WHO NEEDS BOYS?

Author: Stephie Davis ISBN: 0843953977 5/2005 YOUNG TEEN Publisher: DORCHESTER/Smooch

Not me. I want a man. Preferably in college, but at least a senior in high school. And I've found my target for the summer. He's seventeen and totally yummy. Plus, he thinks I'm cute. What more could I ask for? Maybe for the guy I'm assigned to work with for the summer not to hate me. Not that I care what he thinks of me—he's a mere boy. Except, I sort of think I do care. No matter. I can forget him. If only I could stop noticing his smile. If only I didn't have to spend all day, every day with him. If only I could remember I don't go after guys who don't like me.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

WHO NEEDS BOYS? is the third book in a YA series about four friends. Allie, a notorious flirt, hides her insecurities and worries about her parents' neglect. Because of the persona that Allie projects, many fail to see the complex person behind the façade. When her summer with her father is cancelled, Allie begs her former teacher to gain a job at his vegetable stand/farm where her friends all have summer jobs. When Allie's partner at work seems to dislike her, Allie finds herself in an unfamiliar position—trying to catch the notice of a guy that doesn't seem to notice her.

WHO NEEDS BOYS? is a superb addition to the series. I enjoyed delving into Allie's personality and discovering that she's a much more complex character than at first glance. Ms. Davis has written a fast-paced, lively story that will satisfy the reader.

Kendra Patterson