Title: Girl v. Boy
Author: Yvonne Collins
First published July 8, 2008
320 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781423101574 (ISBN10: 142310157X)
Rating: 3.75
Overview
In Yvonne Collins’ captivating book, Girl v. Boy, Luisa Perez is an average high school student who has no interest in participating in any extracurricular activities.
However, when her English teacher nominates her to be an anonymous columnist for the school paper, Luisa reluctantly agrees, hoping it will help her chances of getting into college. Her first assignment is to cover her school’s latest fundraiser, which pits the girls against the boys.
Luisa is tasked with providing the female perspective, while another anonymous writer covers the male perspective. But when the two columnists begin to engage in a battle of the sexes, Luisa is determined to come out on top.
Who is this guy encouraging his peers to act like Neanderthals with their girlfriends? And why can’t Luisa shake the feeling that her new nemesis might also be her new boyfriend?
Full of humor and heart, Girl v. Boy is a must-read for anyone who has ever been in a high school rivalry.
About the Author
When Sandy and I aren’t collaborating on books, you can find me on a film set, where every day is an adventure. I’ve rappelled down the CN Tower in Toronto, stared down a Grizzly bear, danced with Gregory Hines, and even shared a pint with the iconic Lord Guinness of Ireland.
In 2003, I was honored with the prestigious Woody Award from Panavision Canada for my exceptional camera work. It was a true highlight of my career.
Interestingly, I almost pursued a career in law enforcement, but my psychological profile didn’t quite fit the bill. I also had a brief stint as a bank manager, but let’s not dwell on that.
Instead, let’s focus on the restaurant gig that brought my husband into my life. I was a bartender and he was a busboy, and we’ve been a perfect match ever since.
I’m the boss and he’s the cleanup crew – for both me and our schnauzer, who we affectionately refer to as a “four-bagger” (fellow dog owners, you know what I mean).
When I’m not on set or writing, I’m a self-proclaimed tea granny and a home decor magazine enthusiast. I don’t own a piano but love to play, and I own two guitars that I never seem to get around to playing.
I also sing to my dog, wear fleece year-round, and never miss an episode of Coronation Street.
But enough about me – my tea has gone cold, and let’s be honest, you probably lost interest after the Woody Award mention.
Editoral Review
Yvonne Collins’ debut novel, Girl v. Boy, published in 2008, is a young adult romance novel that explores the theme of gender equality.
Collins is a co-author of several young adult novels, including Love, Inc. and What I Really Want to Do Is Direct.
The novel follows the story of high school students Luisa Perez and Nick Grayson, who are both competing for the position of student body president in their school. Luisa, a feminist and an activist, is determined to win the election and promote gender equality, while Nick, the popular jock, is running for the position to impress his father and boost his college application.
As the election campaign heats up, Luisa and Nick find themselves falling for each other, despite their ideological differences.
Collins sets the story in a contemporary high school setting, providing a relatable backdrop for young adult readers. The novel explores the themes of gender stereotypes and equality, which are still relevant and significant issues in society today.
The writing style is engaging and accessible, making it a quick and easy read. The characters are well-developed, with distinct personalities and motivations.
The pacing of the plot is steady, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested.
One of the strengths of the novel is its portrayal of the female protagonist as a strong and independent character who fights for her beliefs. The author does an excellent job of challenging gender stereotypes and promoting gender equality through the character of Luisa.
However, the novel also has some weaknesses. The romantic subplot between Luisa and Nick feels rushed and underdeveloped, which detracts from the overall impact of the story.
Additionally, some of the secondary characters lack depth and are underutilized in the plot.
In comparison to other young adult romance novels, Girl v. Boy stands out for its focus on gender equality and its promotion of feminist ideals.
It would be an excellent read for young adults who are interested in exploring these themes and developing a deeper understanding of gender issues.
Overall, Girl v. Boy is a well-written and engaging young adult romance novel that offers an important message about gender equality.
Although it has some flaws, it is still a worthy read for young adults who want to explore these themes and learn more about the fight for gender equality. I would give it a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.
