You Against Me by Jenny Downham

Mikey's fifteen year old sister, Karyn, claims she was sexually assaulted. Mikey is afraid he will get away with it and wants to take the law into his own hands. Mikey has his hands full though. His mom spends her time in bed or drinking instead of taking care of the kids and house. Mikey works full-time, takes his baby sister, Holly, to school, gets the groceries and checks in on Karyn. Karyn refuses to leave the flat since the incident. She is afraid she will run into him, even though he isn't allowed anywhere near her.


Tom Parker's younger sister, Ellie, believes that Tom is innocent. However, she feels bad about what she hears about Karyn afraid to leave her home. She was there the night the assault supposedly happened, but all she saw was Karyn throwing herself at Tom. She did tell Tom that Karyn was only fifteen, but she believes Karyn was willing and Tom is innocent. She's scared, though, to testify at court.

Mikey decides to befriend Ellie, hoping that getting close to her will give him a better idea of their home life and how Tom spends his days. Then, he can exact out his own form of revenge. But he doesn't anticipate falling for Ellie, and Ellie reciprocates the feelings. The court date is quickly approaching, will Ellie change her story to help Mikey's sister and condemn her own brother? Will she figure out Mikey had used her and testify in her brother's favor, regardless of her feelings for Mikey?

You Against Me is a thought-provoking young adult romantic suspense that will keep you up late turning the pages. The characters are realistic and modern, character scenarios witty, uplifting and heartwrenching, and the plot is tight and sound. I really enjoyed the concept behind You Against Me, it sends several remarkable messages and would recommend to anyone - young adult or adult.