I absolutely loved this book. I wish this had been written when we all read the Outsiders as an alternative point of view for what girls of this time period went through..

This is a tragic story of love and friendship. In a time when couldn't love people from the wrong side of the tracks or be friends with people outside of your class. These girls seemed to have put class aside and embraced a wounded girl in their circle. They show even tough girls can love deeply and show kindness.

The historical accuracy was much enjoyable. The details of things that were truly in Houston at the time, made the book so authentic. Time periods books that give us just enough interest to actually do some research are my kind of books. I love when you can learn from a book.

I will definitely recommend this book to my students.

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Bad Girls Never Say Die is a genderbent retelling of The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and I am here for it! Evie is a bad girl, her friends are bad girls and the last thing those girls would ever do is be caught hanging around a tea-sipper good girl. Until one night when Evie is saved by one of the good girls and their whole lives get thrown upside down. With big secrets and new friendships forming on every page, Bad Girls Never Say Die will have your heart pounding and your eyes full until it's done.

I adored this book. I loved the storyline, I love how everything played out. The ending shook me but I feel like it fit and the book wouldn't have been the same without it. The writing is emotionally charged and powerful. Jennifer Mathieu has this way of sparking emotion that just gets me fired up. I wanna start a riot! I wanna start a revolution!

Bad Girls Never Say Die is a story of friendship and sisterhood. It's the story of five girls who stuck by each other no matter how ugly things got. And it's a story about love and family and how sometimes the strongest love you have is from the family you create.

This is a gender flipped reimagining of S.E. Hinton’s classic The Outsiders. Set in Houston in the mid 1960s, we have a group of “bad girls” instead of the “greasers”. The girls are from the poor side of town. They’re not particularly interested in school. They’re tough, loud, and trying to rebel against society’s expectations of what a proper young woman should be. The “socs” in this novel are called the “tea sippers”. They are the rich kids who seem to have everything handed to them on a plate. The girls wear fashionable twin sets, discreet makeup and are raised to be demure young ladies.

One night at the drive-in, Evie, the youngest of her bad girl clique, gets caught in a dangerous situation only to be saved by tea sipper Diane. An unlikely friendship is forged when the grateful Evie learns that Diane now lives on the wrong side of the tracks. Evie introduces Diane to her group and she is grudging accepted by Connie, the leader of the pack.

Evie and Diane become close friends and Diane reveals she was thrown out of her house after her parents discovered her romance with bad boy Johnny, Connie’s brother. I don’t want to give away all the major plot points, so I’ll say the girls accept Diane for who she is and choose to help and support her. They all realize they have more in common than they realized, that girls should support and lift each other up, and that toughness and courage can be disguised by a smart sweater set. Evie learns she deserves the space and the time to figure out who she is and what she wants instead of society and grownups telling what she should be.

Author Jennifer Mathieu excels at stories about girls taking on the patriarchy. Her novel Moxie is one of my favorites. This novel covers a lot of heavy territory including racism, abuse, poverty, misogyny, and how there was a time when girls had no voice or choices.

I loved Evie and her girl gang. Teen readers will connect with these fierce girls who are tired of being looked down upon for being different and wanting more out of life.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Roaring Brook Press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Bad Girls Never Say Die is a twist on S.E. Hinton’s classic The Outsiders. Set in 1964 Huston, Evie and her friends are from the wrong side of the tracks and they don’t associate with the rich kids from the neighboring town…until one fateful evening at the drive in movies when rich kid Diane saves Evie’s life.

I was excited to read this novel based on the description and went into it thinking it was a mystery/thriller. It’s more of a historical fiction that looks at the social aspects of the time period. I enjoyed the themes of female friendship, family, and reading from Evie’s perspective.

Overall, this was a three star book for me. I wanted more character development and I did think the plot was a bit slow and repetitive at times. I would recommend this book to younger readers/teens.

