For teens grappling with unexpected prejudice or targeted harassment, this novel explores the impact of anti-Semitism on a budding high school friendship, prompting conversations about standing up to
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is navigating their first real brush with prejudice or is unsure how to support a friend who is being targeted. "Do You Love Me, Harvey Burns?" explores the impact of anti-Semitism on a budding high school friendship. When Lisa partners with Harvey for a science project, their growing bond is threatened by a series of anonymous, hateful notes. The story follows their journey to unmask the bully while grappling with fear, loyalty, and the question of how to be a true ally. This book offers a gentle but direct entry point into conversations about religious prejudice, the emotional weight of harassment, and the courage it takes to stand up for what's right, making it a valuable read for young teens.
Features a sweet, chaste high school crush and budding romance.
Sensitive Topics
The book's primary sensitive topic is anti-Semitism, which is handled directly through the content of the notes and the characters' reactions. The approach is secular, focusing on the social and emotional impact of religious bigotry rather than a deep exploration of Judaism or Christianity. The resolution is hopeful and realistic: the perpetrator is identified and confronted, and the central friendship is affirmed. It acknowledges that prejudice exists but empowers the characters to stand against it.
Ideal Reader
A 13 to 15 year old who is starting to engage with more complex social issues but is not yet ready for the intensity of much of contemporary YA. It is for the teen who has witnessed or experienced clique-based bullying, especially targeting someone for being 'different'. It will resonate with a reader who enjoys realistic fiction with a light mystery element and a focus on friendship dynamics.
Parent Prep
Published in 1983, the book's setting will feel dated (no cell phones or internet, which is central to the mystery's mechanics). Parents may want to frame this as a story from a different time but with timeless problems. The book can be read cold, but it opens the door for a broader conversation about the history of anti-Semitism and other forms of prejudice that the book itself does not delve into deeply. A parent has just heard their teen ask, "Why would someone hate a person just because they're Jewish?" or has seen their child struggling with how to react when a friend is being bullied. The trigger is witnessing the child's first confusing and upsetting encounter with targeted prejudice and wanting a story to help them process it.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely connect most with the friendship story, the budding romance, and the 'whodunit' mystery of the notes. An older teen (15-17) will better appreciate the nuances of allyship, the fear Lisa's parents exhibit, and the courage required to confront prejudice directly. They may find the plot somewhat simple compared to modern YA but will recognize the core emotional truths.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many contemporary books on prejudice that deal with intense, systemic, and often violent trauma, this book is a much quieter, more contained story. It focuses on the personal, emotional impact of 'casual' bigotry within a small school community. Its gentler, problem-novel approach makes it an accessible first read on the topic of anti-Semitism for younger or more sensitive teens.
Read plot summary
Lisa Barnes, a non-Jewish high school student, is partnered with Harvey Burns, who is Jewish, for a major science project on animal behavior. As they spend time together and a mutual crush develops, they begin receiving threatening, anti-Semitic notes and phone calls. The central conflict revolves around their attempts to identify the anonymous tormentor, the strain this puts on their friendship, and Lisa's growing awareness of the reality of prejudice she had never encountered before.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Before the notes started, Lisa didn't think much about Harvey being Jewish. How did the bully's actions force both Lisa and Harvey to think more about their identities?
2
Lisa's parents, especially her mother, become very worried and cautious. Do you think their advice for Lisa to be careful was helpful or harmful to her friendship with Harvey? Why?
3
When the bully is revealed, Harvey says he feels sorry for them. Lisa is still angry. Which reaction do you understand more? Is it possible to feel both at the same time?
4
At several points, Lisa and Harvey consider just stopping their friendship to make the harassment end. What makes them decide to stick together instead? What would you have done?
