Book Review – Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu

Release Date: September 2017
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Feminist Fiction
Recommended For: Teens, Parents, Educators, Feminist Readers
Reviewed By: Nat

A Quick Summary of Moxie

In Moxie, Jennifer Mathieu delivers a fierce and timely story about standing up against sexism and embracing your inner power. The story follows Vivian Carter, a quiet high school junior in a conservative Texas town who’s had enough of the everyday misogyny—whether it’s the boys harassing girls in the hallways or the school’s blatant favoritism toward the football team.

Inspired by her mother’s Riot Grrrl past, Viv decides to anonymously publish a feminist zine called Moxie. What starts as a simple protest against unfair dress codes quickly evolves into a movement. Girls across the school, regardless of clique or background, begin to unite. Together, they challenge the status quo, creating a wave of resistance that Viv never expected—but desperately needed.

A Personal Reading Experience – From the Eye of the Storm

Sometimes, the right book finds you at the perfect time. For our reviewer, Moxie arrived during the chaos of Hurricane Harvey. With storms raging outside and uncertainty in the air, she turned to a book—and found solidarity, hope, and reflection.

Vivian’s fictional town of North Rockport bore an eerie resemblance to the real Rockport, Texas, being battered by the hurricane. It was more than a coincidence; it was a connection. And just like that, Moxie became more than a story. It became a personal revolution.

Why Moxie Matters – Beyond the Label of Feminism

Before reading Moxie, the reviewer admits she didn’t fully embrace the term “feminist.” Like many, she believed it to be radical. But Mathieu’s story dismantles those misconceptions. Feminism, as Moxie shows, is simply the belief in equality and the courage to demand it.

Vivian’s journey is painfully relatable for anyone who has felt invisible, silenced, or underestimated. From hallway harassment to double standards, Moxie sheds light on real issues that affect young women everywhere—not just in small towns.

Mathieu’s storytelling is inclusive and empowering. It encourages girls to speak out—not just for themselves, but for each other. And importantly, it asks hard questions:

Do we let harmful traditions persist because “that’s just the way it is”?
Are girls conditioned to compete rather than support each other?
Why is asserting your worth seen as rebellion?

Moxie doesn’t preach—it inspires. Whether you’re conservative, liberal, or unsure of where you stand, this book makes space for reflection and growth.

Final Thoughts – More Than Just a Novel

Moxie is more than a coming-of-age story. It’s a manifesto wrapped in fiction, one that urges readers to think, feel, and act. For teens especially, it’s a bold reminder that their voices matter. But parents, educators, and anyone looking to understand modern youth activism will find value in its pages too.

This book will make you want to create, to resist, and most of all, to unite. It’s one of those rare YA novels that manages to be fun, funny, serious, and revolutionary all at once.

Gift Recommendation – Give the Gift of Grit

If you’re planning to gift Moxie, consider including a few bonus items:

A set of feminist zines
Stickers or pins with empowering messages
A journal for personal reflection or art
Or even a copy of The Skate Witches for fans of the zine culture

This thoughtful package could be the start of someone’s own personal revolution.

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Conclusion – Show Some Moxie

Jennifer Mathieu has written something timeless yet incredibly current with Moxie. It’s the kind of book that can change a reader—or awaken one. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt underestimated, and it’s a rally cry to anyone ready to fight back.

So read it. Share it. Talk about it. And most importantly…
Show some Moxie.