How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You

In this debut novel, 16-year-old Aurora Skye relies on a sense of humor to stand tall in the face an overbearing mother, stay sympathetic to her NAD (New Age dad), and (eventually) open her heart to Hayden Paris, the handsome neighbor who’s always popping up at inopportune moments. Threaded throughout Aurora’s story is the detail that she’s never kissed anyone: she is determined to kiss the prince of her dreams, Disney-style, and won’t settle for anything less. This quest serves up significant physical comedy where her suitors are concerned and plenty of misunderstandings between Hayden and Aurora that only bring them closer. Aurora’s indefatigable enthusiasm permeates Eglington’s writing, and keeps every plot twist frothy and fun, whether it involves family, boys, or the production of Much Ado About Nothing Hayden and Aurora star in (whose plot parallels their own journey from mutual antagonism to romantic attraction). Eglington celebrates female friendship and loyalty, too, and Aurora’s sunny outlook will satisfy readers looking for a romantic comedy with a dash of Shakespeare. Ages 12–up. (Oct.)