I’ve been excited for this book since I first saw the cover. Heck, the day that I started reading it, my friend forwarded me an email featuring the cover exclusively because it looked like a book I would read. She was right, of course, and I finished it and loved it!
Rebel Girls takes place in 1992 at a catholic high school. Athena is a sophomore, and her sister Helen is a freshman. Soon, Athena hears rumors circulating about Helen: that she got an abortion. This is still a hot button topic, but it was even more so the 90’s.
Helen (like much of the school) is pro-life. She is incredibly hurt by the rumors and scared that she will be expelled. Also, her reputation has been ruined, she has lost the right to do extracurricular activities, and she is not allowed on the homecoming court. Obviously, Athena wants to do something punk rock to help out her sister.
Athena and her best friend Melissa, along with Helen and her two best friends, start making patches and pins. They say one of three things: “So what,” “So what if she didn’t,” and “So what if she did.” They make the flair in different styles but all of them fit within the schools dress code so they won’t get other students in trouble.
Soon, a ton of people are wearing the pieces. Girls and guys from all grades are rocking the “So what” campaign. But it’s making waves in other ways. You’ll have to read the book to find out if they make it through homecoming without being expelled!
I absolutely adored this book. It was a blast from start to finish, and I can’t recommend it enough. I think it did something important with Riot Grrrl culture and showed that anyone can be punk rock in their actions. The most important thing is to support other women.
I really enjoyed reading this. I think it’s a great book for all ages, and it’s an important read in our current political climate.
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