How to Meet Boys

April 1, 2014

Gr 9 Up-Best friends Lucy and Mikayla have planned for one unforgettable summer. The girls are thrilled to be living on their own for the first time, getting a small taste of the independence they will have next year when they leave for college. But before they even get to senior year, the girls have a lot to do, starting with making their cabin (on loan from Lucy's grandparents) habitable, settling into their summer jobs, and, of course, meeting boys. Although she's usually tongue-tied around the opposite sex, Mikayla meets an adorable guy whom she can talk to without becoming incoherent. They keep running into each other, and before she even knows his name, the teen is smitten. Meanwhile, Lucy is struggling to keep her cool when she finds out that her coworker for the summer is her former best friend Jackson, whom she still hasn't forgiven after an embarrassing incident in eighth grade. When Mikayla finally learns that her mysterious crush is the same guy who left Lucy brokenhearted all those years ago, she is torn between protecting her best friend and following her heart. Despite the complicated situation, Clark keeps the tone light, and after the requisite misunderstandings and overreactions, her characters make good decisions and act responsibly. Some readers may want something more realistic, but Clark's novel is wholesome in its celebration of friendship, honesty, and the thrill of first love. Recommend this book to teens looking for a fun and easy beach read this summer.-Joy Piedmont, LREI, New York City

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