The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers
on Goodreads (3,470)
What’s inside...
A charming YA rom-com perfect for fans of Red, White, and Royal Blue and What If It’s Us. Micah Summers runs a popular Instagram full of drawings of his numerous imaginary boyfriends (ninety-nine so far)—though he's never had a real boyfriend before. But when a meet-cute with Boy 100 goes wrong, Micah embarks on a Prince Charming-like quest throughout Chicago to find true love—for real this time. Will Boy 100 be the One? Micah is rich, dreamy, and charming. As the “Prince of Chicago,”—the son of local celebrity sports radio host known as the King of Chicago—he has everything going for him. Unfortunately, he’s also the prince of imaginary meet-cutes, since he’s too nervous to actually ask boys out. Instead, Micah draws each crush to share on Instagram with a post about their imaginary dates. Ninety-nine “boyfriends” later, his account is hugely popular, and everyone is eagerly awaiting Boy 100. So is Micah. He’s determined that Boy 100 will be different. This time, Micah will sweep the boy off his feet, for real! So when Micah flirts with a hot boy on the L who’s wearing a vegan leather jacket and lugging a ton of library books, he is sure this is Boy 100. But right before he can make his move and ask for the boy’s number, the guy rushes off the train, leaving behind his pumpkin-embroidered jacket. The jacket holds clues to the boy’s identity, so Micah and his friends set off on a quest to return it. Along the way, Micah will discover that the best relationships aren’t fairy tales. In fact, the perfect fit—and true love—might be closer than he thinks.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
344 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Micah feels as he meets each new boyfriend, and why?
What do you think Micah learns about himself and relationships by the end of the story?
How do the various relationships Micah has influence his understanding of what he wants in a partner?
What role do Micah's friends and family play in his journey, and why is their support important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathy to connect with the character: Encourage your child to express how they might feel in Micah’s situations, fostering a deeper understanding of the character’s emotions and decisions.
Highlight the concept of self-discovery: Discuss with your child how relationships can teach us more about ourselves, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and self-awareness.
Discuss the support system: Talk about the importance of having support from friends and family in making life decisions, just like Micah does in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding diversity
Explanation: The variety of characters in 'The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers' showcases a spectrum of backgrounds, illustrating the concept of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by appreciating and embracing differences among their peers, leading to more inclusive behaviors.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: Micah Summers encounters diverse personalities and scenarios that pose challenges, teaching resilience through adaptability and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn to navigate their own difficulties in school or in social settings, building resilience by adapting to situations or seeking help when needed.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-discovery
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Micah's interactions pull him towards self-discovery, emphasizing its importance.
Real-World Application: This inspires children to explore their own interests and passions, promoting self-awareness and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Micah’s experiences with different boyfriends unveil multiple perspectives, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of others.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice empathy in their daily interactions, trying to understand their friends’ feelings and viewpoints, enhancing emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in pursuit of happiness
Explanation: Micah's continued quest for the right companion exemplifies perseverance for personal happiness.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persisting in their pursuit of goals, whether educational or personal, reinforcing determination and dedication.