How to Talk to Girls

HOW TO TALK TO GIRLS; Alec Greven; New York: HarperCollins, 2008; 46pgs. Juvenile
Non-fiction.
Alec Greven is a nine year old fourth grader at Soaring Hawk Elementary school, where he did his research on talking to girls. Nominally his book is directed towards other elementary school boys, but his is truly one of the better books I have read on how to make friends and get along. Alec wisely points out that a boy would be better off trying to be friends with a regular girl instead of a really pretty one because although 73% of regular girls ditch boys, a whopping 98% of pretty girls will bum you off. So "when you see a pretty girl, don't let her tractor beam pull you in." Getting a girl's attention is necessary, but difficult, because girls don't like show-offs. Just say "hi" and if she says "hi" back, you are on your way. Also, if you like a girl "comb your hair and don't wear sweats." Young Alec is delightful young man, and so is his book, for boys of all ages. For anyone!

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