as only someone who has been in her shoes could. The experiences of my high school self, from wondering if someone was wrong with me when my friends talked about wanting to have sex, to discovering asexuality & the AVEN forums online, to being told that it was a phase or that I would change my mind when the right person came along, to having the very identity questioned and invalidated by a teacher I trusted are all portrayed within this book. To the young reader who sees themselves in these pages for perhaps the first time, Just Lizzie will be a marvel. And even for those who aren't asexual or aromantic, Just Lizzie is a compelling novel with a wonderful protagonist who you can't help but root for.
December 6, 2023
I absolutely love this book! I read a lot of MG fantasy, so I wasn’t sure if realistic fiction would hold my interest, but it absolutely did! I found it very difficult to put down! In addition to the underrepresented theme of asexuality, the book also has a compelling plot and explores relationships in various forms, including friendships, siblings, and parent/child. I obviously recommend it to the intended audience of young teens, but I also think it shows a very valuable lesson for parents and educators about what to do (and not do!) when a child/teen tells you something important to them.
June 29, 2023
Just Lizzie is an incredibly poignant middle grade novel about a girl who is trying to understand herself better and her place within a dating-obsessed world. Wilfrid does an incredible job accurately portraying the internal struggles of a young teen who has never experienced attraction to another person, and the anxiety comes along with feeling broken and lonely. Through discovering asexuality, Lizzie learns more about herself and the different types of relationships she can have with others.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
November 29, 2023
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this one. A discovery to aceness story that made me really emotional. I teared up, raged and just felt for the main character so much.
I really liked everything ace in this but also the mc's relationships to her friends, to her family, etc.
And I liked how it spoke of trauma and how the mc decided to deal with it. I really enjoyed this book, everything in it. I would reread it in a heartbeat and I can't wait to read more by this author.
I really liked this one. A discovery to aceness story that made me really emotional. I teared up, raged and just felt for the main character so much.
I really liked everything ace in this but also the mc's relationships to her friends, to her family, etc.
And I liked how it spoke of trauma and how the mc decided to deal with it. I really enjoyed this book, everything in it. I would reread it in a heartbeat and I can't wait to read more by this author.
April 17, 2023
I wish I had this book when I was in eighth grade. Lizzie is a sweet and relatable protagonist whom I just want to give the biggest hug. This book details the experience of Lizzie: a thirteen year old girl who discovers her asexuality. I hardly ever see asexual representation, let alone at the middle-grade level. I'm so happy that this book will exist and that a generation of young people can have the language to describe themselves. This book was incredible and I cannot wait for its release.
June 6, 2023
I really needed this when I was in middle school but that’s not going to stop me from crying about it today. I’m always on the market for an Own Voices book, especially about asexuality, and as someone who started questioning their sexuality in middle school, it’s nice to not have it brushed off in the plot. My mom reacted very similarly to Lizzie’s mom, and it hurts. A lot. I hope this book can help other kids understand what I wasn’t able to then. You’re going to be okay.
November 30, 2023
This is a book I would have benefited from so much back in the 8th grade. I am a gray/demi ace, though I do experience romantic feelings and aesthetic attraction; and was also a late bloomer physiologically and socially. I am glad the author did mention the various ways to be asexual. And that there is nothing wrong with it. Also, the American Girl references made me like the book even more! Thank you so much for writing this- from a fellow gray/demi.
November 14, 2023
Lizzie feels like an alien. It seems like all her friends and family are getting crushes, dating, falling in love or having sex and she just...doesn't get the big deal.
She discovers her identity through a school science project and struggles to navigate coming out in ways true to real life for many asexual people.
She also copes with growing up, interpersonal relationships, experiencing trauma and learning to set boundaries.
Just Lizzie dealt with heavy topics and can get dark at times, however, it's beautifully written and very descriptive in an artful way.
I loved watching her and her friends grow in their confidence and the dialogue and personalities felt realistic for the characters' and their ages.
I do feel like Lizzie was still pressured to be alloromantic in the end and was only partially being accepted, just as asexual. However, I was satisfied with her self-acceptance and her brother's response to her coming out.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
She discovers her identity through a school science project and struggles to navigate coming out in ways true to real life for many asexual people.
