The Treasure Map of Boys (by E. Lockhart)

This is the third installment in the Ruby Oliver series, and the neurotic, funny narrator is still suffering from panic-attacks -- and obsessing over the same boys (even her ex, Jackson, who cheated on her with her former best friend). This book begins in the winter of Ruby's junior year as she plans a fundraising bake sale focused on "deliciousness,"  gets fired from her job at the zoo for trying to protect animals, and gets caught kissing the boy her friend has a crush on. Ultimately, through lots of trial and introspections, she discovers that the treasure map that her therapist asks her to draw about "something you want for yourself in life" should include something more than boys. 

Ruby can be grating at times, but she is such a funny and believable character that readers will forgive her for being a bit self-centered. Teens new to the series will certainly fall in love with her, and empathize with her through her many scrapes. Fans won't find a whole lot new here -- even the boys she's obsessing over are the same as in previous installments -- but they will appreciate that Ruby is as honest, insightful, (and neurotic) as ever. 

Author: E. Lockhart
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication date: June 28, 2009
Number of pages: 256
Hardcover price: $18.99
Read Aloud: 14
Read Alone: 14