The Boyfriend List
15 Guys, 11 Shrink Appointments, 4 Ceramic Frogs and Me, Ruby Oliver
by E. Lockhart
National Geographic Books 2006
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.1 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- rumors and reputation
- identity
- first love
- anxiety and mental health
- self-acceptance
- forgiveness
- high school social dynamics
About this book
Fifteen-year-old Ruby Oliver is navigating the fallout from a breakup, friendship drama, and a suddenly infamous list of boys—plus regular visits to her therapist. Told with humor, footnotes, and honest introspection, Ruby pieces together how everything went sideways and what it means to speak up for herself. This relatable, laugh-out-loud contemporary novel captures the intensity of high school crushes and cliques while treating anxiety and mental health with warmth. Perfect for teens who enjoy witty voices, messy friendships, and realistic romance without spoilers.
Setting: contemporary Seattle, a private high school and a therapist’s office
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Boyfriend List right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Boyfriend List. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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, rumors and reputation, identity.
How long does it take to read The Boyfriend List?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Boyfriend List takes around 7.9h to finish. The book has 78,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Boyfriend List have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Boyfriend List has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Boyfriend List?
The Boyfriend List has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.