The Page Turners Have Spoken, And They Are Conflicted!

There are many fantastic elements to my job as a bookseller at Little Shop of Stories, but hands down one of my favorite tasks is running my two book clubs. Kids & Companions is a group for kids ages 8-11, and a grownup reading partner of their choice, and the Page Turners are all girls in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Once a month, we read a book and meet to discuss it together, and I always gain new insights on life, love, and the pursuit of literature during our conversations.

Last month, by the Page Turners’ request, we read my fourth novel, Being Friends With Boys. Since there are so many great guys in that book –and I have a hard time choosing a favorite, myself– I asked the girls which one was their favorite or least favorite of the fellows. Here’s what they had to say, and since even Charlotte has trouble deciding on a favorite, I suppose I should not have been surprised that they had trouble coming to a consensus, too!

My favorite boy in Being Friends With Boys was Oliver because I can see he really does have a good heart even if he doesn’t always show it.   Even though he has a short temper and a tendency to give the silent treatment, I think at the end of the day, he would do anything for his friends, especially Charlotte.  I think, deep down, he cares for Charlotte probably more than she knows and would never try to hurt her.

My Least Favorite Boy in Being Friends With Boys was Benji because I feel like he had a bit of a ulterior motive when he flirts with Charlotte.  I mean, it’s just a little weird that a boy that Charlotte barely knows or ever talks to starts to randomly pass her notes and ask her to study.  I find it very hard to believe that he has a genuine crush on Charlotte and wants to be her long-term boyfriend considering his…um…reputation.  Even though he proved himself to be a great friend . . .  I was still a little wary of him the whole time.

– Chloe Nathan, 12

My favorite boy in Being Friends with Boys was Trip, because of the way he was described. I think, out of all the other characters in the book (although well described ), you could picture Trip in your mind and grow to love that image.

– Hope Barrineau, age 12

I loved the book Being Friends with Boys.  I connected very well  with the characters in the book.  My favorite boy was Benji.  I held an interest for the misunderstood rebel throughout the book. The interest began when I read about how he dropped the note onto Charlotte’s desk asking her to study. I felt like he would be her “replacement” for Trip, and in a way he was. So I was really mad when she used him . . . he trusted and liked her and Charlotte just let him down.

But my least favorite boy was Oliver.  He was a very interesting character but he sometimes didn’t treat Charlotte with the respect she deserved.  I also didn’t like how he started taking credit for the things Charlotte did.  I felt like he was the leader who was  trying to make an image for him and he took it a little too far.

Being Friends with Boys was an amazing book, and I am definitely going to read more of Ms. McVoy.

–Mary Lisle Shewan, age 12

My favorite boy in Being Friends With Boys was Oliver, because even when he was being a regular jerky boy, he realized that being there for Charlotte was one of his top priorities.

–Hanna Scott, age 12

My favorite boy in Being Friends With Boys would have to be Oliver; even though he can sometimes be a meanie to Charlotte, they still have a great relationship. Oliver and Charlotte are almost like brother and sister. They have their fights, but it always turns out okay. He seems like an awesome guy to hang out with, and plus he’s in a band and cute!

In some ways Benji is my least favorite. He smokes pot, skips class, and seems like a “punk.” I dislike him for that reason, but once you actually get to know him, he’s super sweet! Trip, well, at first you think he’s great. He seems like a loyal friend to Charlotte until he isn’t. Trip totally just deserts Charlotte, leaving her wondering why he just left. I hated it when he did that! This is why all in all Trip is probably my least favorite boy of them all.

–Jenny Capriola, age 12

Thanks so much, ladies, for your responses! I can’t wait to discuss our NEXT book with you!