As a fan of The Outsiders, both the book and the movie, Mathieu created a beautifully written gender swap of the original. It highlights how much has changed and just how much has stayed the same in society and its view of women. Mathieu hasn’t just written a book as a retelling of a classic, she has written a book that urges you to hear the stories of what it was (is? Can be?) like to be a woman in the 1960s living in the south.

Our five friends are strong, powerful and yet powerless women. Our “bad” girls, the rebels, the girls that redefine what it means to be a girl. Evie, our main character, is the youngest of the girls in the group who show us what isolation can do to a person. Each character is very distinct in the way they speak, act, and react to our plot. They were easy to follow and fun to watch interact.

This book sold me from the very first line. If you are a fan of The Outsiders, or not, if you are a fan of girls taking back their power, learning to live the way they want to live, a fan of stories with strong female protagonists, this is the story for you.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. *

Moxie is and still remains as one of my Top 10 recommendations to friends/family so I was excited to read the synopsis for Ms. Mathieu's newest book that seems to fall back into the women overcoming biases in school, work, community, etc and forming their own views of their roles in the world. Many reviewers including myself will comment on the strong similarities to S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders plot - good side/bad side of the tracks, gangs, murder, teenager angst and so forth and I applaud Ms. Mathieu's writing of this feminist bad girl story set in the mid 60s using the themes we remember so well in Hinton's book.
As I read this book I found myself more interested in this 1960s timeframe on how society's view on women and their social standing and particularly of how assault was viewed in everyone's mind - the rich, the poor, friends and family and less on all of the actions that led to sheltering in place until things died down.
I finished this book in early May long before all of the news in the headlines today and I feel there could be more historical stories told down the road of this time in history as it is relevant to what is happening today, Thank you to MacMillan/Roaring Book Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan for the advance Kindle copy of this book. It is out TODAY. All opinions are my own.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Set in 1964, Evie and her friends are considered “bad girls”. They skip class, smoke, drink, and don’t seem to care what anyone thinks. When Evie is saved from an assault one night by what they call a “tea supper”, a girl from the other side of the tracks, she befriends her to cover up the murder. It is then that the newest member of their group shows them what it means to have true friendship. Recommended for grades 9+.

I wanted to like this but overall felt that the plot lacked structure and guidance. I was not connected to the story or the characters.

Ever had friends you would die for? Kill for?

Evie and her friends are bad girls. The go to the wrong school, live on the wrong side of town, and they don't play by the rules. Too loud, too much. Too fierce, too loyal. They won't stay hidden.

Sometimes a few days can bring more experiences and more emotions than most people encounter in a lifetime. For Diane, meeting Diane is one of those events.

Some readers will meet Evie, Connie, Sunny, Juanita, and Diane and think of THE OUTSIDERS. STAND BY ME might also come to mind. Fierce female friendships are at the heart of this amazing book by Jennifer Mathieu, author of MOXIE. Texas girls are larger than life, and this group of Houston teens is no exception.

Once I really got started, I couldn't put down the book. It's a quick read, perfect to hand to students who might have a "reputation".

This book is a gender-reversed retelling of the classic book <em>The Outsiders</em>, the coming-of-age novel by S.E. Hinton. Amazingly, Hinton was 15 when she started writing the novel, and only 18 when it was published. The book portrayed the conflict between two rival gangs divided by their socioeconomic status, and was told in first-person perspective by one of the “bad boys.”

The story in <em>The Outsiders</em> took place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1965; this one is set in Houston, Texas in 1964. Fifteen-year-old Evie Barnes is the “bad girl” who is the narrator and who finds herself in the divide between the two worlds of the smug, self-entitled rich kids and the “trash” (as the rich kids call them) like herself and her friends.

One of those rich kids, Diane, saves Evie from sexual assault, but with fatal consequences. It is then up to Evie and her friends to protect Diane.

Evaluation: The writing felt a little too much like the author was trying too hard to hew to the lines of the original story, making it seem more like a “set piece” than an original novel. In addition, the characters seemed too much like stereotypes.

