Not Here To Be Liked
*A NYTimes New and Upcoming YA Book to Watch For
*An NPR Best Book of the Year
*A Parents Magazine Best Book of the Year
*A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
*An American Library Association “Rise: A Feminist Book Project” Best Book of the Year
*A CCBC Choice Book of the Year
*A Bank Street Children’s Best Book of the Year
*Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize
*A Junior Library Guild Selection
Emergency Contact meets Moxie in this cheeky and searing novel that unpacks just how complicated new love can get…when you fall for your enemy.
Eliza Quan is the perfect candidate for editor in chief of her school paper. That is, until ex-jock Len DiMartile decides on a whim to run against her. Suddenly her vast qualifications mean squat because inexperienced Len—who is tall, handsome, and male—just seems more like a leader.
When Eliza’s frustration spills out in a viral essay, she finds herself inspiring a feminist movement she never meant to start, caught between those who believe she’s a gender equality champion and others who think she’s simply crying misogyny.
Amid this growing tension, the school asks Eliza and Len to work side by side to demonstrate civility. But as they get to know one another, Eliza feels increasingly trapped by a horrifying realization—she just might be falling for the face of the patriarchy himself.
Available in the US and Canada (HarperCollins / Katherine Tegen) as a hardcover, audiobook, and ebook.
Available in the UK (Usborne) as a paperback—including an exclusive Waterstones edition!
Translated editions are available from Wydawnictwo Literackie (Polish), Ullstein (German), Oceano (Spanish), Intrinseca (Portuguese/Brazil), and Gallimard (French). A translation from Eksmo (Russian) is forthcoming.
PRESS & RECOGNITION
REVIEWS
“A fresh take on high school and activism.”
—Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
“Not Here to Be Liked is a truly excellent book.”
—NPR Books (Review)
"This mettle-bearing romcom is ideal for any teenager interested in not just feminist philosophy but also what it means to carry that philosophy into the real world.
—Booklist (Review)
“A great feminist read.”
—San Francisco Book Review (Review)
“Deeply insightful and completely entertaining from start to finish—just like its heroine. Eliza Quan is my new favorite feminist.”
—Misa Sugiura, author of This Time Will Be Different
"A fresh voiced debut, perfect for anyone who has ever felt unlikable. Not Here To Be Liked is a sharply intelligent read with a touch of painful reality that will leave a mark on your heart."
—Stephanie Garber, New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series
“Quach’s sparkling debut is a fantastic examination of feminism, full of insight and heart. A must read for those who love coming of age stories with a touch of romance.”
—Roselle Lim, author of Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune
“A smart romance with heart and guts and all the intoxicating feelings in between.”
—Maureen Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of 13 Little Blue Envelopes
"Not Here to Be Liked is a fierce coming of age story that had me cheering! Michelle Quach deftly explores intersectional feminism, first love, and complicated family relationships with honesty and heart."
—Elise Bryant, author of Happily Ever Afters
“Equal parts funny and thought-provoking, Not Here to Be Liked deftly explores the joys and complexities of feminism, family, and first romance. Eliza isn’t here to be liked, but you’ll fall in love with her—and Michelle Quach’s bright new voice—all the same."
—Katie Henry, author of Heretics Anonymous
”Feisty, funny and fierce. Not Here To Be Liked is packed with honesty and heart.”
—Beth Garrod, author of Super Awkward
“I absolutely LOVED this book – it was such a treat! I loved how It really showed that sometimes being a good feminist and even a good person just isn’t so straightforward. What a brilliant book!”
—Kate Weston, author of Diary of a Confused Feminist
INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS
