TEAR THIS DOWN, by Barbara Dee, Aladdin, Feb. 25, 2025, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 9-13)
A girl speaks out against a problematic historical hometown figure in Tear This Down, a middle-grade novel by Barbara Dee.
For as long as Freya can remember, she has loved living in her cozy hometown of Wellstone. Not only is the town itself named for local and historical hero Benjamin Wellstone but everything in it: schools, beaches, and stores. There’s even a giant statue of him to remind everyone of the good things he did.
But while doing research for a big school project, Freya discovers that Benjamin isn’t the big hero everyone has been taught to believe. He had some redeeming qualities, but he also held incredibly problematic views towards women, believing they shouldn’t have the right to vote—or even to exist outside of the home. Disappointed by her revelation, Freya wonders if she could figure out a way to not only show what the hometown hero was really like but replace his statue with one of an unsung hero: local suffragette Octavia Padgett.
Though Freya knows not everyone will agree with her, she is shocked when her efforts cause even bigger issues than she could have imagined. Even her own parents seem uneasy with Freya’s cause. With the help of her beloved Nan, friends new and old, and the coolest librarian she’s ever met, can Freya stand firm and tear down outdated views? —Synopsis provided by Aladdin
Tear This Down is the fifth middle-grade novel I’ve read from author Barbara Dee, and yet to be disappointed. Dee tackles important topics by getting to the heart of the matter. Her characters are strong and memorable and her writing in tune with her audience.
This is all true of Tear This Down, which not only hits on kids recognizing when something is wrong, but also how hard it can be to make their voices heard.
One of the things that stands out in Tear This Down is how Dee approaches the past. Through Freya’s research, you learn how layered history is and how things are rarely as clearcut as you’d like them to be.
Also of note, is Freya’s evolving relationships with adults as they both push her away and encourage her to look for positive change.
Tear This Down is a strong middle-grade read that will particularly appeal to kids interested in social activism.
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