The Boy Project: Notes and Observations of Kara McAllister

( 40 )

Overview


For anyone who's ever felt that boys were a different species....

Wildly creative seventh grader Kara McAllister just had her best idea yet. She's going to take notes on all of the boys in her grade (and a few elsewhere) in order to answer a seemingly simple question: How can she get a boyfriend?

But Kara's project turns out to be a lot more complicated than she imagined. Soon there are secrets, lies, and an embarrassing incident in the boy's ...

See more details below
Hardcover
$10.32
BN.com price
(Save 20%)$12.99 List Price
Pick Up In Store

Pick Up In Store

Reserve and pick up in 60 minutes at your local store

Other sellers (Hardcover)
  • All (36) from $1.99   
  • New (20) from $2.97   
  • Used (16) from $1.99   
The Boy Project: Notes and Observations of Kara McAllister

Available on NOOK devices and apps  
  • Nook Devices
  • NOOK HD/HD+ Tablet
  • NOOK
  • NOOK Color
  • NOOK Tablet
  • Tablet/Phone
  • NOOK for Windows 8 Tablet
  • NOOK for iOS
  • NOOK for Android
  • NOOK Kids for iPad
  • PC/Mac
  • NOOK for Windows 8
  • NOOK for PC
  • NOOK for Mac
  • NOOK Study
  • NOOK for Web

Want a NOOK? Explore Now

NOOK Book (eBook)
$7.55
BN.com price
(Save 16%)$8.99 List Price
Note: Kids' Club Eligible. See More Details.

More About This Book

Overview


For anyone who's ever felt that boys were a different species....

Wildly creative seventh grader Kara McAllister just had her best idea yet. She's going to take notes on all of the boys in her grade (and a few elsewhere) in order to answer a seemingly simple question: How can she get a boyfriend?

But Kara's project turns out to be a lot more complicated than she imagined. Soon there are secrets, lies, and an embarrassing incident in the boy's bathroom. Plus, Kara has to deal with mean girls, her slightly spacey BFF, and some surprising uses for duct tape. Still, if Kara's research leads her to the right boy, everything may just be worth it. . . .

Full of charts and graphs, heart and humor, this hilarious debut will resonate with tweens everywhere.

Read More Show Less

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly
Kinard’s first novel reads a bit like Field Notes of a Romantically Frustrated Kid. Her sympathetic, entertaining heroine, Kara McAllister, dismayed at not having been kissed by age 13, is determined to use the scientific method to get a boyfriend: “I’ll be the eighth-grade version of Jane Goodall, except I’ll be observing boys instead of chimps. Not that there’s a huge difference.” Her goal is twofold: win the science fair with this project and achieve her other objective—unlimited texting, promised by her parents in return for an A in science. Unobtrusive observations, note taking, charts, graphs, and questionnaires (incorporated throughout) are all part of her plan, which has humorous and unexpected side effects as her views of, and feelings for, her subjects shift during the course of her research. Kinard creates a highly credible middle-school universe of popular girls, dorky boys, unpredictable teachers, and volatile loyalties; she hits all the right notes as Kara learns that first opinions are rarely accurate and that the scientific method does not always apply to human beings. Ages 9–12. Agent: Stimola Literary Studio. (Jan.)
From the Publisher

Looking for a boyfriend takes on a whole new meaning when 14-year-old Kara starts her research project.

Kara, a self-proclaimed geek, decides to find a boyfriend using the scientific method.  This initially involves covert observation of her subject: boys. She keeps detailed index cards, and the novel is decorated with her charts, graphs and lists. The project eventually becomes a science-fair project that also utilizes Facebook for a love survey. When her best friend Tabbi gets a boyfriend first, unfortunately with Kara\u2019s crush, it takes Kara some time to remember that she needs her best friend more than a she needs a boyfriend. This middle-school drama is hip to the moment, with break-up texting, kissing and popularity tug of wars. The boy obsession becomes tiresome, but Kara\u2019s irrepressible spirit, clever wit and introspection save this story from vapidity Kara\u2019s hilarious observations, as when she compares feigning happiness to the difficulty of fastening the, like, 15 hooks of her 87-year-old grandma\u2019s bra, keep it buoyant. As she becomes increasingly discerning, Kara realizes that being true to oneself is the coolest asset.

Kara\u2019s boy-crazy experiment lends refreshing perspective on teen relationships, and the results point to self-enlightenment. (Fiction. 10-13)

-Kirkus Reviews - October 15, 2011

Kinard\u2019s first novel reads a bit like Field Notes of a Romantically Frustrated Kid. Her sympathetic, entertaining heroine, Kara McAllister, dismayed at not having been kissed by age 13, is determined to use the scientific method to get a boyfriend: \u201cI\u2019ll be the eighth-grade version of Jane Goodall, except I\u2019ll be observing boys instead of chimps. Not that there\u2019s a huge difference.\u201d Her goal is twofold: win the science fair with this project and achieve her other objective—unlimited texting, promised by her parents in return for an A in science. Unobtrusive observations, note taking, charts, graphs, and questionnaires (incorporated throughout) are all part of her plan, which has humorous and unexpected side effects as her views of, and feelings for, her subjects shift during the course of her research. Kinard creates a highly credible middle-school universe of popular girls, dorky boys, unpredictable teachers, and volatile loyalties; she hits all the right notes as Kara learns that first opinions are rarely accurate and that the scientific method does not always apply to human beings. Ages 9–12. Agent: Stimola Literary Studio. (Jan.)

-Publisher's Weekly, December 5, 2011

Children's Literature - Leigh Geiger
Boy-crazy "tween" girls will have no trouble identifying with thirteen-year-old Kara who is sure she is the only girl in her middle school who does not have a boyfriend. Kara is creative and artistic which is a big plus, but she feels that her penchant for math and the scientific method classifies her as a dork. However, she is still a "regular" kid who daydreams during class and checks out all of the cool boys. Surely she can snag one of them. Kara begins a clever and humorous scientific analysis of eligible boys in her schools through "unobtrusive observation." She develops an objective format for noting her findings and then develops graphs and charts to analyze her data including a successful girl's "growth in number of boyfriends" and the strength of attraction to her possible matches. She also conducts online research which leads to a series of weekly hints for finding her "soul mate" from the self-proclaimed expert, Bebe Truelove. We follow Kara through the halls of middle school with a cast of very believable characters—dorky clueless boys, popular but nasty girls, lunchroom cliques with constantly changing loyalties, and friendly but strict teachers. Through a series of poignant but often humorous adventures, Kara eventually learns that the scientific method might not be the best choice for studying people. She does not need Bebe Truelove's advice or even the help of her older, wiser and popular sister. In a very satisfying conclusion, Kara learns to be herself and to trust in her own judgment and abilities. Tween girls, particularly reluctant readers, will be sure to enjoy Kinard's many depictions of observation note cards, charts and graphs, and other artifacts that Kara creates as she conducts her experiments. The chronological format, which follows Kara through each class period using prominent labels to put each event in context, will also appeal to younger and reluctant readers. Reviewer: Leigh Geiger, Ph.D.
School Library Journal
Gr 5–8—Kara McAllister is the only girl in her eighth-grade class who has never had a boyfriend. She decides to address her issue by designing a science experiment. If only it were that easy. A love triangle, vengeful teachers, and middle school social hierarchy all become independent variables in this project gone awry. In the end, though, Kara is able to reach a satisfying answer to her original question, "How can I find a boyfriend?" Note cards detailing surreptitious observations of her male classmates serve to guide readers through Kara's social experiment. Her convincing voice gives an authentic account of this awkward age.—Colleen S. Banick, Tomlinson Middle School, Fairfield, CT
Kirkus Reviews
Looking for a boyfriend takes on a whole new meaning when 14-year-old Kara starts her research project. Kara, a self-proclaimed geek, decides to find a boyfriend using the scientific method. This initially involves covert observation of her subject: boys. She keeps detailed index cards, and the novel is decorated with her charts, graphs and lists. The project eventually becomes a science-fair project that also utilizes Facebook for a love survey. When her best friend Tabbi gets a boyfriend first, unfortunately with Kara's crush, it takes Kara some time to remember that she needs her best friend more than a she needs a boyfriend. This middle-school drama is hip to the moment, with break-up texting, kissing and popularity tug of wars. The boy obsession becomes tiresome, but Kara's irrepressible spirit, clever wit and introspection save this story from vapidity. Kara's hilarious observations, as when she compares feigning happiness to the difficulty of fastening the, like, 15 hooks of her 87-year-old grandma's bra, keep it buoyant. As she becomes increasingly discerning, Kara realizes that being true to oneself is the coolest asset. Kara's boy-crazy experiment lends refreshing perspective on teen relationships, and the results point to self-enlightenment. (Fiction. 10-13)
Read More Show Less

