Yo Tambien (Spanish Edition), by Theresa Jensen

I can't recommend this book enough. The story is well written, compelling, and sooo important. I will be using it in my classroom as a bridge to some of the most important conversations we can have: about consent, respect, and healthy (and unhealthy) friendships and relationships. The story is written with great sensitivity and nuance. Through the story the author shines light on the very complex and often misunderstood aftermath of sexual assault and harassment, which includes manipulation and intimidation on the part of the perpetrator and the fear and confusion of the victim. It's really incredible how much Theresa Jensen packs into a short and very comprehensible story.

Sexual harassment and what to do about it is probably not the topic on many teachers' minds when looking for classroom/FVR readers, however, perhaps it should be, given the number of students, across all grade levels, who are victims of such behavior. Theresa Jensen's novel feels real-- the characters, their emotions and reactions, the dialogue-- everything feels real, as if a close friend is telling their story.

In spite of the uncomfortable #metoo topic, this book puts the normal occasional poor decision-making of teenagers into context with a mild exploration of how rule-breaking can get a person into trouble.
It models confiding in parents for help with tricky situations, too. While the vocabulary is about level 1 and could easily be handled as a beginning novel, the topic is better suited to high school students who are familiar with the world of -- some of us can drive and some of us can't yet. While I would preview this before putting on a middle school classroom library shelf, it's such an important topic and so crucial that kids have adults they can talk to, it might also be read a lot by younger students. This book is excellent and belongs in every classroom library. Theresa Jensen is a brilliant writer.

I read this. You and your students NEED to read this too. In fact, because it has a full glossary, I would argue you could give it to anyone to read (yes, it's that accessible!). The story is as beautiful as it is heart-wrenching. Three friends, two girls and a boy and a twist on the obvious love triangle.
The title alludes to the theme of the book. Rest assured that everything in the book is not only wholly appropriate for classrooms, but probably should be required reading for all Spanish language students.
And it will generate LOTS of discussion - what we want in language classes and conversations that we adults need to have with young people repeatedly.
Look at the title. Read it. Know it. And realize, just from the title, how it will be so helpful for continued conversations.
Theresa Jensen is perfect here - theme and language accessibility. 🧡📚😊😘

I wish I were still in the classroom to teach this book. (I retired last year). Lots of opportunity for discussions with high school kids. So very much to discuss. So many interesting conversations, advice, confessions...WOW. I thought the story was so compelling, I could not stop reading!! It has the feel of a much higher-level book, but the language is simple and understandable. The topic is one that every HS kid knows about, thinks about, and will want to read about, even in a new language. Sex stuff handled in a very discreet way. The whole story was done tastefully. HIGHLY recommend for high school classes!