This companion novel from Patti Kim's previous middle grade book, "I'm Ok" features Mickey, the loud, boisterous, often uncouth, attention seeking girl who befriended Ok Lee in the previously mentioned title. Mickey's dad has left the family for good, her mom's toll-booth job is being phased out, and Mickey' new friend, Sun Joo, has been swept into popular Sydney's crowd. For all Mickey's faults, readers cannot help but see her large heart, indomitable spirit and and strength to keep her head held high.

Mickey's story not only addresses poverty, but also addresses cultural assimilation through Sun Joo's attempts to fit into the American school. Probably my favorite part of the whole book was the end when Sun Too finally confronted Mickey about being treated like a pet instead of an intelligent young woman. Mickey's strength in character is inspiring as the tween/teen years often invite feelings of self-doubt. Mickey is unabashedly herself, and even at my age, I wish I could be more like her.

Mickey's dialect was jarring at first (think Junie B. Jones but with a tween character) even though it fit her character. For elementary librarians who are considering this purchase, there was also bit of language, and a descriptive chapter portion of Mickey getting her first period at school.

Mickey desperately wants to fit in a 7th grade group, yet does not. Her best friend moved away, but she befriends Sun Joo, a newcomer from Korea. She guides Sun Joo to the ways of an American middle school, while helping her with her English. As a result, Mickey begins to do better in school. Soon the popular girls, pull Sun Joo into their group, leaving Mickey out. However, Mickey shows resilience by not worrying about what others think of her when she runs for class president and helps with the upcoming school dance. Because of Mickey's quick thinking, the dance is saved, her mother obtains a new job, and she has an idea to begin an after school program.

The flavor of this book is reminiscent of Bernice Buttman: Model Citizen, in that Mickey is a strong character who finds her way without having to go along with the popular group, while making important changes to her self, family, and peer group. A delightful story of friendship, perseverance, and self-awareness.

It’s Girls Like You Mickey was a sweet coming of age story about Michaela McDonald who is trying to forage her own way through middle school while trying to be true to herself. She does have somewhat of a challenging homelife and routinely has to care for her younger brother Benny. When a new student Sun Joo Moon arrives at Landover Hills Middle School, it is fate that she is assigned as Mickey’s science lab partner and they become friends. Their friendship is tested with the typical middle school social catastrophes that happen, but it ends up being a feel good story with a sweet ending. While the story takes place in middle school, it might be more relatable to kids in 5th and 6th grades. Unfortunately, this book is a little immature and lacks the dark sarcasm that my 14 year old daughter appreciates. I love that this book is placed in a timeframe when there is no social media or cell phones. I did have a hard time getting into the beginning of the book, but the story started to build on itself and became cute and enjoyable. Looking forward to more young reader books from Patti Kim.

I was a couple of chapters into this book before I began to realize that it was a sequel. There are moments of recaps, quick overviews of the events of the previous book, but for the most part the events of this novel stand on their own. Mickey is a fantastic protagonist. She's self-assured and outspoken. She wants to be liked, to have friends, but she won't change to make that happen. She's mostly cheerful, a positive person. But that doesn't mean that she doesn't get overwhelmed by life at times. She makes mistakes and snaps at the people in her life. She lets disappointments drag her down. She's nosy and bossy and talks too much. And I like that Sun Joo calls her out. In spite of being a more reserved person, she pushes back when Mickey goes too far. We get this message that even when we mean well, it's more important to listen than to push for "what's best". Some of the book is a bit underdeveloped, a bit reliant upon random happenstance. Even so, it's charming and entertaining.

I did not read the book in the series before this book, but I enjoyed it just the same. Mickey is a great character whose problems are relatable for middle schoolers.

Apparently part of a series or, at minimum, some sort of companion book to another title, It's Girls Like You, Mickey explores the life of a brave and Teflon-coated Mickey McDonald. I feel like this book would have made more sense and been somehow less sad if I had read the other book I assume this is connected to. Mickey is fierce and triumphant, but in a way that, without context, seems sad and sometimes desperate

This book had me bursting with laughter, but it also has moments that were truly moving and emotional. Patti Kim has the remarkable ability to cover intense topics like poverty, body image, absent fathers, bullying, and middle school without sounding pedantic or pulling punches. Mickey is an irrepressible joy, she's not perfect, but she brings such a beautiful perspective and complexity to this story. Recommended!

It's Girls Like You Mickey by Patti Kim is a book I 100% picked based on the title. I mean, y'all, how could you not dig it? I love a good repurposed song lyric! Beyond that, this is just a good honest story about how middle school can suck sometimes. I love a middle grade novel that talks about the real feels that kids have, and this definitely does that! The story focuses on Mickey who is dreading middle school because her best friend has moved away. She's also struggling because her home life just isn't that great. There is a ray of light when a new girl shows up, and Mickey forms a promising friendship. However, then a friend break-up happens due to a popular mean girl, and that's some tough stuff. Y'all, remember how hard these were as teenagers?!? This really captures that experience so well through Mickey's eyes. Mickey has a great resilience throughout, and I loved her as a character throughout because of her realness. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this planned June 2020 release!