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780545345156
  • Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
  • Publication date: 1/1/2012
  • Pages: 256
  • Sales rank: 194,567
  • Age range: 8 - 12 Years
  • Lexile: 810L (what's this?)
  • Product dimensions: 5.76 (w) x 8.52 (h) x 0.91 (d)

Meet the Author


Kami Kinard enjoys writing about the boyfriend quest more than she enjoyed experiencing it. A teaching artist on the SC Arts Commission’s Roster of Approved Artists, she writes from Beaufort, South Carolina where she lives with her husband and two children. Please visit her online at: www.kamikinard.com.
Read More Show Less

Read an Excerpt


    I, Kara McAllister, will change my image before the end of the school year. By “change my image” I mean “get a boyfriend.” And I know exactly how I’m going to do it. I’ll apply both my brains and the scientific method to the project. Hey, if the scientific method helped real scientists figure out the structure of an atom, surely it can help me figure out how to find a boyfriend!
    This pack of index cards will be perfect for inconspicuously taking notes on my subjects (boys) in their natural setting (school). The scientific term for this is “unobtrusive observation.” What method of research could possibly be easier? All you have to do is be a little sly while looking around.
    I’ll be the seventh grade version of Jane Goodall, except I’ll be observing boys, instead of chimps. Not that there’s a huge difference.
Read More Show Less

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 40 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(32)

4 Star

(4)

3 Star

(1)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(3)

Your Rating:

Review Guidelines
Add Recommendations
Your Name: Create a Pen Name or

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked, or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer. However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reviews should not contain any of the following:

  • - HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
  • - Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
  • - Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
  • - Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
  • - Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
  • - Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
  • - Advertisements or commercial solicitation

Reminder:

  • - By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
  • - Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
  • - See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend

Recommend other products that relate to your review. Just search for them below and share!

Create a Pen Name

Your Pen Name is your unique identity on BN.com. It will appear on the reviews you write and other website activities. Your Pen Name cannot be edited, changed or deleted once submitted.

 
Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously
See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 40 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted January 10, 2012

    Tweenage Crisis Saved by this Story!

    Yes, it is true. My 12 year old daughter, 6th grade and curious about what it takes to get a boyfriend, simply ate this book up in less than 10 hours of reading between two days.

    Ah that all middle school moments could be dealt with by reading a colorful and clever YA book!

    I love that my daughter relates so fully to the main character, Kara, and even recognizes some of the characteristics of other players in friends at school.

    Storytelling is a great way to teach important life lessons!

    Thumbs up from this household.

    15 out of 16 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted January 25, 2012

    A Great Read!!

    A few weeks ago, i had the chance to meet the author of this book at a school assembly. I purchased the book, and took it home. At first, i wasnt sure how i would like it. But, this book is now one of my favorites. It feels so real. I read the book in 2 days. Although it isn't extraordinaryly long, it is long enough to make you fall in love with all the characters.

    14 out of 15 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted January 2, 2012

    Every household should own at least one copy of this book.

    Full of memorable characters described in hilarious detail throughout this fast-paced entertaining read. I look forward to purchasing the next book by this author!

    8 out of 9 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted January 10, 2012

    Love it

    I truly live this book there were some parts in it that I had to skip over but I would buy any other book buy her. I have been a flunent reader ever that i can remember. She has inspired me!

    6 out of 9 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted January 5, 2012

    Fabulous book-for anyone who has ever searched for a boyfriend or ever felt like the last person on earth without one.

