Not Here to Be Liked

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with the 'likability trap' or the frustration of being more qualified than a male peer yet still being overlooked. It is a sharp, modern look at intersectional feminism, internalized bias, and the messy reality of standing up for your principles when the person you are fighting against might actually be a decent human being. The story follows Eliza, a dedicated high school journalist who is passed over for a leadership role in favor of an attractive, inexperienced athlete. What begins as a private rant evolves into a full-scale school movement. Parents will appreciate how the book moves beyond black-and-white 'girl power' tropes to explore the nuances of power, gender, and cultural expectations within a Vietnamese-Chinese-American family. It is best suited for readers ages 13 and up due to mature themes regarding social politics and teenage romance.