Idon't have the words for how important I think this book is. If I'd had this as a 12 year old I genuinely believe it would have become my favourite book, as well as helping me feel seen and prepared to deal with this stuff at my own school.

A queer, feminist story about a group of girls trying to get the popular guy harassing girls held accountable. I don't usually read middle grade but that description was an instant add to my TBR, and I'm so so lucky I got an ARC, so big thanks to the author & netgalley for that.

I knew I was gay when I was 11, I didn't have any representation for how I felt, and even now this is the first time I've seen any sort of media where a character this age knows they are queer, and their story is not at all focused on them coming out or struggling with their identity. Hazel is a lesbian, but that isn't her main plot point, it's just another layer on the amazing, passionate, hardworking person that she is.

I could physically feel the frustration of having the adults in the story not listening to the girls and what they were saying, the author so perfectly portrays what that feels like to a teenager while not making it seem childish at all. I also really loved the inclusion of stats about sexual harassment & assault, as well as having characters discuss that these actions *are* harassment and assault no matter the age of the people involved.

I hope that any teen reading this is inspired to stand up for themselves, that they never have to deal with a classmate like Tyler, and that they feel seen.

This was not only a very entertaining book but a very important one for young readers and parents alike.

It is the story of Hazel and her friends and how they deal with the harassment that is going on at their school.

When I started reading I'll admit I was a bit overwhelmed by the writers style. It was a non stop flow of Hazel's stream of consciousness. However, it was a useful way of getting to know the character and worked really well as the book progressed.

An important theme of the book is perception vs reality, we see time and again that not everyone is as they appear.

I was frustrated by the girls initial treatment by the school and worried that it may discourage any young person in that situation but I actually jumped out my seat in happiness at one conversation Hazel has with a teacher in regards to her speech. By the end of the book my fears were voided as the author makes it crystal clear the importance if speaking out and that even if you feel alone you are not.

A truly wonderful book that I cannot recommend highly enough.

My favourite quote when discussing whether it's worth fighting the harassment Ella says "If its not worth it, that means we aren't worth it"

Many thanks to the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC through Netgalley for an honest review.

Thanks so much to Firefly Press for my ARC!

I’ve been so excited for this book for so long that when I finally had it in my hands I was hit with this Really Big Fear that I somehow wouldn’t love it as much as I loved it in my head. And then I read it and I loved it even more than I thought I might, and I realised these Big Fears and Constant Overthinking were part of the reason why. Because here is Hazel, who analyses and agonises over everything, who is a lesbian and knows this for certain at 12, who watches friendships from a distance and doesn’t know what that would look like for her, who isn’t sure how to show affection without it being misinterpreted, who tries so hard not to give anyone anything to misinterpret. Who accepts being treated like ‘one of the boys’ because she’s actually being treated like ‘one of the’ somethings. One of the anythings at all. Someone who feels othered enough to think she isn’t like other girls, and knows the ways in which she isn’t, but comes to realise just how much she is. I saw so much of myself in her that I had to put the book down a couple times, and I just wish I could tell younger me that this exists and we can read it and everyone else can soon too.

I spent a lot of this book angry. Angry for the kids that had to endure things and at adults who didn’t believe them and at the ones doing the hurting and the ones who enabled it. And I’m sad because I know how many people will relate to this. I know it made me confront some memories that weren’t the happiest. But this was truly so brilliant. And I’m so proud and so hopeful reading about people being this brave, even when I wish they didn’t have to be. I loved the humour and the friendships and the special teachers in amongst the bad. I felt the relief of being reassured that something isn’t your fault. And I loved the vengeance too, because I know I personally would have used even more cheesecakes (if you know, you know).

It all warmed my heart and filled it and I couldn’t have read it faster. It’s a middle grade read but my twenty-something self loved it (if you didn’t get that from the above) and so did my mom (when I recounted the entire plot over dinner without warning). I would recommend it to anyone.

I’m so grateful it exists.

I really enjoyed this book. Hazel is a great character- likeable, a bit different and stands up for herself and others.
Essentially this is a story about sexual harassment of girls by a predatory boy. It is very well done though as it is aimed at 12+ and as such the content and detail is appropriate to this age. It is thought provoking, particularly as some of the adults don’t handle things very well. Situations in the books are things that unfortunately many girls will have come across and the book is very clear that these are not okay. The ending was satisfying and I loved the little side story for Hazel that , even though you knew it was coming, just finished it off perfectly.

This story stands tall, proud and squarely against bullying and sexual harassment.
A rare, empowering read: Enboldening, supportive, eloquent, and gender inclusive.

It tackles supremely well a horrible issue that, for many school-age girls, and adults, has been tragically ignored or rejected. For some, it is even turned back on them as their own fault, leaving them scared and scarred.

Based on the author’s own experiences, this wonderful story evolves as 12-year-old Hazel takes on the challenge to stop Tyler, a classmate and online harasser. Facing not only their fears but also parents and teachers, Hazel, Ella and their friend, Riley, discover that the path to getting the truth not just out there, but believed, is a tortuous one.

