Boys I Know

Gr 10 Up–Boys, college, identity, friendships, and a lot of drama are keeping this senior busy. June Chu is Taiwanese American, a rarity in her small, predominantly white Iowa town. Dealing with micro- and macro-aggressions is a part of her daily life. She rests comfortably knowing she’s smart but not the smartest, has an “almost” boyfriend, and will likely place third in the regional violin competition. Now that deciding on a college is approaching, June is unsure what her future holds because she just doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life. Her mom’s pressure to be better, her boyfriend’s lack of commitment, and friends who support her but don’t encourage her aren’t helping. Is June searching for meaning in the wrong places? This novel is sure to resonate with teens who haven’t yet found their calling and who are trying to figure out who they are. June’s need for boys’ attention can be at times frustrating, but readers can empathize with her search for relevancy. The plot has a nice arc, and there’s value in all the struggles the main character is presented with.