By Barbara Dee
Tear This Down, by Barbara Dee, begins with 7th-grade Freya reminiscing about herself as a kindergartener who was constantly asking all sorts of questions – “Why do we paint the ocean as blue, even when it’s not?” As she grows up, she begins to question aspects of the world that seem unfair and just plain wrong. “How come we never read any books about girls?” Her grandma Nan once asked her if she was asking questions or expressing opinions, and from there the idea of an O-QUESTION emerged. An o-question is a combination of an opinion and a question.
An o-question notices, explores, and begs to be heard.
Unfortunately, the adults in Freya’s world don’t answer her o-questions, or even take her seriously….until.
In the town of Wellstone, Benjamin Wellstone is the town’s most famous historical resident. However, when Freya’s assignment for a class history project about local heroes uncovers that Wellstone was not an advocate for women’s right to vote, Freya and her friend Callie, begin a deep research dive into primary sources to learn more. Freya is convinced that the town statue of Wellstone should be removed. Local officials and residents do not agree. Freya and Callie encounter great resistance and pushback. But Freya also discovers the truth about truth. It’s often complicated and messy. Also, how we move forward often requires creative problem-solving, a listening ear, and the ability to see the bigger picture. “As long as we walk together, I know in my bones that one day we will win.” ( page 234)
I loved this book for multiple reasons. First of all, Freya is such a layered and ever-evolving character. While she is deeply curious and has strong opinions, she is willing to reflect on her own decisions ( good and bad), work with others, and explore how a community is woven together. This story also showcases how people can embrace one another. From how we deal with the elderly, to how government officials listen to youth, to opportunities within our schools – this ecosystem eventually allows for influence, involvement, information, intellectual freedom, and true ingenuity. It showcases how a system of humans, sparked by a sharp-witted and strong-willed young person, can work in tandem to see each other and find answers.
Barbara Dee’s latest book is a beautiful tapestry of complex relationships, from both the past and the present. We can all learn a lot from Freya and her willingness to ask the hard questions and seek answers. Thank you, once again, Barbara Dee, for creating a story that will live in all of our hearts for a long time!
Tear This Down will be published in February 2025. To learn more about Barbara Dee and her work, check out her website.