About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling restricted by social expectations or is struggling with the 'mean girl' dynamics of late elementary school. It is an honest and humorous look at two fifth-graders, Margalo and Mikey, who decide to reject the pressure to be 'good' and instead define themselves on their own terms. Unlike many books that moralize behavior, this story validates the messy, rebellious feelings that come with seeking independence. Parents will appreciate how it explores the complexity of classroom power plays and the fierce loyalty of a new friendship. It is perfectly suited for children aged 8 to 12 who are starting to question authority and social hierarchies. It provides a safe space to discuss the difference between being 'bad' and being authentic, making it an excellent choice for normalizing the turbulent emotions of growing up.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
CONVERSATION: Parents should be prepared to discuss the ethics of some of the girls' choices.
Ideal Reader
A 10-year-old who feels like a misfit and enjoys dry humor. It is for the kid who is tired of stories about 'perfect' friendships and wants to see characters who are allowed to be difficult, angry, and clever.
Parent Prep
None. A parent might reach for this after their child gets in trouble at school for talking back or 'disrupting' the social order of the classroom.
Age Experience
Younger readers (8-9) will enjoy the humor and the girls' defiance of authority. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the nuance of the social maneuvering and the emotional protection the girls provide for one another.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many school stories from the 90s, Voigt avoids a tidy moral ending. The girls don't become 'good'; they simply become themselves, which is a radical and refreshing stance for middle-grade fiction.
Read plot summary
Margalo Epps and Mikey Elsinger meet on the first day of fifth grade and instantly recognize a kindred spirit in each other. They are both outsiders who refuse to conform to the social standards of Mrs. Chemsky's classroom. Throughout the year, they navigate complex social hierarchies, orchestrate clever pranks—including manipulating the rules of a classroom "Secret Pal" game—and deal with the fallout of their 'bad girl' reputations. Mikey, the more volatile of the two, is prone to physical outbursts when provoked. The story focuses on their developing bond and their shared desire for autonomy in a world of adult-imposed rules.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Margalo and Mikey decide to be 'bad girls.' What do you think 'bad' means to them versus what it means to their teacher, Mrs. Chemsky?
2
In the 'Secret Pal' game, how did Margalo use her intelligence to change the outcome? Was what she did fair, or was it just clever?
3
Mikey often uses her fists while Margalo uses her words. Which do you think is more effective in their school, and why?
4
Why do you think it was so important for Margalo and Mikey to have each other's backs even when they didn't agree with each other's actions?
5
Do you think the girls were actually 'bad,' or were they just being themselves in a place that didn't understand them?
