What Kind of Girl

"Both timely and timeless, a powerful exploration of abuse in its many forms, as well as the strength it takes to rise up and speak your truth."--AMBER SMITH, New York Times bestselling author of The Way I Used to Be

From New York Times bestselling author Alyssa Sheinmel comes an unflinching exploration of the labels society puts on girls and women--and the strength it takes to rise above it all to claim your worth and declare your truth.

The girls at North Bay Academy are taking sides.

It all started when Mike Parker's girlfriend showed up with a bruise on her face. Or, more specifically, when she walked into the principal's office and said Mike hit her. But her classmates have questions. Why did she go to the principal and not the police? Why did she stay with Mike if he was hurting her? Obviously, if it's true, Mike should face the consequences. But is it true?

Some girls want to rally for his expulsion--and some want to rally around Mike. Rumors about what really happened spread. The only thing that the entire student body can agree on? Someone is lying. And the truth has to come out.

This book is a great choice to start conversations about:

  • dating violence
  • contemporary social problems
  • young adult mental health

Praise for What Kind of Girl:

"A poignant, thought-provoking novel that will resonate deeply."--Kirkus

"A rallying cry."--Booklist

"I immediately saw myself in this book, which so thoroughly explains the thought process when coming to terms with victimhood and survivorship. I felt understood."--Chessy Prout, author of I Have the Right To

"Important, raw, timely, and ultimately hopeful...demands readers discuss the trauma of teen dating violence and how girls are so often taught--even expected--to internalize their victimization."--Shannon M. Parker, author of The Girl Who Fell and The Rattled Bones

Also by Alyssa Sheinmel:

A Danger to Herself and Others

The Castle School (for Troubled Girls)

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Published Jan 1, 2021

384 pages

Average rating: 10

1 RATING

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Community Reviews

Cyn's Workshop
Aug 20, 2025
10/10 stars
Review of ‘What Kind of Girl’
Originally reviewed on Cyn's Workshop

What an outstanding novel. Alyssa Sheinmel has brought readers an unflinching look at two girls in high school whom both suffer at the hands of some abuse. Maya suffers from physical abuse from her boyfriend, the school golden boy and track star, leading her also to develop an eating disorder while her friend suffers from mental abuse causing her to fall into the world of self-harm. Both girls are trying to present themselves to the world the way society expects them to behave and function, except that is not them at all.

Sheinmel highlights the importance of not being put into a bubble, of not being put under a label, and how labels, they are only one facet of a human being. In this novel, her carefully structured chapters and language to analyze the situation through various POVs. It can be a challenge to construct the story in this way by not naming the protagonist and presenting the story in a way that keeps the reader interested as they follow an unknown narrator. However, Sheinmel executes this way of storytelling with ease. She gives nothing away until just the right moment, and the revelation, it is mind-blowing because the bubbles, the fact that Sheinmel uses labels to influence the reader’s perception catches the reader off guard, while also making sure that the story remains thought-provoking.

It is so essential that she uses labels because it is such a relevant way to tell the story. When one labels another individual and puts them in this bubble, it influences everything from perception to behavior, and there is real harm in it, putting people in bubbles. However, her usage of labels highlights the sort of abuse it can incur as well; how living up to a label is as harmful to the psyche physical abuse.

What Kind of Girl is an immensely powerful and relevant story about two girls navigate the trials of finding their self-worth. It is a well-rounded and grounded story that focuses on the characters, on their different facets that define a human being. People have many faces and the way this novel touches upon that makes this an incredible read, especially given how these girls are pressing against those boundaries, against societal expectations in the hope of being happy with themselves, thus making them healthier. They are taking steps to stand up for themselves, and for that reason, this novel is an essential read for anyone struggling.

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