She also copes with growing up, interpersonal relationships, experiencing trauma and learning to set boundaries.
Just Lizzie dealt with heavy topics and can get dark at times, however, it's beautifully written and very descriptive in an artful way.
I loved watching her and her friends grow in their confidence and the dialogue and personalities felt realistic for the characters' and their ages.
I do feel like Lizzie was still pressured to be alloromantic in the end and was only partially being accepted, just as asexual. However, I was satisfied with her self-acceptance and her brother's response to her coming out.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2024
An absolutely astonishing book! This is great representation of what it is like to grow as an asexual person (or one of the many other sexualities that people pretend do not exist just because they do not understand them). Lizzie’s experience mirrors so much mine and others that I have talked to. Her struggle to understand who she is and to be accepted is so real. The lack of representation and the struggle that results from that is an unfortunate experience that many people face (I didn’t even know about asexuality in people until high school). I appreciate that Lizzie gets such a mixed responses from people and learns how to deal with that. I also appreciate the fact that Lizzie also had a boy who bullied her and people just brushed off because they thought he liked her. Allowing that kind of behavior is unacceptable and it is what leads to men thinking that it okay to do a lot worse. Instead of boys will be boys, we need to start saying that boys will be held accountable for their actions.
September 13, 2024
Middle school appropriate. One of the things I loved about this book is how hard it is to accurately communicate sometimes. The conversations and ways that things didn’t go right felt super realistic. I also thought it was interesting about how Lizzie and her family had to move because of the scary stuff that happened with the neighbor and how that continued to affect Lizzie. There were so many things going on in this book—her on again, off again friendship with Sarah Nan, her struggle to hold onto her relationship with her brother as he goes off to college, her feelings of being awkward and an outsider at school… I super loved the positivity of the women’s self-defense class and Sarah Nan’s mother. Just a lot of different things going on in this book but they all fit together. Very enjoyable read.
August 22, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. I liked that it explained asexuality in a way that was accurate, but easy for younger readers to understand. All of the main characters felt well-rounded and like they experienced growth by the end of the book. My favorite part, though, was that it didn't end with Lizzie forgiving Michael or confronting him about bullying her because he liked her. As someone who was told growing up that boys were mean to her because they liked her, I felt a fierce rush of pride when Lizzie chose to stand up for herself and not tolerate being treated that way, even if it was because Michael liked her. Just a great book all around, and I'm sad this is the author's debut book because I want to read more of her work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2023
3.5
I liked this book a lot. It shows why talking about asexuality (and lgbtq+ things in general) is so important! It can help people understand themselves, and feel less different
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-arc
I liked this book a lot. It shows why talking about asexuality (and lgbtq+ things in general) is so important! It can help people understand themselves, and feel less different
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-arc
April 13, 2024
I love that kids have access to books like this with ace representation.
January 11, 2024
I'd wish this book on everyone.
Lizzie's journey wasn't perfect -- there was confusion, sadness, lonliness, fear, misunderstanding, & disappointment, and "trusted" adults didn't always say the right thing -- but that's kind of what made it so good. I was completely sucked in and that's due in large part to the detail about the side characters (her family and friends) and stories (family trauma! new house! separated from a sibling!). Life doesn't pause to let you figure things out, does it? And it's never just one thing. I didn't know what to expect but the telling of it was beautiful.
Also, it introduced me to the Kalanchoe, mother of thousands. 🌱
Lizzie's journey wasn't perfect -- there was confusion, sadness, lonliness, fear, misunderstanding, & disappointment, and "trusted" adults didn't always say the right thing -- but that's kind of what made it so good. I was completely sucked in and that's due in large part to the detail about the side characters (her family and friends) and stories (family trauma! new house! separated from a sibling!). Life doesn't pause to let you figure things out, does it? And it's never just one thing. I didn't know what to expect but the telling of it was beautiful.
Also, it introduced me to the Kalanchoe, mother of thousands. 🌱
November 3, 2023
Just Lizzie, by Karen Wilfrid, is a lovely middle grade contemporary following Lizzie, an 8th grader dealing with a lot of changes in her life. Her family just had to move neighborhoods after a traumatic experience with a neighbor, her brother moved to college, and she is surrounded by friends who are all having their first romantic experiences while she feels completely alien, never having had a crush. When she learns about asexuality, she finally feels like she fits, but navigating that self-discovery and trying to share that part of her identity with those close to her proves difficult.
