Yes No Maybe So

Yes No Maybe So is an engaging Teen read that educates young readers about the political climate, digs into some weighty issues but is also an endearing and compulsively readable story about two marginalized teens from different backgrounds who want to make a difference.

I'll admit that this is a predictable read, but it is inspiring and charming with two main characters I could root for (an awkward main character gets me every time). I love that Albertalli and Saeed pair a sweet, budding romance within a story that has a wonderful layer of social conscience focused at Teens. The topics are significant and include race, discrimination, religion, xenophobia, culture, marginalization and politics but these issues are framed within a touching story that will hopefully leave readers hopeful, more aware and empowered.

This is an amazing collaboration between Albertalli and Saeed who bring their own experiences and writing styles to the story. My only beefs are that it's rather heavy on American politics (for this Canadian anyway) and the ending felt too abrupt - an epilogue would have been appreciated.

This is a great stepping stone that will introduce Teens to political activism and hopefully show them that they have more power and ability to change the future of their countries than they may have realized. It's never too early to start standing up for yourself.

This book is a well-written story that is endearing, informative and so very relevant. As for my vote? It's a hearty YES.

My Rating: 4 stars

Authors: Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed

Genre: Teen

Type: Hardcover (400 pages)

Source: Local Public Library

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

First Published: February 4, 2020

Book Description from GoodReads: New York Times bestselling authors Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed have crafted a resonant, funny, and memorable story about the power of love and resistance.

YES
Jamie Goldberg is cool with volunteering for his local state senate candidate—as long as he’s behind the scenes. When it comes to speaking to strangers (or, let’s face it, speaking at all to almost anyone), Jamie’s a choke artist. There’s no way he’d ever knock on doors to ask people for their votes…until he meets Maya.

NO
Maya Rehman’s having the worst Ramadan ever. Her best friend is too busy to hang out, her summer trip is canceled, and now her parents are separating. Why her mother thinks the solution to her problems is political canvassing—with some awkward dude she hardly knows—is beyond her.

MAYBE SO
Going door to door isn’t exactly glamorous, but maybe it’s not the worst thing in the world. After all, the polls are getting closer—and so are Maya and Jamie. Mastering local activism is one thing. Navigating the cross-cultural romance of the century is another thing entirely.