1,000 Reasons Never to Kiss a Boy

Reason One: Because a boy will betray you in a walk-in fridge . . . And when this happens you will be too surprised and mad and confused to move, let alone give him the quick kick he so totally deserves.
This is how Jane's whirlwind four-month relationship with Elliot comes to an end-in the walk-in fridge, at the bagel shop, with Valerie. Jane is distraught, and vows to never get involved with another boy. Why bother when there are a thousand reasons why it will never be worth it. But there are more surprises in store for Jane this year, and one of them-a surprisingly cute one of them-lives right next door.

Children's Literature

Sixteen-year-old Jane has only just begun to feel the immense joy of teen love when it is suddenly over. She finds her boyfriend Elliot in a hormonal clutch with another girl in the walk-in refrigerator at the bagel shop where they all work. Faster than you can say "lox," Elliot is fired, but that does not mean that Jane's broken heart is quickly mended. Stung by his unexpected betrayal, Jane reflects on the ups and downs of their ill-fated romance, works through her feelings of anger, and decides to give up boys forever. Martha Freeman's Jane is a romantically immature, but thoroughly likable heroine. This story, with its complete cast of unique supporting characters, maintains a humorous tone as it builds toward a surprisingly satisfying conclusion.