As an aspec person, I am so grateful that this book exists. I can't even begin to imagine what it will mean to the ace kids who encounter a word that fits them for the first time.
Many things about this book were done extremely well. It's an extremely character-driven story, and that's reflected in the care given to character development, not just for Lizzie, but also to figures like her best friend and her brother. Every character in the story feels very real and human—you may not like them all the time (indeed, I couldn't help but dislike a few of them), but they feel alive in a way that I don't often see, particularly in middle-grade books that are fundamentally limited by a younger narrating voice.
Lizzie is a compelling and relatable protagonist. Her character development, not just in response to her discovery asexuality but also in regards to the rest of the story, is palpable and believable. She reads exactly like an 8th grader who's just starting to figure herself out—she doesn't know everything, but she's starting to figure out how to navigate the world. I felt for her so much, in all of her uncertainty and self-doubt, and I just know that she'll be such an important character to so many readers.
The focus on community and changing friendships is also done well; Lizzie is learning who she can rely on, and old friendships are being tested by the changing social world that comes towards the end of middle school. While Lizzie's journey with asexuality will be particularly important for young queer kids, I think that this aspect of the story is something that will be relatable and comforting for almost every kid reading it.
I think that the asexuality plot was handled and explained well, although I wish that there had been a little more exploration of the differences between asexuality and aromanticism; this book will likely be a first exposure to asexuality for most people, and I think clarifying those terms would have been a little better, especially since Lizzie's experiences seemed very in line with both identities, but the book sticks strictly to her identifying as ace. I think that the asexuality plot was done well and in an age-appropriate way, but I just wish there'd been a little more exploration of the two terms for the sake of readers being introduced to the identities.
My only fundamental critique of the story was that I don't think that the plot line with their old neighbor was necessary or helpful to the plot—the other story lines all built together well to complement and enhance Lizzie's self-discovery and character growth, but I truly could not figure out what the book was trying to do with that plot line. It feels out of place and doesn't make much sense with the rest of the book. It was written okay, but not with the same execution and skill with which the rest of the story was written.
Overall, though, I cannot recommend Just Lizzie enough. I still can't fully believe that this book exists; I'm so grateful for it, and I know it will mean the world to so many people. I would recommend this to anybody; even if you aren't usually a fan of middle grade fiction, this is such a well-written story of asexuality that I truly think everybody should read it. I'm giving it 4.5 stars, taking off half a star only for the few minor critiques described above.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
As an aspec person, I am so grateful that this book exists. I can't even begin to imagine what it will mean to the ace kids who encounter a word that fits them for the first time.
Many things about this book were done extremely well. It's an extremely character-driven story, and that's reflected in the care given to character development, not just for Lizzie, but also to figures like her best friend and her brother. Every character in the story feels very real and human—you may not like them all the time (indeed, I couldn't help but dislike a few of them), but they feel alive in a way that I don't often see, particularly in middle-grade books that are fundamentally limited by a younger narrating voice.
Lizzie is a compelling and relatable protagonist. Her character development, not just in response to her discovery asexuality but also in regards to the rest of the story, is palpable and believable. She reads exactly like an 8th grader who's just starting to figure herself out—she doesn't know everything, but she's starting to figure out how to navigate the world. I felt for her so much, in all of her uncertainty and self-doubt, and I just know that she'll be such an important character to so many readers.
The focus on community and changing friendships is also done well; Lizzie is learning who she can rely on, and old friendships are being tested by the changing social world that comes towards the end of middle school. While Lizzie's journey with asexuality will be particularly important for young queer kids, I think that this aspect of the story is something that will be relatable and comforting for almost every kid reading it.
I think that the asexuality plot was handled and explained well, although I wish that there had been a little more exploration of the differences between asexuality and aromanticism; this book will likely be a first exposure to asexuality for most people, and I think clarifying those terms would have been a little better, especially since Lizzie's experiences seemed very in line with both identities, but the book sticks strictly to her identifying as ace. I think that the asexuality plot was done well and in an age-appropriate way, but I just wish there'd been a little more exploration of the two terms for the sake of readers being introduced to the identities.