While this book gave me the feel of a feminist leaning version of the "Outsiders", I didn't connect with the characters as much as I had hoped when receiving this book. The book touches on a crazy amount of issues within the era considering the oppression and devaluing of women based on gender hierarchy and old fashioned values, I wanted to root for this girl gang, and they were fun, but there was nothing that sealed the deal for me. An enjoyable read, but not one I would pick up again.

A fairly straightforward, gender-bent retelling of the classic novel THE OUTSIDERS. As someone who has never read THE OUTSIDERS, the structural set up of the story beats was brand new to me. I think I enjoyed the story more because of this unfamiliarity with the source material. After finishing the story, I read a synopsis for THE OUTSIDERS and could understand how the two related. I did not feel like I needed to read THE OUTSIDERS to understand or enjoy BAD GIRLS NEVER SAY DIE.

Evie, the central character, is a wonderful narrator. One of the best parts of the book is how well the author stays within Evie's voice and character. Several of the lines hit harder because of how well this character voice is established. It especially fits with the time period of the book (1964, Houston, TX).

The feminist themes of the book fit well with the narrative, though things wrap up at the end in a way that is more hurried and clean than I would have liked. Overall, an enjoyable read, and one that I would recommend instead of or adjacent to THE OUTSIDERS (which I now plan to bump up on my TBR!)

"Maybe because running wild is a way to forget what put our hearts through so much pain in the first place."

Cover Story: Tuff Stuff
BFF Charm: Make It Rain
Swoonworthy Scale: 3
Talky Talk: S. E. Hinton, Savvy?
Bonus Factors: 1960s Houston, Ms. Norbury Award for Rad Teachers
Relationship Status: Stay Gold

Content Warning: This book features a scene of attempted rape. 

Cover Story: Tuff Stuff

Normally I'm not a fan of Big Face on covers, but this girl can GET IT. From her cat eye sunglasses to her ice cold expression, she's the epitome of cool, and while you could assume this is Evie, the protagonist of the book, I'm betting this gal represents an ideal, i.e. who Evie wishes she could be.

The Deal:

It's 1964 in Houston, TX, and Evie Barnes is slowly suffocating under the pressure of her future. Though she's only a sophomore, it's clear that she's expected to get married soon after graduation, just like her older sister, Cheryl. But Evie wants something more, something bigger, out of her life, and so she finds herself drawn to girls who really live: Connie, Sunny, and Juanita, a.k.a. "trouble" if you ask Evie's mom and grandmother. These gals drink and smoke and don't take shit from anyone, and even after Evie is accepted among them, she's still in awe. 

But her status as the sheltered baby of the group is torn away one fateful night by an attempted rape, which is stopped by the unlikeliest of allies: a rich girl from the right side of the tracks named Diane. In the aftermath, Evie and Diane begin to see that in spite of their differences, they're trapped by the same societal restrictions, and the only way to break free is to be, not "good" or "bad," but simply themselves.

BFF Charm: Make It Rain

She may not be as tough as the other girls, but Evie is a badass in her own way, because she dares to dream. Even though she's afraid of disappointing her family, she's brave enough to believe that her life can be her own, and I really enjoyed cheering her on while also wishing I had a time machine so I could get her the hell out of the misogynistic '60s. In fact, I'd take the whole gang, because they are fierce and amazing and okay let's be honest this might be the only way they would accept me since I'm not nearly cool enough to roll with them. Connie, the leader, is a total boss babe who has survived a terrible home life, and Juanita is an incredibly supportive friend and a proud Mexican American in spite of the rampant racism in Houston. Then there's Diane, who took me a bit to warm up to because she's kind of... a lot? But I soon discovered, along with Evie, that Diane is actually the strongest one in the bunch. 

So, yeah, could we get, like, matching jackets or something, y'all?

Swoonworthy Scale: 3

Connie's brother Johnny is a total MLD, a greaser with soulful eyes and a rap sheet. And while he's the star of a tragic romance, Evie isn't his Juliet. I'll refrain from saying more because spoilers, but this aspect of the story felt a tad melodramatic to me. Then again, what is teenage love but ALL-CONSUMING DRAMA?

