New Boy in Town

by Jan Nickerson

Nancy Jo is starting her senior year of high school and is focused on one goal--going to college. Prepared to spend her year sequestered in her room, studying for for exams, Nancy Jo is happily distracted by a new arrival in town. John Forbes is smart, good-looking, and talented. But when he starts returning her interest, Nancy Jo can’t help but notice the differences between his posh, wealthy family and her own working-class roots, especially when she’s constantly worried about how to pay for college. Nancy Jo must struggle not only with balancing a social life, school work, and a job, but also her own insecurities surrounding her social class.

Genres: Classics

214 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1960

Reviews

[Teresa Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the simplicity of this book and the great look at how idyllic life was in the 50's. It's not a page turner or a classic, but I like to revisit it from time to time for its sweetness and a yearning for life as it used to be.

[Meg W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy Jo Marshall is in her senior year of high school and her hearts desire is to attend college after graduation. The thing casting a shadow over her dream isn't her grades, but her lack of funds. On top of that she is trying to catch the eye of the new boy who, for some unknown reason, is so different from all the other boys.

My favorite things about this book are the way Nancy Jo develops her love of history and John Forbes old world gallantry.

[Tashina Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, but wouldn't need to read it twice. It was a little problematic in that the boy was shown as being just so much more "together" than the girl who had lots of issues to work out. The boy seemed almost flawless and having to school the girl at life.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH ITS AMAZING IVE READ IT LIKE 10 TIMES
I LOVE JOHN AND NANCY JO ITS SO PERFECT
all of the characters are so vivid and I can perfectly imagine every single scene and I cannot recommend this book enough

[Forever Young Adult]

Graded By: Alix
Cover Story: Vintage
BFF Charm: Yay!
Swoonworthy Scale: 2
Talky Talk: Golly, This Book Sure Is Old!
Bonus Factors: Clair and Cliff Huxtable Award for Awesome Parenthood, 1950s
Relationship Status: Elderly BFF

Read the full book report here.

[Alix West · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read my review on Forever Young Adult.