My only fundamental critique of the story was that I don't think that the plot line with their old neighbor was necessary or helpful to the plot—the other story lines all built together well to complement and enhance Lizzie's self-discovery and character growth, but I truly could not figure out what the book was trying to do with that plot line. It feels out of place and doesn't make much sense with the rest of the book. It was written okay, but not with the same execution and skill with which the rest of the story was written.
Overall, though, I cannot recommend Just Lizzie enough. I still can't fully believe that this book exists; I'm so grateful for it, and I know it will mean the world to so many people. I would recommend this to anybody; even if you aren't usually a fan of middle grade fiction, this is such a well-written story of asexuality that I truly think everybody should read it. I'm giving it 4.5 stars, taking off half a star only for the few minor critiques described above.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 14, 2023
I loooooooved this!! This is a coming-of-age middle grade novel about 14-year-old Lizzie realizing her asexual identity and learning how to assert herself while connecting with others.
First, it feels like books with 14-year-old characters are so rare in publishing right now, so I super appreciate that. This book is not too heavy and feels mature yet appropriate for those in that 13-15 year old range.
The writing is really good! I loved the narrative voice, that it was told in first person and the main character is mature yet still confused about some things and grappling with the changes she witnesses in her peers. I liked that her assumptions about others had to contend with what they were really like (e.g., idolizing some unknown classmate just to realize that they're not at all like you thought they would be, and that sort of disappointment). I think there were multiple dynamic story threads moving throughout this. And oh--Lizzie is coping with her older brother leaving for college, and the ache that she feels missing him (that part made me cry).
I really love Lizzie and this book is special to me.
Contains these elements:
-Older brother going to college
-Instance with a neighbor crossing a boundary
-Self-defense class
-Moving to another house in the neighborhood
-Friendship dynamics changing
-School science project
-Coming-of-age ceremony
-School dance
Representation:
-Most characters cue as white with some side characters cued as Asian and Black
-Asexual MC with sapphic and non-binary side characters
Messages:
-You don't have to prove to anyone your validity for you to be valid
-Be who you are
-Even if you are not in a romantic relationship doesn't mean your life is lonely or empty
-All the connections and relationships you share with others are important
Content warnings:
First, it feels like books with 14-year-old characters are so rare in publishing right now, so I super appreciate that. This book is not too heavy and feels mature yet appropriate for those in that 13-15 year old range.
The writing is really good! I loved the narrative voice, that it was told in first person and the main character is mature yet still confused about some things and grappling with the changes she witnesses in her peers. I liked that her assumptions about others had to contend with what they were really like (e.g., idolizing some unknown classmate just to realize that they're not at all like you thought they would be, and that sort of disappointment). I think there were multiple dynamic story threads moving throughout this. And oh--Lizzie is coping with her older brother leaving for college, and the ache that she feels missing him (that part made me cry).
I really love Lizzie and this book is special to me.
Contains these elements:
-Older brother going to college
-Instance with a neighbor crossing a boundary
-Self-defense class
-Moving to another house in the neighborhood
-Friendship dynamics changing
-School science project
-Coming-of-age ceremony
-School dance
Representation:
-Most characters cue as white with some side characters cued as Asian and Black
-Asexual MC with sapphic and non-binary side characters
Messages:
-You don't have to prove to anyone your validity for you to be valid
-Be who you are
-Even if you are not in a romantic relationship doesn't mean your life is lonely or empty
-All the connections and relationships you share with others are important
Content warnings:
December 26, 2023
I loved the characters in this book - they all felt so real and personal to me. It was like I was back in middle school talking to people I knew. I also loved the teacher characters -who sometimes take on a caricature of what a teacher is in YA and Middle Grade novels - but not in this book. The teachers and adults were well drawn and believable.
I love love loved the character arc, and I think it is an important book to have available to all students to read. Can’t wait to get it in the hands of my students.
I love love loved the character arc, and I think it is an important book to have available to all students to read. Can’t wait to get it in the hands of my students.
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