Talky Talk: S. E. Hinton, Savvy?

More on this below, but Bad Girls Never Say Die is a reimagining of The Outsiders, and Jennifer Mathieu utilizes the same time period, which comes with much of the same culture and slang. She also channels some of S.E. Hinton's style, a choice I was slightly disappointed by after loving the voice of Moxie. Of course, Evie needs to feel like she belongs in 1964, and Mathieu certainly accomplishes that, but I missed the wit and dynamic personality of her previous novel. Fortunately there is still an abundance of feminism, with stirring lines like this: 

"No, it seems like if you want to really love and feel and breathe in this city, you're labeled as trash. Or bad. Especially if you're a girl."

Mathieu also deftly explores Evie's feelings of shame as the victim of sexual assault and the fallacy, still lingering today but especially rampant back then, that she might have been "asking for it." And on that note alone, schools miiiiight want to consider swapping out The Outsiders for this book—I mean, no offense to S. E., but the times, they are a-changin'!

Bonus Factor: 1960s Houston

When it comes to the "historical" side of this historical fiction, it's clear that Jennifer Mathieu did her research, and the result is a colorful portrait of Houston in the midst of social change. I lived in Houston for eleven years, so I adored reading about old haunts like Winkler's Drive-In; iconic businesses like Foley's; and neighborhoods that have endured like ritzy River Oaks. But even if you don't share my love of H-town, I suspect you'll still feel submerged in the time period, made tumultuous by recent integration and raucous by rock 'n' roll. 

Bonus Factor: Ms. Norbury Award for Rad Teachers

Evie has an "honestly swell" English teacher named Miss Odeen, who introduces her class to revolutionary figures like Jerrie Mock, the first woman to fly around the world, and Fannie Lou Harmer, a Black civil rights activist. By exposing Evie to these role models, Miss Odeen is blowing her future wide open with possibility, and it's a wonderful reminder of how inspiring (and vital!) teachers can be.  

Relationship Status: Stay Gold

Book, I think you're pretty cool—I mean, tuff—and I totally dig your girl power, not to mention your historical vibes. Even though you weren't exactly what I was expecting, I'm glad we met, and if those Socs come around, don't worry, I got your back.

This is a story about friendship.  Evie Barnes is a high school student in Houston in 1964.  She and her friends are known as the "bad girls," from the wrong side of town and too loud and too eager to break the rules that the "good girls" of the day are supposed to follow.  When Evie is saved from a dangerous situation by a new girl at her school who comes from "right" side of the tracks and, by all outward experiences, seems like a "good girl," Evie and then her group of friends are forced to reconsider their assumptions about friendship, who deserves loyalty, and judging people by their outward appearances as they navigate tragedies that teenagers should never need to confront.

This was an impactful book.  It explores difficult issues in a historical period when American society seemed to be at a crossroads but in the setting of the book — Houston of 1964 — was still largely mired in the past. The evolution of the relationship between Evie and Diane, at the heart of the novel, felt earned and authentic.  The author deftly explores how assumptions shape relationships, both for teenagers and adults -- even for those who often feel they are unfairly treated because of what others assume about them.  Indeed, all the key relationships -- between Evie and her existing crowd of friends, between Evie and the members of her family, between Evie and one influential teacher, and between Diane and the central players in her life -- are all well done and multi-dimensional.

Highly recommended!

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. “Bad Girls Never Die” is an enjoyable genderswapped riff off of SE Hinton’s classic “The Outsiders”. Evie is a bad girl, a member of a girl gang that drinks, smokes, and is from the bad side of the tracks. A chance encounter with a privileged young woman catapults Evie into helping cover up a crime - and to decide just what kind of woman she wants to be.

