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52 pages 1 hour read

Tell Me Three Things

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Julie Buxbaum

Tell Me Three Things

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2016

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

700L

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Super Short Summary

In Tell Me Three Things, sixteen-year-old Jessie Holmes navigates her junior year at a new high school in Los Angeles after moving from Chicago with her father, following her mother's death. She receives anonymous messages from "Somebody Nobody" (SN), who helps her adjust and eventually becomes a significant figure in her life. As Jessie makes new friends and learns to cope, she is determined to uncover SN's identity. The protagonist's mother passed away from cancer.

Heartwarming

Romantic

Humorous

Emotional

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.3

92,443 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Julie Buxbaum's Tell Me Three Things deftly combines heartfelt emotion with a touch of mystery. Readers appreciate its relatable protagonist and genuine exploration of grief and new beginnings. However, some critique its predictability and occasional reliance on clichés. Overall, it's a touching, engaging read that resonates with a YA audience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Tell Me Three Things?

Readers who would enjoy Julie Buxbaum's Tell Me Three Things are typically fans of contemporary young adult fiction that explores themes of grief, self-discovery, and romance. Comparable books include Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli and If I Stay by Gayle Forman.

4.3

92,443 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Jessie Holmes

The sixteen-year-old narrator and protagonist who navigates the challenges of moving from Chicago to LA and starting high school anew while dealing with her mother's death.

A pseudonymous classmate who becomes Jessie's "virtual spirit guide" and provides her emotional support through emails, helping her feel less alone in a new environment.

Jessie's stepbrother, a theatrical and lively junior at Wood Valley, who initially resents Jessie's arrival but eventually forms a supportive and meaningful sibling relationship with her.

Jessie's childhood best friend from Chicago, known for her bold and fearless personality, who maintains a close friendship with Jessie through frequent virtual communication.

Jessie's first true friend at Wood Valley, who shares similar unnoticeable feelings at school and supports Jessie in her transition to her new life.

A friendly senior at Wood Valley and ambitious musician, who works with Jessie at his mom's bookstore, and is initially a potential romantic interest.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2016

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

700L

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