Fourteen-year-old Felicia, a student of the Manhattan Free Children’s School (aka the Pound), devises a clever science project to work on with her crush, Matthew, in an effort to get closer to him. Thus, Felicia and Matthew begin their search for X—the elusive factor that makes people attracted to one another. Experiments they’ve named “Opposites Attract,” the “Romantic Setting” and the “Best Friend Switcheroo” serve as plot devices to comically carry Felicia, Matthew and the other “kittens” and “dawgs” of the Pound through love triangles, misunderstandings, broken hearts and matchmaking schemes. The Pound, with no supervision and self-directed learning, is an unlikely concept for a school. The text is peppered excessively with capital letters and exclamation points to signify Felicia’s histrionics. Typical for her age, the dramatic behavior is tiring at first, but Felicia’s boundless energy and witty—albeit hyperactive—musings are infectious. Although the title belies something steamier, this is a tame offering for younger teens who enjoy Meg Cabot’s and Sue Limb’s books and are looking for pure entertainment. (Fiction. YA)
