Yes No Maybe So

Author: Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s UK
Details: 448 pages; £5.75
ISBN: 978-1419737046

The bestselling authors, Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed co-wrote this young adult (YA) novel after their own experiences of campaigning for a US House seat following Donald Trump’s election victory back in 2016. 

The experience of knocking on doors and canvassing for votes inspired the writers to pen this fictional story. 

Yes No Maybe So follows the dual narrative of two teenagers, Jamie and Maya, who are persuaded into local canvassing by their parents. Although Jamie identifies as Jewish and Maya follows the Islamic faith, along the way, they learn about each other’s respective religions. As campaigning for the election reaches fever pitch, the door-knocking duo are exposed to and subsequently campaign against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in the local community.

Running parallel to the campaign, Maya is dealing with the recent separation of her parents and her long-term best friend growing more distant by the day. Throughout the book, we are rooting for Jamie and Maya, and although, there is an obvious attraction between them, they are both whole-heartedly committed to their campaigning.

This is an impressive and collaborative YA novel focusing on youth local activism with the backdrop of Trump’s election and the role of social media on political campaigning. 

Liz Dickinson is a higher level teaching assistant at Rawlins Academy, Leicestershire.

Pupil reviews

‘When I finished the book, I realised that not much had happened’ 

Yes No Maybe So is a romance novel, with elements of politics and religion in it. It tells the story of two teenagers, Maya Rehman and Jamie Goldberg, who meet at a local state senate candidate campaign. They start to canvass around neighbourhoods, which Jamie dreads and Maya, who is having the worst Ramadan of her life, is unimpressed with. However, they both realise how important the campaign is, and realise it might not be as bad as they thought it would be. The book also ventures into other aspects of their personal lives such as divorce, anxiety, and racism.

I didn’t like the book as I found it didn’t grip me and make me want to carry on reading. I found that when I finished it, I realised that not much had happened in the storyline and plot. I thought that the end was predictable but the characters had likeable personalities.

Lauren, age 13 

‘The book showed great potential’ 

Yes No Maybe So is a book involving a love story between two young local activists, passionate about politics. They meet at their local senate campaign, however, it’s certainly not love at first sight. Neither of the pair enjoyed their trips around the neighbourhood together but both understand the importance of their journeys. Eventually, the two realise it’s not as bad as first thought. The book also dips into real-life issues such as divorce, mental health, and racism.

Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy the book as it didn’t appeal to my interests and didn’t draw me in. The plot moved slowly and didn’t have enough interesting plot or character development to encourage me to continue reading. Personally, I was not entertained by this story, however, the writers’ talent was evident and the book showed great potential in places.

Leah, age 14 

‘It is a lovely book to sit down and read’

I don’t personally enjoy books that are fictional, so I found it hard to grasp the storyline and really get into it.

I read at least half the book but then seemed to lose slight interest. I felt as though there wasn’t enough action and thrill. There were moments I felt needed more realism and excitement. I honestly think this book will go places, but I would love to see more energy. Also, I would consider changing the intended age demographics of the readers? Maybe 18+ as they may have more of an understanding around the idea of politics.

The story follows young Jamie Goldberg and Maya Rehman who come to volunteer for the local state senate candidate in different ways. Jamie is forced into political canvassing and we see Maya wanting to escape her home issues. They used to be childhood friends and they seemed to drift apart but soon unite again when campaigning. I do love the differences in the characters as you feel like you can connect with them easily. 

Overall, I think the book does have many positives, but I would love to see more drama and fun. However, I do think it is a lovely book to just sit down and read.

Taylor, age 14  

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