Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Holiday Giveaway #4: The Boy Project

Kami Kinard's book, The Boy Project, is one of those middle grade books that I read and wonder, "What a clever idea. Why didn't I think of that?" 

There's a lot to like in this cleverly written book in which the protagonist, Kara McAllister, decides to apply the scientific method to her goal of getting a boyfriend. Kinard's ability to integrate scientific principles into Kara's goal is a stroke of genius. Readers won't even notice how Kinard slips in data tabulation, hypothesis, observations, results and graphs into the book. This is actually a great example of what I advocate in Teaching the Story: Fiction Writing in Grades 4-8; fiction can include science and history if done well!

Besides a very clever plot, I admired how Kinard communicated Kara's voice. Here is an example when Kara is thinking about her math teacher:

Obviously Mr. DeLacey is too old to be my boyfriend. But what if we were meant to be together, you know, eternally? Now that I've visited Bebe Truelove's site, I can't help thinking that Mr. DeLacey would make a great soul mate. One thing he has going for him is that he already knows how to solve for x. X being an unknown answer. You just have to know how to use the information right in front of you to find it. Kind of like finding a soul mate (p. 43).

Not only are scientific principles interwoven into this fun read, but the reader will relate to a young girl's struggle to find a place for herself. I loved this great moment of insight that marks a turning point for Kara:

I know for sure that none of these boy-getting strategies will work for me. First of all, I can't help my looks. There's nothing I can to make myself look like Maybelline. Second, I can't stand running. I'm RELIEVED that Julie [her older sister] doesn't want to run with me anymore! Finally, I am not about to go hugging random boys to get one to notice me. That's just not me. If I started acting like that, I wouldn't be Kara (p. 123). 

I didn't realize how much this book had gotten under my skin until after I finished reading it and dreamt about my junior high boyfriends! Although I never applied the scientific principle to obtaining a boyfriend, that desire to be affirmed by a young man runs deep in many young (and not so young) women. I wish I had a book like The Boy Project to help me navigate those waters!

Now you have the chance to win an autographed copy of the book as well as a cute wristband for a young reader in your life. Here is how: 

  • If you already follow this blog, please share this contest via social media then post a comment on my blog or tag me on Facebook.
  • If you aren’t a follower, sign up, and then leave a comment (see #1).
  • If you have never entered one of my contests, PLEASE include your email address so I can contact you if you win. No contact information--you can't win!
  • HURRY! Contest ends TOMORROW NIGHT. Winner will be picked December 20th. I'll mail it out on the 21st!
There will be one more post-Christmas giveaway. Stay tuned for Stake Out by Bonnie Doerr. 

13 comments:

Joyce Moyer Hostetter said...

I've already found my soul mate but bet I could learn something about writing fun middle grade fiction from this book. Enter me please. I'm off to facebook it.

cindyc said...

Another great author feature, Carol! Thanks...and enter me. I'll tweet about it now. CC

Jocelyn Rish said...

"The Boy Project" rally was a fun read! So creative and sneakily educational.

I already have my very own signed copy, so don't enter me in the drawing. :-)

Topangarose said...

I know a little girl who might love this book. I am pretty excited to read it also, before I turn it over. Enter me please.

Topangarose said...

I know a little girl who just might love this. After I read it that is!

Topangarose said...

I know a little girl who might just love this book. After I read it, of course. Please enter me.

Linda Phillips said...

Ah, I remember those boy-crazy years. Wish I'd had a handbook like The Boy Project! I'll tell FB and look forward to being entered.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks friends, for leaving me comments. Topangarose-- you need to send me your email address and tweet or facebook this giveaway for me to enter your name!

Rosi said...

This one looks like a lot of fun. I posted the link on FB. Thanks for the giveaway. rosihollinbeck (at) yahoo (dot) com

Anonymous said...

K don't know if this is too late but.....

Anonymous said...

Hey!

Anonymous said...

Hey

Anonymous said...

I chose you as a winner of the Sunshine Award for bloggers because you inspire me with knowledge and humor. Thank you very much.
http://joanyedwards.wordpress.com/2012/12/25/i-gave-the-sunshine-award-to-10-bloggers/

Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards

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