The Boy Project

December 5, 2011
Kinard’s first novel reads a bit like Field Notes of a Romantically Frustrated Kid. Her sympathetic, entertaining heroine, Kara McAllister, dismayed at not having been kissed by age 13, is determined to use the scientific method to get a boyfriend: “I’ll be the eighth-grade version of Jane Goodall, except I’ll be observing boys instead of chimps. Not that there’s a huge difference.” Her goal is twofold: win the science fair with this project and achieve her other objective—unlimited texting, promised by her parents in return for an A in science. Unobtrusive observations, note taking, charts, graphs, and questionnaires (incorporated throughout) are all part of her plan, which has humorous and unexpected side effects as her views of, and feelings for, her subjects shift during the course of her research. Kinard creates a highly credible middle-school universe of popular girls, dorky boys, unpredictable teachers, and volatile loyalties; she hits all the right notes as Kara learns that first opinions are rarely accurate and that the scientific method does not always apply to human beings. Ages 9–12. Agent: Stimola Literary Studio.

October 15, 2011
Looking for a boyfriend takes on a whole new meaning when 14-year-old Kara starts her research project. Kara, a self-proclaimed geek, decides to find a boyfriend using the scientific method. This initially involves covert observation of her subject: boys. She keeps detailed index cards, and the novel is decorated with her charts, graphs and lists. The project eventually becomes a science-fair project that also utilizes Facebook for a love survey. When her best friend Tabbi gets a boyfriend first, unfortunately with Kara's crush, it takes Kara some time to remember that she needs her best friend more than a she needs a boyfriend. This middle-school drama is hip to the moment, with break-up texting, kissing and popularity tug of wars. The boy obsession becomes tiresome, but Kara's irrepressible spirit, clever wit and introspection save this story from vapidity. Kara's hilarious observations, as when she compares feigning happiness to the difficulty of fastening the, like, 15 hooks of her 87-year-old grandma's bra, keep it buoyant. As she becomes increasingly discerning, Kara realizes that being true to oneself is the coolest asset. Kara's boy-crazy experiment lends refreshing perspective on teen relationships, and the results point to self-enlightenment. (Fiction. 10-13)

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February 1, 2012

Gr 5-8-Kara McAllister is the only girl in her eighth-grade class who has never had a boyfriend. She decides to address her issue by designing a science experiment. If only it were that easy. A love triangle, vengeful teachers, and middle school social hierarchy all become independent variables in this project gone awry. In the end, though, Kara is able to reach a satisfying answer to her original question, "How can I find a boyfriend?" Note cards detailing surreptitious observations of her male classmates serve to guide readers through Kara's social experiment. Her convincing voice gives an authentic account of this awkward age.-Colleen S. Banick, Tomlinson Middle School, Fairfield, CT

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2012
Grades 5-8 After a disappointing night of Spin the Bottle, Kara is fed up with being the only (decent) girl in eighth grade who has never had a boyfriend. Even her chubby friend Tabbi has had luck in love. So Kara turns her scientific mind toward analyzing the issues (and the guys) to find out who is datable and who might even be attainable. Through interviews and observation, she creates a science-fair project with big ramifications. This debut novel is a rollicking ride through middle-school affairs of the heart. With a premise that is original, a unique layout featuring Kara's note cards and charts, and timely references to Facebook and books like Inkheart, this story feels like today. Kara's wicked sense of humor and her ability to navigate the waters of love and friendship will give readers in similar situations hope, especially as Kara slowly realizes that best friends trump crushes any day.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)