Eliza’s best friend is Black, and, in a school setting that is predominately Asian, activism at the intersection of race and gender is also addressed. The narrative tackles the complications of standing up for yourself without harming others while also exploring other dynamics, including life in a refugee family-Eliza’s parents are Chinese Vietnamese-and varying attitudes toward feminism as her mother’s pragmatism is contrasted with Eliza’s push for systemic change. In the process Eliza learns that there are no simple answers when fighting for what’s right-and that even Len may not be as bad as she believed. Eliza is angry-why should likability come before dedication and well-informed goals? Determined to contest the election results, Eliza starts a feminist movement in her high school, forming unlikely partnerships in a quest for justice. Her plans are stymied, however, by Len DiMartile, a biracial (White/Japanese) ex–baseball player who apparently joined the Bugle’s staff on a whim following an injury and who easily wins the election for editor-in-chief. An upset in the struggle for succession at a high school newspaper sends shock waves far beyond the newsroom.Įliza Quan has spent her high school career in Southern California preparing to assume leadership of the Willoughby Bugle she’s the most qualified, and she’s sure she’s the best for the job.
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