Finally, and by no means least, a significant strength of this book is that it will foster discussion. And that will raise awareness and thus open the door to save others from the same hurt. Of course, we all need to be on the same page to do that!

Without a doubt, this book has a place in and should be discussed at every school. It works across the many levels of involvement from teacher to parent, friends and family.

A well-crafted, thought-provoking, empowering story, which should be shared with those that will benefit.
(Thanks to Net Galley for this Book.

This is a wonderful coming-of-age story, showing girls they should be supporting one another and cheerleading for each other. You will have all the feelings when you read this book and it will give you serious food for thought. This book deals with some serious themes, including sexual harassment, but they are dealt with in an age-appropriate way. I would recommend this book in every secondary school.

Hazel Hill is Gonna Win This One is a powerful novel which deals with a serious topic on an age appropriate level, it will definitely stick with me for a long time and I definitely recommend it to everyone, it is an important book, especially for younger teenagers or teenagers-to-be.

This book is SO IMPORTANT! It is aimed at younger readers, with the main character being 12 years old and in middle school, however the book deals with such an important topic and it does so in a aay that is easy for kids around 12 years of age to understand the importance of. Whilst it’s crazy to think that sexual harassment happens to 12 year olds in the book - which is what happens in different forms, online and physically, it does also happen in read life ans it is so important to address these issues. The main characters are all very strong and they fight for what is right, and even then the end is bittersweet, but that’s the reality we live in, not just these characters! I definitely think this book will stick with me for a long time, and it deals with this serious topic in an age appropriate way. to all the Ella Quinns, Hazel Hills, Rileys and Bella’s, don’t be afraid we are here for you, to all the Tylers: get help and think before you so.
I am giving Hazel Hill 5 stars as it is a book that has left an effect on me and I feel is important for people to read, as well as being well written.

This is an utterly gorgeous story about making friends when you've never really done it before, knowing your self worth, and what happens when people come together to fight the good fight. Well written and just overall a gorgeous story, the LGBT+ rep plays a big part in the joy of it all. Would highly recommend!

Hazel Hill is Gonna Win .. a 5 star review because this book is brilliant!

Hazel Hill is 12 years old and, with her two new found friends, she is going to make sure that Tyler is held accountable for his actions and treatment towards the girls in their school.

This book was brilliantly written and tackled the topic of sexual harassment in school age girls exceptionally well. It confronts head on how people can overlook and ignore people when they do come forward and it shows what can happen when girls support and believe each other.

The story is fast paced and full of thought provoking moments and emotional bits. The characters were all very evolved and vivid, I instantly adored Hazel and loved her journey to finding friends, her voice and justice for the girls. I also liked that although her sexuality is a part of the story it is never an “issue”, never the cause for her being treated badly or made a huge thing of which was great.

I know a younger me would have raved about this book and forced everyone to read it because I genuinely do believe everyone should read this book.

Huge thanks to Net Galley and Firefly Press for the review copy. I will also be sharing this review on Goodreads, Twitter and Amazon.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me an eARC of this book for an honest review.
I loved this book, it got everything right and I wholeheartedly recommend everyone to read it at least once.
The writing style is addictive and I liked how the author wrote about these difficult and possibly triggering themes with so much care and gentleness.
The characters are written with such depth that you truly get an idea about what everyone is like which is a feat in itself since I don't read many books with characters having such precise depths.
Hazel was of course my favorite but I also liked Ella Quinn a lot! And Riley as well! Hazel's parents were also very good and I definitely give them points for trying their best at every turn. The friendship between Hazel, Ella, and Riley really touched my heart provided how Hazel was at the start of the book and it made me happy to see her open up a bit more and find friends with whom she fits so well.
TWs for sexual harassment, bullying, and more.

Firstly I just wanted to say thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

TW: Sexual Harassment

Girls in Hazel’s school are being harassed, but they’re too scared to speak out about it. Hazel and her new friends- Ella and Riley- team up to try and fight for what is right in this relatable and empowering middle grade about friendship, finding your voice and standing up for what you believe in.

I’d definitely recommend this book, especially to younger readers. Even if you don’t read much middle grade, I would highly recommend picking this one up. It’s such an empowering read, that shows (younger readers especially) that harassment is never okay and no matter what, you are never alone. It features three 12 year old girls standing up to sexual harassment, even when nobody believes them (which, sadly, is the case for a lot of sexual harassment).

Not only does this book tackle the issues of sexual harassment, it also features a lesbian main character. This book isn’t about her inner struggles or her ‘coming out’ story, she’s very confident in her identity and I can see this being very comforting to younger queer readers like Hazel.

Hazel is such an amazing main character and I know that she will inspire so many young people who read this book.

5/5 ⭐️s

OKAY where do I start? This book made me feel so many emotions ranging from anger to humour to warmth! From the get-go I instantly felt a strong connection to Hazel- the way Horne portrays her in this novel makes it impossible not to fall in love.
The fact that Hazel, along with her parents, was confident in her sexuality was something so infrequently seen in novels, particularly middle grade novels, and it was refreshing. Despite her not being out to people in school, her internal acceptance of herself was so nice to see.
The next thing that struck me in this book were the themes (trigger warning for sexual harassment). The anger some characters in this book ignited in me only drew me closer to Hazel, Ella and Riley. These girls will be SUCH strong role models to younger readers of this book and I can’t express the happiness that brings me.

