Somebody Told Me

  • Interest Level: Grade 8 - Grade 12
  • Reading Level: Grade 8

“A compelling narrative layered with intersections of gender, sexuality, and spirituality.”—Booklist

After an assault, bigender seventeen-year-old Aleks/Alexis is looking for a fresh start—so they voluntarily move in with their uncle, a Catholic priest. In their new bedroom, Aleks/Alexis discovers they can overhear parishioners in the church confessional. Moved by the struggles of these “sinners,” Aleks/Alexis decides to anonymously help them, finding solace in their secret identity: a guardian angel instead of a victim.

But then Aleks/Alexis overhears a confession of another priest admitting to sexually abusing a parishioner. As they try to uncover the priest’s identity before he hurts anyone again, Aleks/Alexis is also forced to confront their own abuser and come to terms with their past trauma.

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978-1-5415-7819-7
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978-1-5415-9066-3
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Interest Level Grade 8 - Grade 12
Reading Level Grade 8
Genre Young Adult
Category Diverse Books: LGBTQIA+, Diverse Books: Mental Health & Neurodiversity, Diverse Books: #MeToo, Diverse Books: #OwnVoices, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2020
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Lab ®
Language English
Number of Pages 272
Publication Date 2020-04-07
Text Type Fiction
BISACS YAF031000, YAF058240, YAF051110
Dewey [Fic]
Dimensions 5.5 x 8.25
Lexile 600
Features Author/Illustrator note and Reviewed

Author: Mia Siegert

Mia Siegert is an author and costume designer from New Jersey. Their costumes have appeared on Netflix's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, the CW's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and several stage productions of CATS. They are also the author of the YA novel Jerkbait.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

Somebody Told Me

“A compelling narrative layered with intersections of gender, sexuality, and spirituality.”—Booklist After an assault, bigender seventeen-year-old Aleks/Alexis is looking for a fresh start—so they voluntarily move in with their uncle, a View available downloads →

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Reviews

Booklist

" . . . Siegert’s blunt and honest prose brings together a compelling narrative layered with intersections of gender, sexuality, and spirituality, which will be sure to provide teen audiences with much food for thought."—Booklist

School Library Journal

“Highly recommended, especially where #OwnVoices books are in demand.”—School Library Journal

Alice Reeds

Somebody Told Me will stay with you long after you finish the final page and fuel a conversation that needs to be had.”—Alice Reeds, author of Echoes

Chris Kluwe

“I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.”—Chris Kluwe, former NFL player and author of Otaku

Helene Dunbar

“Siegert pulls no punches, tackling issues such as abuse of power, and acceptance, head-on in this important page-turning novel.”—Helene Dunbar, author of We Are Lost and Found

Kate Brauning

“The heart-wrenching and hopeful look at faith, gender, and sexuality I’ve been waiting for. A compelling and captivating read.”—Kate Brauning, author of How We Fall

Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

“Impossible to forget.”—Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, author of Firsts, Last Girl Lied To, and All Eyes On Her