Book Information
Purchasing Information
Open Secrets
by Jennifer Manuel
A teen girl faces sexual harassment and misogyny when she tries to succeed in the local music scene.
"Highlighting the important and under-discussed issue of grooming against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement, this novel deftly deals with a difficult and timely topic." — School Library Journal
The #MeToo movement has revealed the prevalence of sexual assault in society, especially as committed by powerful men. But it is an issue that also affects the lives of teen girls. This book tells the story of seventeen-year-old Ana Santos, who has ambitions to make it big in music and signs a contract with the owner of a music café without knowing there are sexual strings attached. It looks at the darker side of the music industry, including sexual harassment, lyrics that degrade and demean women and social media trolling as backlash for speaking up, all while presenting a strong, realistic main character who overcomes her feelings of shame to find a voice for herself and her music.
About the Author
JENNIFER MANUEL was the 2017 winner of the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize and was named A Writer to Watch by the CBC in 2016. Jennifer has been a college, elementary and high-school teacher, plays goalie on a men's hockey team and also plays drums and produces music. Jennifer is author of Dressed to Play and Head to Head in the Lorimer Sports Stories series. This is her first YA novel. Jennifer lives in Duncan, British Columbia.
Reviews
"Highlighting the important and under-discussed issue of grooming against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement, this novel deftly deals with a difficult and timely topic."
"The story is accessible and would be a useful introduction into understanding the #metoo movement and the importance of speaking out."
"The heaviness of the #metoo theme is paired well with the lighter side of a teenage band that is working to find and create its own sound."
Subjects (BISAC)
Subjects
Similar Titles
-
Cold Grab
Recently arrived from the Philippines, Angelo needs friends to fit in, but he gets in with a group of teens involved in crime.$8.99, PaperbackInterest ages: 13-18Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: HL560L
The Player
A gay hockey player in a secret relationship with a teammate worries how coming out will affect their chances in the sport.
$8.99, PaperbackInterest ages: 13-18Reading level: Grade 2Lexile Reading Level: HL370L
Killer Drop
Marcus has a great life — until it all goes downhill$27.99, HardcoverInterest ages: 14-18Reading level: Grade 2Lexile Reading Level: HL630L