That's Debatable
Published on 8. August 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
352 pages
978-1-250-87896-0 (ISBN)
Description
Millicent Chalmers is a debate legend. Calm, cool, and collected, what Millie lacks in popularity, she makes up for in debate trophies. Until she meets Tag.
Taggart Strong is everything Millie isn't. He's rich, he's well-connected, and he doesn't give a hoot about winning. He only cares about arguing the side he believes - much to the consternation of his teammates.
But when the first tournament of the year takes a scary turn, Millie and Tag find themselves unexpectedly working together. Even though Millie decidedly does not like Tag, she does enjoy teaching him a thing or two about debate. And who knows, maybe Millie and Tag might make a better team than they think . . .
Taggart Strong is everything Millie isn't. He's rich, he's well-connected, and he doesn't give a hoot about winning. He only cares about arguing the side he believes - much to the consternation of his teammates.
But when the first tournament of the year takes a scary turn, Millie and Tag find themselves unexpectedly working together. Even though Millie decidedly does not like Tag, she does enjoy teaching him a thing or two about debate. And who knows, maybe Millie and Tag might make a better team than they think . . .
Reviews / Votes
ALLA Alabama Authors Awards Best Teen Book of the YearRise: A Feminist Book Project List Honoree
"Millie's unapologetic battle against sexism is inspiring, and Tag's reckoning with his privilege is heartening. Weighty issues and the quirky rivals-to-lovers romance are given equal attention . . . An unusual, thought-provoking take on advocating for oneself and others." --Kirkus Reviews
"Both main characters are well-developed as individuals within a novel that explores the hostility, harassment, and other challenges faced by many girls who choose to enter the traditionally male-dominated world of debating. Drawing readers into that sphere, this detailed, engaging story delivers both happiness and justice in the end." --Booklist
"PW contributor and former high school competitor Doll's (Unclaimed Baggage) passion for debate is genuine and infectious, and the protagonists' alternating perspectives make for a persuasive read." --Publishers Weekly
"Doll's -well-developed inspirational character arcs show Millie's and Tag's separate journeys to become voices for change. Additional depth is provided by edifying, and sometimes playful, footnotes. Informed by her own high school debate experience, Doll includes an extensive personal note that adds to the authenticity of issues explored in the novel." --School Library Journal
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Young adult
US School Grade: From Third Grade to Seventh Grade, Interest Age: From 12 to 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 210 mm
Width: 137 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
428 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-250-87896-0 (9781250878960)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Jen Doll is the author of the young adult novel, Unclaimed Baggage which was a New York Times Staff Pick, an NPR Best Book of 2018, a Buzzfeed Best YA Book and a Cosmo Best New Book of 2018. She is also the author of the memoir, Save the Date: The Occasional Mortifications of a Serial Wedding Guest. She's written for The Atlantic, Elle, Esquire, Glamour, GQ, New York Magazine, The New York Times Book Review, Vice, The Village Voice, The Week, and many other publications. She grew up in Alabama and lives in upstate New York