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The Treasure Map of Boys

(2009, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by E. Lockhart)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Ruby Oliver continues figuring it out in this fun sequel.

Themes in this book include:   dating/crushes, family relationships, friendship, gender issues, growing up
updated 07.08.09

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–15

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Will make teens think about the importance of having love in high school -- and also about how boys and girls get different reputations based on their sexual experiences.

  • Role models:

    Ruby is a real teen girl. She makes mistakes, but in the end figures out what is important.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Ruby describes herself as a "crazy leg-wrapping slut" after making out with Noel. She also talks about how her best friend had sex with her older boyfriend when she was a sophomore.  

  • Language:

    Lots of talk of "hooters" and "sluts" and stuff like a girl who "licks her lips like a porn star."

  • Consumerism:

    Some brands.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Treasure Map of Boys

Parents need to know that Ruby is an authentic character, and as such is obsessed with boys, uses words like "slut" and "hooters," and goes to Starbucks. In one scene, she has a pretty serious kissing session in a unoccupied school classroom.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about reading a series. This is the third book in a series that also includes The Boyfriend List and The Boy List. Do you like following a character through many adventures? What do you think would be fun about writing one -- or hard? Why is it that with a book series, the books often get better -- but movie sequels often disappoint?
  • Ruby has a reputation for being a "slut" at school, though all she has ever done is kissed boys. The boys who kiss her don't seem to be tarnished in the same way -- even the former boyfriend who broke her heart by hooking up with her best friend. Does this seem realistic to you? Does it seem fair?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    lilvanny96
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

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