8th grader Kevin Spencer knows he'd make a great boyfriend--neverminding that he's never so much as asked a girl out on a date. But when hotshot new kid Cash Devine starts spending a little too much time with Kev's crush, Tina, Kevin decides that it's time to take action. Since he's too afraid to actually talk to Tina--let alone ask her out--he does does the next best thing: research. By approaching love and romance through the lense of scientific theory, Kevin hopes to unravel the mysteries of the universe and use the knowledge to win over Tina.

This is a fun and funny coming-of-age story (I laughed outloud several times). The swift pace and short length make it a great choice for reluctant readers (I read it in one sitting). Though part of a series, this stands alone.

Bravo, Mr. Paulsen. Bravo.