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iceangel9's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
A collection of short stories by a variety of YA authors. Each story is about a teen "on the fringe," the outsider in their high school. Some of the stories are very good, others push agendas - but all are thought provoking.
ivy_reads_'s review
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
malloryeasterday15's review
5.0
A wonderful collection of short stories suitable for young adults. Although, some stories may need an introduction just because the content is pretty heavy. I will be passing this one on to my younger brother!
williamsdebbied's review
4.0
Another home-run collection for young adults edited by Donald R. Gallo. Anyone who reads YA lit will recognize the phenomenal authors featured in this collection--M.E. Kerr, Chris Crutcher, Jack Gantos, and Joan Bauer, to name a few.
What I liked best about this collection is that it went beyond the stereotypical tales of puny geeks getting bullied by muscle-bound, light-on-brains jocks. Each story deals with unique individuals who feels like outsiders for a variety of reasons. My favorite stories: "Muzak for Prozac," about a boy who stays medicated in order to deal with his guilt at outing a lesbian classmate and "Guns for Geeks," a horrifying and heartbreaking story inspired by the Columbine tragedy about a boy who is just not going to take the bullying anymore.
Another collection of short stories that I also recommend, edited by Gallo as well, is No Easy Answers.
What I liked best about this collection is that it went beyond the stereotypical tales of puny geeks getting bullied by muscle-bound, light-on-brains jocks. Each story deals with unique individuals who feels like outsiders for a variety of reasons. My favorite stories: "Muzak for Prozac," about a boy who stays medicated in order to deal with his guilt at outing a lesbian classmate and "Guns for Geeks," a horrifying and heartbreaking story inspired by the Columbine tragedy about a boy who is just not going to take the bullying anymore.
Another collection of short stories that I also recommend, edited by Gallo as well, is No Easy Answers.
lizpatanders's review
3.0
This is a collection of short stories for young adults about students who don't fit in at their high schools. It deals with the issues of violence and bullying and the impact of these things on the individual and the community. I think this book could be very significant for young readers because although it doesn't solve any of the problems it discusses, it definitely opens up thoughts and questions about the issues.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, but I wouldn't call it a light read. It's well written and I have to say that I thought the characterization was great in all of the stories. I thik a lot of people who have ever felt different from their classmates will, in some way, be able to relate to this book. However, I do think I would have enjoyed it more around the age of junior high and perhaps gotten more from it at that point.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, but I wouldn't call it a light read. It's well written and I have to say that I thought the characterization was great in all of the stories. I thik a lot of people who have ever felt different from their classmates will, in some way, be able to relate to this book. However, I do think I would have enjoyed it more around the age of junior high and perhaps gotten more from it at that point.
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