Crush: The Theory, Practice and Destructive Properties of Love

Gr 5–8—Once again, Kevin Spencer (Liar, Liar and Flat Broke) tackles the problems of his world, this time with careful, scientific logic, and no lies. Kevin still has a crush on Tina Zabinski,. He's sure that he is her perfect match, but he won't approach her until he's 100 percent positive that he can win her heart. This doesn't seem likely, since he becomes more awkward and tongue-tied whenever she's around. When handsome and smooth-talking Cash Devine starts moving in on his target, Kevin has to move quickly. Since love is based on chemistry, Kevin decides to set up a series of scientific experiments to help him discover the meaning of love and the way to a girl's heart. While a candlelit dinner for his parents is a disaster and his version of the Cake Walk at the Carnival doesn't quite work out as planned, some seemingly impossible matches do work. Even his jock of a brother and the hockey team members are paired off with lovely figure skaters. Through it all, Kevin is never discouraged, no matter how badly his romantic setups backfire. Joshua Swanson brings Kevin to life with his witty and animated expression, sounding just like an enthusiastic eighth grader in love. Both boys and girls will enjoy Paulsen's novel "study" of young love (Wendy Lamb Bks., 2012), which is totally hilarious and not the least bit mushy.—MaryAnn Karre, West Middle School, Binghamton, NY