Toussaint advises boys on how to effectively communicate with girls in this book, first published in Australia. Tackling negative stereotypes (aka “boy myths”), he encourages boys to express emotions, know when to walk away from dangerous situations, and resist pressure to be “macho.” He also suggests good conversation topics; offers tips on what not to discuss with a girl; and covers dating protocols, like how to decipher whether or not a girl is interested, or why something might have made her upset. Toussaint also includes a chapter for gay, bisexual, and transgender teens, as well as a brief (Australia-focused) list of resources. Available simultaneously: How to Talk to Boys by Dianne Todaro. Ages 14�up. (Sept.)
Gr 8 Up—Two Australian imports that add nothing new to the already crowded field of teen dating guides. Both books offer advice for navigating male-female communication for virtual chatting and face-to-face conversations. The texts are too long—especially considering that they both declare that talking to members of the opposite sex is "not rocket science." Be open to communication and respect oneself are the overarching themes. Boys has some warning about not asking boys out, which seems old-fashioned a decade into the 21st century. And the cover of Girls features a fully clothed boy and a bikini-clad girl. The layout is nicely styled, but it doesn't overcome the "been-there, read-that" tone.—Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta
