Tell Me

Anna Larson participates in storytelling competitions and helps out at her grandparents' restaurant in upstate New York. When a mysterious customer begins visiting the diner regularly, Anna notices signs that something isn't right. With support from her family and her skills as an observer and storyteller, Anna works to uncover what's happening. She must navigate complex decisions about when to speak up and whom to trust with her concerns. The narrative follows Anna as she learns to use her voice to advocate for others while dealing with her own self-doubts and fears. Through her growing passion for social justice, she discovers the power of speaking truth in difficult situations. This middle-grade novel explores themes of courage, family bonds, and the responsibility to help those who cannot help themselves. The story demonstrates how even young people can make a difference by paying attention and taking action.

Readers appreciate how the book handles serious topics like abuse and speaking up while remaining age-appropriate for middle-grade students. Many note that the protagonist Anna serves as a relatable role model who demonstrates courage and perseverance. Parents and teachers mention using the book to start discussions about trust, truth-telling, and helping others. Several reviews highlight the balanced portrayal of adult characters and realistic family dynamics. Some readers found the pacing slow in the middle sections and noted that certain plot elements felt predictable. A few mentioned that the resolution wrapped up too neatly. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (90+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 (parents), 4/5 (kids) From reviews: "Perfect for opening dialogue with preteens about speaking up" - School librarian on Goodreads "The mystery aspect keeps kids engaged while teaching important lessons" - Parent reviewer on Amazon "Some parts drag but the message is valuable" - Middle school teacher on Goodreads

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🌟 Author Joan Bauer got the idea for Tell Me while visiting schools and learning about trafficking prevention programs for young people. 📚 The book's main character, Anna, uses skills from her journalism class to help solve the mystery - a reflection of Bauer's own background as a former newspaper reporter. 🏆 Tell Me won the 2015 Christopher Award, which celebrates media that "affirm the highest values of the human spirit." 🎭 The protagonist's interest in theater and performing serves as both a plot device and metaphor throughout the book, drawing on Bauer's personal experience in community theater. 🗣️ The book sparked numerous school programs encouraging students to "speak up" when they notice suspicious situations, leading to partnerships between schools and anti-trafficking organizations.