"Everything I Know about You" by Barbara Dee follows the story of Talia "Tally" Martin, a brave and strong 12-year-old girl who embraces her individuality and rejects harmful body image stereotypes. Tally, along with her friends Caleb and Sonnet, embarks on a class field trip to Washington D.C., where they are forced to room with their sworn enemies. Through this experience, Tally navigates the complexities of friendship, self-discovery, and uncovering secrets about those she once considered foes. addresses serious topics like eating disorders, friendship, and personal growth with finesse, humor, and a realistic portrayal of middle school dynamics.
Tally's journey on the class trip is not just about sightseeing but also about delving into the relationships and emotions of the characters. As Tally interacts with her enemies turned roommates, she learns valuable lessons about empathy, understanding, and the battles that everyone faces, both internally and externally. beautifully captures the struggles and triumphs of adolescence, highlighting the importance of individuality, self-acceptance, and the power of genuine connections.
From The Publisher:
"A poignant and often hilarious slice of middle-grade life." - Kirkus Reviews
"Readers will root for big-hearted Tally." - Publishers Weekly
Thirteen-year-old Tally discovers several surprising things about her roommate-including the possibility of an eating disorder-during a seventh-grade class trip in this timely novel from the author of Star-Crossed and Halfway Normal .
During a class trip to DC, thirteen-year-old Tally and her best friends, Sonnet and Caleb (a.k.a. Spider) are less than thrilled when they are assigned roommates and are paired with kids who are essentially their sworn enemies. For Tally, rooming with "clonegirl" Ava Seely feels like punishment, rather than potential for fun.
But the trip is full of surprises. Despite a pact to stick together as much as they can, Sonnet pulls away, and Spider befriends Marco, the boy who tormented him last year. And Marco just might "like" Tally-what's that about?
But the uneasy peace in Ava and Tally's room is quickly upended when Tally begins to suspect something is off about Ava. She has a weird notebook full of random numbers and doesn't seem to eat anything during meals. When Tally confronts Ava, Ava threatens to share an embarrassing picture of Tally with the class if Tally says anything to anyone about her suspicions. But will Tally endanger more than her pride by keeping her secret?
This is one class trip full of lessons Tally will never forget: how to stay true to yourself, how to love yourself and embrace your flaws, and how being a good friend can actually mean telling a secret you promised to keep…
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