The Boy Book
A Study of Habits and Behaviors, Plus Techniques for Taming Them
by E. Lockhart
Delacorte Press 2008
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- dating and relationships
- identity
- self-acceptance
- gossip and reputation
- jealousy
- forgiveness
- resilience
About this book
Ruby Oliver starts junior year at Tate Prep with a newly minted driver’s license, frayed friendships, and a complicated history with boys. Using the tongue‑in‑cheek "Boy Book" she once compiled with a former friend, Ruby navigates crushes, rumors, and therapy sessions with sharp humor and heart. Told in Ruby’s witty, confessional voice, this sequel explores how to mend friendships and find your footing after social fallout. Fans enjoy the fast, funny narration and the honest look at teen relationships and identity.
Setting: contemporary Seattle at a private prep school
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Boy Book right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Boy Book. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include friendship, dating and relationships, identity.
How long does it take to read The Boy Book?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Boy Book takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 54,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Boy Book have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Boy Book has an AR quiz available, worth 7 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Boy Book?
The Boy Book has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.