Some Boys

Grace Collier faces harsh treatment at school after accusing the popular lacrosse star Zac of rape. Her classmates and peers refuse to believe her, leading to isolation and bullying. Due to a school punishment, Grace must work alongside Ian, Zac's best friend, to clean lockers during summer break. Ian initially believes Zac's version of events but begins to question what he knows as he spends time with Grace. The story tackles themes of consent, peer pressure, and the impact of social media on modern teen life. Through alternating perspectives between Grace and Ian, readers witness how sexual assault affects not only survivors but entire communities. The novel explores how teenagers navigate truth, loyalty, and justice in the complex landscape of high school social dynamics. It raises questions about what it means to stand up for what's right, even when facing intense social pressure to stay silent.

Readers describe this YA novel as an unflinching look at rape culture and victim-blaming in high schools. The book has maintained a 4.1/5 rating on Goodreads across 5,000+ ratings. Readers appreciated: - Realistic portrayal of trauma recovery - Development of both main characters - Balanced perspective showing both sides' experiences - Strong message about consent and speaking up Common criticisms: - Some found the romance angle inappropriate given the subject matter - Several readers felt the ending wrapped up too neatly - Multiple reviews noted repetitive internal monologues Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (5,234 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (163 ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (89 ratings) "Raw and honest without being graphic," noted one Goodreads reviewer. Another mentioned: "The dual perspectives helped me understand both characters' struggles, though I wish the resolution hadn't felt rushed."

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson A freshman works through trauma and finds her voice after being sexually assaulted at a party.

All the Rage by Courtney Summers A teen faces isolation and disbelief from her small town after accusing a popular student of rape.

Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E. K. Johnston A cheerleader captain rebuilds her life and identity after an assault at summer camp.

The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith The story follows four years in a girl's life as she processes being raped by her brother's best friend.

What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler A student grapples with the aftermath of a sexual assault at a party and the role of those who witnessed it.

🔖 Some Boys tackles the difficult subject of rape culture and victim-blaming, inspired by the real-life Steubenville High School rape case that made national headlines in 2012. 📚 Author Patty Blount wrote this novel while working full-time as a technical writer, drawing from her experience raising two sons to explore how young men learn about consent and respect. 💫 The book's protagonist, Grace, uses photography as both an artistic outlet and a way to document truth—a detail that parallels how social media and digital evidence played a crucial role in real-life assault cases. 📱 The story unfolds through alternating perspectives between Grace and Ian, providing readers with insights into both the victim's trauma and the bystander's journey toward understanding. 🏆 Some Boys earned recognition as a Bankstreet Best Book of the Year and received the Athena Award for its portrayal of a strong female protagonist facing adversity.