Girls Like Us by Gail Giles

I read Girls Like Us in about 3 hours, but the characters of Biddy and Quincy will stay with me for much longer. These recent high school graduates were Special Education students, called retard and worse by peers and even by some family members. Gail Giles, a gifted author who worked with Special Ed students for 20 years, uses short chapters told in alternating voices to develop the story of Biddy and Quincy. As readers, we are privileged to “see” into their thoughts, to “hear” the journal recordings they make and to learn about how each was hurt emotionally and physically, including abuse and rape.  

This story is sad, but also uplifting because it shows how a friendship manages to form between these two young women and the older lady, Miss Lizzy/Lizabeth, for whom they do housework.  Adults in the story are often portrayed as helpful facilitators, although even they make mistakes despite good intentions.  I do think that students in general would find this an easy read filled with much opportunity for reaction and reflection; therefore, I will add it to our booktalk for Sophomore independent reading choices.

Also available in eBook format, Girls Like Us by Gail Giles received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Media Connection, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal.  I expect to see it on the Abe Lincoln Award nominee list in the future. Other young adult novels by Gail Giles include: Shattering Glass, What Happened to Cass McBride?, and Right Behind You.