Margo Zimmerman Gets the Girl: Review

Margo Zimmerman Gets the Girl

Margo Zimmerman Gets the Girl by Brianna R. Shrum and Sara Waxelbaum is about the titular Margo, who tutors resident queer girl, Abbie Sokoloff, in US History in return for “Queer 101” lessons. It’s a heartwarming story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Both Margo and Abbie are very likeable, and the first-person nature of the writing means we get an insight into both girls’ thoughts. The side characters are also interesting and likeable, with Margo’s older brother Mendel stealing the show in every scene he’s in. 

Although this is mainly a comedic novel, there are many topical issues faced by the main characters, be that biphobia, homophobia, terrible home situations, or the stresses many young queer people deal with when coming out. All of these topics are handled deftly and aptly. However, this novel is at its heart a rom-com, which is wonderfully refreshing. It is hilarious and heartfelt, and will make your heart burst for these lovely characters. 

The novel is not annoyingly innocent, which is also a refreshing quality in queer YA fiction. This is a very diverse novel, with Jewish and neurodiverse representation that is great to see. Some of the story’s exchanges can get a little irritating and repetitive, but this is small enough to overlook. All in all, this is a great book for the queer girls who never know what to say or do, the bi girls who are sick of “not being gay enough”, the lesbians who want to be femme and not chastised for it, and most of all, anyone who wants to read a cute tale of two girls falling in love.

Connie McHugh, 15