Moxie (n): force of character, determination, or nerve. The word always brings someone you know to mind, doesn’t it? Maybe it’s someone who’s not afraid to fight for what’s right, or maybe it’s someone brave enough to say what they truly believe. Either way, most of us aspire to be like them— to have the moxie to be who we want to be. The YA novel Moxie, as the title may suggest, captures this emotion perfectly. Following female protagonist Vivian Carter as she finds her voice, Jennifer Mathieu’s novel explores the truth behind what it really means to have moxie.
Vivian is just a normal girl going to a normal school. She’s never spoken up in class, never raised her hand, never brought attention to herself. She watched as the boys in her school acted sexist and stupid, but never spoke out about it— after all, who was there to listen? But then, she finds herself looking at her rebel mother’s high school pictures, full of female power ideas and music, including the Riot Grrls all-girl band. She starts formulating a brand new, completely crazy idea in her head, and with the help of her friends, takes a stand for all girls.
Moxie’s relatability captures readers’ attention as we empathize with the storyline and the main character. Many high school students can relate to the fear of standing out in school or taking the initiative to make a change. The characters in the novel are everything a teenager is, insecure and afraid, yet courageous when necessary. Vivian and her friends’ brave actions despite their fear inspire readers to stand up for what they believe in. Even if one hasn’t had first-hand experience in a school situation similar to Vivian’s, Mathieu’s writing has readers outraged at the injustice the girls face and cheering for their success as they take a stand.
Vivian’s perspective brings a new angle to the story. Her transformation from a shy, middle-of-the-pack girl to an outspoken rebel is so significant: Many of us today are afraid to speak out, just like her, and reading her internal thoughts is inspiring. Her words make us think that maybe we, too, can advocate for what we believe in.
Although Moxie is largely a feminist novel, that doesn’t mean only girls will enjoy the story. Vivian manages to find her own love story with new kid Seth Acosta while also protesting for equality for all girls. Seth’s character is the perfect example of how Moxie is not in any way anti-male, and rather encourages boys to learn about the struggles many women face and to support them when necessary. Mathieu confronts various prominent issues with maturity while also incorporating themes of friendship, love, and humor, making it a beautiful read for all.
Vivian may not be the most perfect main character, but that’s what makes the story so relatable to high schoolers. Her occasionally hasty words and actions are a reminder that she is also a teenager like us, and is learning about herself through her mistakes. Throughout the novel, Vivian chooses to stay true to herself and speak out for what she believes in— a lesson all of us can learn from.
Overall, this book was an amazing read. Despite being released in the early 2000s, Vivian’s emotions and thoughts still ring true. In a district as diverse as Edison, this point of being brave enough to say something is often forgotten, making this book even more important. A reminder that we do in fact have the power to make change, Moxie is a gift to our generation.