Uses For Boys Trailer!

“Haunting, frank and un-put-downable.”—STARRED Kirkus Review*

“Scheidt’s novel packs a punch; this fast-moving book can be devoured in one sitting, but reveals even more upon rereading.” – STARRED Publishers Weekly Review *

“Lots of teens will see themselves in the pages of this beautiful, honest novel.—STARRED Booklist*

“I wish every young woman could gain the wisdom found in these pages. Quiet. Stark. Possibly life changing.” —Ellen Hopkins, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Like its narrator, Uses for Boys is poetic, edgy and strong . . . I finished it in two sittings and sobbed at the end.” —Francesca Lia Block, New York Times bestselling author

From Erica Lorraine Scheidt, a remarkable new talent in Young Adult literature, comes USES FOR BOYS (St. Martin’s Griffin; January 15, 2013) a hauntingly beautiful coming-of-age debut about a girl who grows up loveless and alone and, following in her mother's footsteps, begins to believe that if she gives boys what they want, they will give her what she needs.
Anna remembers a time before boys, when she was little and everything made sense. When she and her mom were a family, just the two of them against the world. But now her mom is gone most of the time, chasing the next marriage, bringing home the next stepfather. Anna is left on her own—until she discovers that she can make boys her family.
From Desmond to Joey, Todd to Sam, Anna learns that if you give boys what they want, you can get what you need.  But the price is high. The other kids make fun of her; the girls call her a slut. Anna's new friend, Toy, seems to have found a way around the loneliness, but Toy has her own secrets that even Anna can't know.
Then comes Sam. When Anna actually meets a boy who is more than just useful, whose family eats dinner together, laughs, and tells stories, the truth about love becomes clear. And she finally learns how it feels to have something to lose—and something to offer.
Real, shocking, uplifting, and stunningly lyrical, Uses for Boys is a story of breaking down and growing up.  I look forward to discussing January and February coverage with you for this compelling debut novel.

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