Book Review: Dress Coded by Carrie Firestone
As a reader with a penchant for stories that celebrate resilience and girl power, Dress Coded immediately caught my eye, drawing me in with its premise of activism inspired by the everyday injustices of middle school life. Carrie Firestone’s debut novel encapsulates the frustrations and triumphs of young women navigating a world that often trivializes their voices. With the added twist of a podcast, it stirred my curiosity about how these two narrative elements would intertwine.
At its heart, Dress Coded is a powerful exploration of identity, friendship, and systemic injustice grounded in the struggles of Molly Frost, an eighth grader fed up with the unfair dress codes enforced at her middle school. The unfairness isn’t just about clothing; it becomes a metaphor for how society often regulates girls’ bodies and voices. I found myself nodding along in solidarity as Molly recounts her friends’ experiences—Olivia’s unjust dress code reprimand, Liza’s double standard, and Jessica receiving an unfair F due to missed class time. The recognition of these unfair rules ignited a spark in Molly, leading her to create a podcast where girls could voice their stories, ultimately sparking a wave of rebellion.
Firestone’s narrative style resonated with me—its episodic structure mirrors the energy of a podcast, making the read both quick and compelling. Each chapter feels like a new episode, filled with different perspectives, challenges, and triumphs. I appreciated how this format keeps the pacing brisk, allowing readers to absorb the emotional weight of every story without feeling overwhelmed. The humor woven throughout provided delightful relief amidst serious themes, making it accessible for tweens and teens alike.
One of the most striking moments for me was when one of Molly’s friends shared her feelings about her body, articulating the often muted frustrations that many young girls experience. Firestone captures these sentiments with such authenticity that you can’t help but empathize. The uplifting message shines through: “Girls’ bodies are not a distraction.” It’s a declaration that’s not just relevant in the context of school dress codes but also resonates deeply in a society that often enforces body shaming norms.
The conversations this book can potentially spark are its greatest triumph. As several reviews mention, Dress Coded serves as an ample launching point for discussions about fairness, self-advocacy, and the importance of solidarity. While our school days might be behind us, the book lays bare the truths that continue to exist and evolve. It’s a love letter to the young activists in all of us—encouraging readers to channel their frustrations into meaningful action.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to middle schoolers, parents, teachers, and anyone searching for a novel that provides both a reflection of adolescent struggles and a call to action. In a world where young voices are often stifled, Dress Coded is a vibrant reminder that when we stand together, change is not just possible; it’s inevitable.
Reading Dress Coded has left me inspired and a bit nostalgic for the spirited rebellions of youth. I found not just entertainment, but empowerment—a reminder that our stories can shape the world. Firestone has penned a necessary read that I hope finds its way into the hands of many.