The Boy Book

Gr 9 Up—In E. Lockhart's sequel (2006) to The Boyfriend List (2005, both Delacorte), Ruby Oliver is facing her junior year at Tate Prep as a social leper. She tries with mixed success to focus on other things, like her new driver's license and an internship at a zoo. With entries interspersed from the Boy Book, written with her now ex-best friends in part as an attempt to document lessons learned when it comes to all things boys, listeners experience all the highs, lows, and in-betweens of old friendships, new boys, and lingering ex-boyfriend vibes. Kirsten Potter's narration is stellar and her vocal abilities are a perfect match for Ruby's spunky personality. Every scene is vividly portrayed, balancing adolescent melodrama, angst, and self-doubt. While those who have not already met Ruby will enjoy this book, a familiarity with her previous adventures would be helpful. This fun audio experience is a must-have for collections where Lockhart is popular.—Stephanie A. Squicciarini, Teen Services Librarian, Fairport Public Library, NY