    This novel is great read in that it is humorous, witty, and insightful. It allows the reader to relate to Kara (whether we are currently experiencing the teen angst that the main character feels - or ever have) but also to feel the current state of being a young teen or tween. My fifteen year-old (who has never had a boyfriend!) really enjoyed it, too. She thought it was hilarious. All in all, I think it's a great read for girls.

    5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 1, 2012

    Awesome read!

    This book is great for 5-7 graders. About a girl who is trying to find love, but in the end she falls into love. It is great!

    4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 2, 2012

    I am jaz and heres wat i say

    Get the freakibg book ok u just get it! I mean it im 13 and i got a boyfriend by learning from this book to just hav confidence and be ur self

    4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 11, 2012

    Great!!!

    It was a really good book! I love books like this. I am in seventh grade and i really really REALLY liked(loved) this book!!!!!!!

    3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted May 1, 2012

    Great book!

    This was a great book! Its very apropreate for preteens/teens. I recommend boys to not read this book. All my friends that have nooks want to barrow it! I hope theres some sort of sequel or something, if so, i cant wait!

    3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 12, 2012

    Anonymous

    I just finished this book.It's amazing!When I finished I imediatley looked for a sequel.I soooo wish there was one!This is now absolute fave book!

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted March 13, 2012

    !

    This book was at my book fair at school. Really wanted it but didnt get it. Hopefully soon and enjoy reading if you did sounds like a real book that girlys can turn to. This girl Kara sounds a lot like me. Really!!!!!!!!

    2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted February 17, 2012

    Seams good!

    Even though i haven't read it yet, the reveiws are good and the sumary sounded like a good book. I would recamend it for everyone and i haven't even read it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted January 20, 2013

    more from this reviewer

        Whimsical novel about a girl on a quest to get a boyfriend..

        Whimsical novel about a girl on a quest to get a boyfriend... and an A on her science project at the same time. This whole book is written with charts, graphs, notecards, and she is conducting the scientific method studying boys and girls behavior and what they want in a relationship by observation, and of course she learned a lot about herself on the way. 
        Even done in this style, we still get a good feel for Kara as well as her best friend Tabbs. They have been friends forever, and I love how their friendship is. Kara has to learn a bit about loyalty though, and she does such a job at swallowing her pain to support her friend, because she knew that friendship should come before any boy. Though I don't understand how she couldn't have been more open with Tabb in the first place and then the pain wouldn't have been there... But I guess that I have been the quieter person in a friendship before, so...
        The flirting is all really cute, and I approve of how she was finally successful in her experiment and the other friendships and maybe more that she gained by the experiment. 
         Though it attempted to put in a few other things that she was interested in--crafting and having good grades... Kara was way more boy obsessed than I think was necessary  Maybe it was just because the book was like a journal for the project, but still it talked about other things when not exactly relevant to the experiment, so, I don't know. 
         But I must say that I loved how present and involved her parents were, and even the teachers. Usually in YA the teachers are just there as almost a prop, but not so for Kara. I also loved the bonding moments with her sister Julie. There was also the bickering and eye rolling, but that just made it authentic for me. 
    Bottom Line: Fun way to spend a few hours. 

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted January 19, 2013

    Love it !!!!!!!

    READ THIS BOOK IVE ONLY READ THE SAMPLE AND IM STUCK TO IT WHYY DOES IT HAVE TO END SO FAST(i mean the sample)

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted July 12, 2012

    Loved ever second of it!!!!!!!!!!! :)

    Great story really relatable!!!!!!!!!!! :) : ) :{) :{ )

    1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 27, 2012

    Awsome

    This is a really good book i read and fell in love with charecters realy need to read and great for tweens

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 9, 2012

    Luv it

    I love love love this book. It is so awesome. There were so many unexpected turns. Love love lovve love love lovve it

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 7, 2012

    The BOYP TheBOY Project

    Tottally cool and has shocking suprises all because a girl wants a boyfriend its good for girls 9 and up

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted May 6, 2012

    Lols

    Omg it is so funny

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted March 17, 2012

    Wierd

    It sounds sort of wierd but that is sort of the reason right?but some people in my class think that i have a boyfriend witch is sort of wierd

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 40 Customer Reviews
If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble
Why is this product inappropriate?
Comments (optional)