This book was action-packed, fun, and easy to read. I’ll be honest, I read The Outsiders way too long ago to remember it, but from my vague recollection “Bad Girls Never Die” hits a lot of the same notes. I particularly enjoyed Evie’s developing friendship with Diane as the pair work together to cover up a murder. Unfortunately, their friendship came at the expense of really rounding out the other girls in the gang - they were vaguely sketched (the tough one, the nice one, the dumb one with the boyfriend) and they never really got much to do. The characterizations were shallow at best; I’m not sure if “Bad Girls” needed a little more time to develop or fewer subplots (Evie’s family, Evie’s sister, etc).

Nevertheless, this was a fun book and essential for the #Metoo era.

In a gender-swapped retelling of The Outsiders in 1964 Texas, Evie and her friends get involved with a girl from the nice side of town.

I love anything The Outsiders so I’ve been highly anticipating reading this one for a long time. Before I start, let me say that no one will ever replace Dallas Winston for me.. but Connie Treadway is pretty darn tuff and cool. I really loved reading this one. While it’s a retelling, don’t expect to know how it will unfold; there are differences. Bad Girls Never is about female friendships against societal expectations and it’s just really good; entertaining, sentimental, and meaningful. Give it a read.. The Outsiders fan or not.

“Maybe we do get sent away. But you know what else is true about us? Bad girls never give in. And bad girls never say die.”

Bad Girls Never Say Die comes out 10/19.

This is a powerful story. Set in Texas in the mid-1960s, it explores the nature of friendship, family, and class through the story of Evie Barnes and her group of friends. When Evie is saved from a tragic encounter by an unlikely source, she must reconsider her long-held beliefs about the people in her town, all while seeking to save herself, her friends, and all of their families from a troubling fate.

This book is both a strong and thoughtful portrayal of female friendship and an interesting exploration of what life was like in one city just as the country is on the precipice of significant change.

Highly recommended!

here’s the key point to this one: it is NOT a thriller. I went into this thinking I was getting a historical fiction thriller story, and it was most definitely heavy on the history side.

that being said, if you go into it with the right mindset, you will thoroughly enjoy this book!! the vibe was definitely the outsiders meets west side story, and the feminism messages behind the story was SUPERB.

however, I found myself skipping chapters quite frequently because it was meaningless dialogue - evie apologizing to her mom and grandmother for the 8th time, evie and diane having a heart to heart about the same situation, diane and connie crying about johnny, just to name a few.

and this book was THICC like 500+ pages thicc. I haven’t read something this long since the red queen series wow. I felt like it definitely could have been trimmed down and still had the same effect on readers.

was the struggle through the book worth it in the end? I’m still debating on that. I’d consider myself in neutral territory on this one.

wine pairing: austria grüner veltliner
rating: 2 stars

This was a really good YA historical fiction book! Evie is a bad girl. Think of Rizzo and her gang from Grease. That's who I imagined Evie and her friends to be, with Connie as their ringleader. These "bad girls" cut class, smoke cigarettes, sneak out, and wear heavy eyeliner.

They don't jive with the "tea-sippers" from the other side of town, the goody-goody, wealthy girls. The girls from River Oaks High.

These groups couldn't be more different. Until a violent event brings them together in a way they could never imagine.

This was a feel-good book that teaches that young women need to build each other up, rather than tear each other down. It also touches on family expectations, victim-blaming, and standing up for what is right.

The premise of this book is The Outsiders reimagined with female leads and takes place in the 1960s in Texas. Evie who is 15 is from the “wrong side of the tracks” and since her older sister has moved away she’s been acting out, hanging with the “bad” girls at school and skipping class.
She then meets Diane from the rich side of town who changes her perspectives and her life.

I enjoyed this book though knowing the heartache of the original Outsiders lingered as I read this. I enjoyed the girls growing friendship, their relationship with their English teacher and the bonds between the other girls in the book. As someone with my own ride or die groups of women it was nice to see girls supporting girls vs tearing each other down. Seeing how girls had to behave in the 60s and the incredible double standards was hard to read about and it’s incredible this wasn’t so far in the past. Overall a good read that would be a good discussion for a book group.