by Nancy Holyoke
illustrated by Elisa Chavarri
Published by American Girl Publishing
Copyright © 2001, 2013 American Girl
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever
without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
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Editorial Development: Michelle Watkins, Judy Woodburn, Carrie Anton
Art Direction: Kym Abrams, Lisa Wilber
Book Production: Tami Kepler, Paula Moon, Judith Lary, Kendra Schluter
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data available from Library of Congress
eISBN 9781609583859
Dear Reader,
Boys. You’ve grown up with them. They’ve been teammates and class-
mates, neighbors and pals. But most of the time, you and your friends
sailed right on by the boys. They did their stuff. You did yours.
Now all that’s changing. Kids are getting crushes. Girls are calling boys on
the phone. Boys are hanging out with girls at the bus stop. Your friends are
talking about who likes whom. Boys may make you nervous and excited—
but they may confuse you, too.
Boys are different from girls in lots of ways. Their brains are different,
chemically and physically. Boys have different hormones, which make for
different emotions. Plus, boys and girls are taught to act differently from
the time they’re babies. So if you’ve been thinking that talking to a boy is
different from talking to a girl—guess what? You’re right.
Of course you’ve got questions. What do you say to a boy? How can
you tell if one likes you? How do you tell a boy you like him? What if your
friend likes boys and you don’t? What about boy-girl parties? Dances?
And what, oh what, about rejection?
This book is a guide for all these things. It includes letters and advice
from girls like you, as well as tips, quizzes, and even advice from boys them-
selves. You want to feel good and be yourself with boys, whether you’ve
got a crush or not. You want to be part of the fun without losing your pride
or your brain or your heart. We hope this book will make it easier for you
to do that.
Your friends at American Girl
contents
crushes a typical day hormones staying normal
“liking” a boy getting to know a boy conversation starters what boys want should you tell him you like him? what’s he thinking? how to tell him you like him mistake o’ the day
getting no for an answer unattainable boys turning down a boy Quiz: are you feeling rushed? Quiz: are you boy crazy? so, what are the rules? talking to parents
boys & friends changing interests rx for an ailing friendship secrets
how to keep a secret competition & jealousy boy buds boys vs. buds boys online parties & dances popularity teasing & harassment Quiz: peer pressure
twosomes Quiz: why pair off? things to do when you go out touching kissing basics trouble