Module 7: Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally)

Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally)

Book Summary 

This is the story of Bobby, a fourth grader, who is best friends with a girl named Holly. Bobby's family is friendly, but embarrassing, as his dad is an ex-football player who is recognized everywhere he goes. Bobby is struggling with growing up and discovering his best friends is a girl and that he is not supposed to like girls. Holly becomes friends with Jillian, which makes matters worse. The story follows Bobby's struggles to deal with losing his best friend, losing a family pet that he grew attached to, and rediscovering the friendship with Holly.

Citation 

Yee, L. (2009). Bobby vs girls (accidentally). New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. 

My Impressions

I loved this book. This story follows the entire arc from a boy being friends (although not in public) with a girl to hating that girls because that's what is expected to being embarrassed in school and having said girl stand up for you to discovering that true friends should be cherished and you shouldn't be embarrassed to be seen with them. It is a great story for anyone who is struggling with not fitting in, feeling awkward, or feeling typical growing pains.

Review Excerpts

Rochman, H. (2009). Bobby vs. girls (accidentally). Booklist, 106(4), 52.

"Told from Bobby’s smart, wry, vulnerable viewpoint, Yee’s chapter book for younger readers captures the grade-school social scene in all its meanness and warmth. The gender roles are far from  rigid, both at school and at home. … Illustrated with occasional full-page, black-and-white sketches, the story of fights and fun will grab grade-schoolers." 

Martin, T. (2009). Bobby vs. girls (accidentally). School Library Journal, 55(11), 91. 

"Funny and smart dialogue describes perfectly the interaction that makes the battle of the sexes ring true. Bobby unwittingly plays into the boys' plan to one-up the girls every time, and in the process distances himself from Holly. Kids will identify with much of this interplay since Yee's situations and clever text are so accurate."

Suggestions for Use in a Library

I would use this as a way for students to befriend someone that they may not normally talk to. Maybe everyone could write down or submit a struggle they are dealing with or something they are embarrassed by. We could match students up based on those submissions and they could learn about people and become friends with others. It would be a great way to start conversations that are difficult and to show students that others share their struggles and that they are not alone.