Boys I Know
Boys I Know by Anna Gracia, published by Holiday House on June 20, 2023, is a young adult fiction novel that explores the intricate dynamics of identity and relationships. The story follows high school senior June Chu as she navigates the challenges of messy boys and even messier expectations from her Taiwanese mother. Struggling to meet her mother’s high standards while trying to establish her own identity, June’s journey reflects the complexities of adolescence and the pressures that come with it.
In this edition, readers will find a raw and realistic portrayal of teenage life, focusing on themes of dating, sexuality, and the Asian American experience. As June grapples with her relationships and the expectations placed upon her, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that challenges her to define her own path. With 352 pages, this book delves into the nuanced intersections of love and identity, offering an unflinching look at the realities faced by teen girls today.
Official synopsis Publisher
A modern Judy Blume meets Jenny Han.
“[A] complex coming-of-age story about identity and sexuality.”—The New York Times
A high school senior navigates messy boys, messier relationships, and the struggle of never quite living up to her Taiwanese mother’s expectations.
June Chu has always been the “just good enough” girl. Good enough to line the shelves with third-place trophies and steal secret kisses from her AP Bio partner, Rhys. But not good enough to meet her mother’s unrelenting expectations, or get Rhys to commit.
While June’s mother insists she follow in her (perfect) sister’s footsteps and get a (full-ride) violin scholarship, June doesn’t see the point in trying too hard if she’s destined to fall short anyway. Instead, she focuses her efforts on making her relationship with Rhys “official.” But after her methodically planned, tipsily executed scheme explodes on the level of a nuclear disaster, she flings herself into a new relationship with a guy who’s not allergic to the word girlfriend.
As the line between sex and love blurs, and pressure to map out her entire future threatens to burst, June will have to decide on whose terms she’s going to live her life—even if it means fraying her relationship with her mother beyond repair.
Boys I Know is a raw and realistic look into the lives of teen girls, examining the complex overlap between teen sexuality and Asian American identity. A sharp and unflinchingly honest journey of self-discovery.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Boys I Know” about?
Who is the author of “Boys I Know”?
When was “Boys I Know” published?
What is the ISBN for “Boys I Know”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
