Alice in Rapture, Sort Of

The summer of the first boyfriend

That's what Alice's father calls the summer before Alice starts junior high. And because Pamela's cousin from New Jersey says starting seventh grade without a boyfriend is the worst thing that can happen to a girl (even worse than not having pierced ears or a leather skirt), Alice is greatful that she's got Patrick.

The trouble is, Patrick the boyfriend is a lot more complicated than Patrick the friend. What's an appropriate present for Alice to give Patrick for his birthday? What should she do if Patrick wants to kiss her and she hasn't just brushed her teeth? Alice really likes Patrick, but sometimes she thinkgs life would be a lot simpler if they were still just friends.

The summer of the first boyfriend

That's what Alice's father calls the summer before Alice starts junior high. And because Pamela's cousin from New Jersey says starting seventh grade without a boyfriend is the worst thing that can happen to a girl (even worse than not having pierced ears or a leather skirt), Alice is greatful that she's got Patrick.

The trouble is, Patrick the boyfriend is a lot more complicated than Patrick the friend. What's an appropriate present for Alice to give Patrick for his birthday? What should she do if Patrick wants to kiss her and she hasn't just brushed her teeth? Alice really likes Patrick, but sometimes she thinkgs life would be a lot simpler if they were still just friends.

It's the summer before junior high, and Alice and her best friends Elizabeth and Pamela are convinced that they need boyfriends to be successful in school. Luckily, Alice has Patrick, who has always been a good friend. But how will he rate as a boyfriend? Alice needs advice about the rules of dating and kissing. Who should she turn to?

Between bike rides, a beach date, and loads of surprises and disasters, Alice makes a very important discovery about growing up.