Overall, I enjoyed every page of this queer, humorous and feminist novel. Can’t recommend enough.

This book is centred on Hazel Hill and her two newly discovered friends Riley and Ella, upon discovering a boy that likes to spill his secrets to Hazel does more than just fancy some girls in their school, this group of three 12yo focus their energy on making Tyler accountable for his actions.

“Ella Quinn deserved to be believed when she told me she was afraid of someone who was sexually harassing her”

This is a fantastically written middle grade book, I would recommend to children from around age 11, boys and girls as there is education in this book, for boys on how not to behave and treat others, and for girls to realise that this is not just “fancying behaviour” or something “to brush under the carpet” these behaviours are sexual harassment and should be reported, with the perpetrator being challenged and held responsible for their actions.

In the beginning I wasn’t too sure where the plot of this book was going, however as each of the girls started opening up to each other it really gave me a feeling of empowerment, and the ending I really loved and appreciated, alongside the authors note, it was really lovely to see the author open up like that and encourage other young girls to stand up, my only peeve with this book was the constant use of Ella’s full name, I was actually getting irritated in the end for some unknow reason but constantly referring to her at Ella Quinn did something to tic me off.

Other than that this book is fantastically written, with great character development, a real page turner that keeps the reader engrossed, this book provides a great opportunity for young girls to talk about correct behaviours, I probably would of liked more about Tyler and his regret – if he had any – and his change in behaviour to realise just what he did was wrong, as it seems throughout the book that he has this entitled persona about him, so that would have been nice to see challenged and his behaviour change and develop as he realised his wrongdoings

Okay. First. I wish all the Tylers to go cheesecake themselves.

More seriously now.
I adores this book. It's the kind of books I would recommand to every teenage girls. To make them know that they're not alone. That if something like that is happening to them, that it's not okay, it's not funny and most of all, that it's not their fault.

Hazel is a lovely character. I liked her a lot. Kinda related to her insecurities towards people but hey, we're working on that :')

In short, it's a little novel, with a lesbian MC who's smashing patriarchy with her friends.

I'll definitely check out the author next novel !

Thanks to Netgalley and Firefly Press for their trust.

Didn't do it for me. Personally nota fan of books set in US education system and found myself losing interest

How I loved this book! Hazel's journey from quiet loner to outspoken fighter of the patriarchy was just lovely to follow. The book tackles the tricky topic of sexual harassment amongst pre-teens extremely well, and as a teacher of similar-aged kids the school scenes rang very true to me. I especially appreciated how Hazel isn't portrayed as some tragic, friendless figure - even before she starts to make connections, it's clear that she has a pretty happy life, although the making of friends undoubtedly enriches it greatly.

The perfect book for any middle grade readers in your life, it would especially suit ages 11-13. Or, indeed, any adult reader too.

Wow, what a fantastic, powerful book. A middle-grade novel about sexual harassment, featuring a lesbian main character, and some truly awful adults. Read this book if it’s the only thing you read this year.

(Review copy from NetGalley)

Hazel Hill has stolen my heart and is without a doubt one of the best middlegrade main characters I've ever read about. This book is short but strong, with a really great voice that manages to keep the tone of the book light while discussing the heavy theme of sexual harrassment. Although when the teacher said that yes, she's a feminist, but these are little girls and not women and they should act like it, I wanted to crawl through my Kindle screen and suckerpunch her.

There's really a lot to love about this book. It's a queer middlegrade where the main character already knows she's a lesbian before the story starts, which I haven't come across a lot. Her sexuality isn't the central focus of the book and takes more of a backseat, although of course it is an important theme. I also absolutely loved Hazel's budding friendship with Ella and Riley, which was so wholesome.

I didn't know what to expect from reading this book but I am so incredibly glad that I have read it. Huge thank you to NetGalley and Firefly Press for the early read. Hazel Hill is a brilliantly conceived character and this is a book that needed to be written. Based on the author's own experience of harrassment in sixth grade, Hazel Hill is Gonna Win This One is an empowering read. It is so much more than about having the confidence to have your voice heard, more than making a stance about injustice, more than a book about friendship, more than a book about harassment or bullying, more about awakening, about finding yourself, about being the truest version of you you can be and knowing that it's ok. The author says that she hopes that the reader doesn't relate to the book - she hopes that you'll read it and enjoy it and walk away from it without it reminding you of anything that's ever happened in your life. However statiscally that won't be the case. Sadly when a quiet voice speaks out, they are often not heard or believed; Hazel Hill is Gonna Win this one shows that if we do speak up then maybe, just maybe the quiet voice might just be heard. This is a read that will start conversations and discussions and is a must have classroom text.
 Without doubt a cheesecake brilliant 5 star read.

I loved this book! It dealt with hard issues in a way that I think kids will not only understand but also relate to - it's important to teach kids about the things that happen to the girls in this book and I think this book does a great job. I loved Hazel, she felt very relatable