What I Like About Me Discussion Questions and What I Like About Me Review written by Hannah Gottschalk-Lineman on 4/20/2021 This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
Know Before You Read
Book: What I Like About Me
Author: Jenna Guillaume
Pages: 281
Published: 2020
Age Suggestion: 14-18 years (high school age)
Themes: body positivity, rocky parent relationships, crushes, dating, friendship, breakups & makeups
Warnings: Strong language, sexual innuendo (while nothing graphic is depicted, references may not be appropriate for younger readers), underage drinking
Quick Summary of What I Like About Me
Maisie Martin and her family are off on the yearly beach vacation and Ms. Singh, overbearing English teacher, has assigned daily journal entries. Maisie journals as she meets new friends, takes on new challenges, royally messes up with her crush, and learns to be more comfortable with her own body.
What I Like About Me Review (Contains Light Spoilers)
–Why Read What I Like About Me–
Not only is What I Like About Me a fun and engaging story, it touches on many relevant young adult issues. Maisie’s struggle with body image throughout the book is relevant to teens (and adults!). The story gives you a chance to discuss the negative comments, comparison struggles, and self-hatred that many young girls and women face. By working through these obstacles Maisie gains confidence in herself and even competes in a beauty pageant—with a swimwear section! Maisie’s separated parents, several crushes, a rocky sibling relationship, and coming out story all add to the plot. I recommend to teen girls and women who enjoy YA fiction.
-Plot and Characters–
While the story is told in first person, we get to see the various obstacles that each character faces. Although the ending of the story is satisfyingly cheesy, not all problems have a quick fix. I appreciated that characters worked through some long standing hurt with each other without sunshine and rainbows coming out of every conversation.
A big part of the plot is Maisie’s longstanding childhood crush on her family friend, Sebastian, but his annoying best friend has a secret crush on Maisie! The classic unrequited love story is well crafted with plenty of ups and downs to keep you reading!
-Style/Structure-
I love the journal entry style of the book. Readers get to hear first hand all of Maisie’s thought and opinions with an accurate amount of teenage sass. Maisie’s journal entries are a perfect mix of funny, sweet, and heartbreaking.
What I Like About Me Discussion Questions
- Make a list of things that you like about yourself.
- When in the book do you think characters were brave? When have you shown bravery?
- Who do you relate to most in the book? Why?
- Have you ever considered journaling? What benefits might journaling have?
Final Thoughts
Take a break from diet culture, photoshopped images, and social media perfection and give What I Like About Me a read! This story will put a smile on your face and hopefully remind you to be a little kinder to yourself.
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Meet the Author- Hannah Gottschalk
Hello! I am an elementary school teacher in the Bronx, New York and am passionate about teaching students to love reading! In my free time you will find me hiking, visiting museums, reading, and drinking caramel frappucinos. Find me @hannahhaschalk on Instagram or @mrs.haschalk TikTok. Go check out her other review, Jason Reynold’s Look Both Ways too!
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