Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

By:

Niki Burnham, Terri Clark, Ellen Hopkins and Lynda Sandoval

304p.

Graphia

ISBN-10: 0547014996
ISBN-13: 978-0547014999

Annotation:

An analogy of short stories that explore different break up scenarios written by top Young Adult authors.

Summary:

Four stories that explore different facets of a break-up. Each author has a very specific style, including a story in verse that takes a different perspective on what love is.

Our first story introduces us to Toby a band geek with a girlfriend he refers to as “stacked” who loves his girlfriend but has chosen to refrain from sex, his girlfriend however wants to prove their love by pressuring him into it, forcing a heated argument in the school’s parking lot and a broken heart. Who now must reconcile himself with the idea that he just turned down sex from the hottest girl in school. What is a guy to do?

Our second story has to do with a goth named Dee, who is “head over combat boots” for her football boyfriend until they get into a car accident and due to a bump on the head can now read his thoughts, and that he is cheating on her is only the first thing she learns. Don't mess with a mind reading Goth with a taste for vengance, it a guarantee for disaster.

Our third novel is told through verse form by the extremely talented Ellen Hopkins, author of the novels Burned and Crank. Sending a message of empowerment and comfort to anyone who has ever had someone break up with them.

Lastly, we are introduced to Mia a lesbian who over the summer happened to bag the hottest girl in school non-lesbian Paige. After three months of relationship bliss theirs is challenge when forced by the pressures of peers, Paige refuses to admit their relationship and goes on to imply that Mia is just a stalker. What sets this anthology apart is that the authors approach the idea of break-ups in a lighthearted manner and remind students that it is ok to stick to ones values.

Each of these stories is strong and enjoyable on their own, but extremely more powerful when they are read together. This book will have teens and parents alike racing to check it out, so that they can comfort that special person in their life going through that difficult time, and just think how much healthier it is than a carton of ice cream.

Two Parties, One Tux and a Very Short Film about the Grapes of Wrath

Two Parties, One Tux and a Very Short Film about the Grapes of Wrath
By: Steven Goldman

320p
Bloomsbury USA Children's Books


ISBN-10: 1599902710
ISBN-13: 978-1599902715

Annotation:
Mitch, a shy and awkward high school junior, negotiates the difficult social situations he encounters, both with girls and his best friend David, after David reveals to him that he is gay.

Summary:
Goldman introduces us to Mitchell an intelligent but lazy high school junior. The story opens as Mitchell is told by his best friend David that he is gay. Since David and Mitchell do nearly everything together (movies, school, and attend parties) Mitchell must now reexamine all aspects of his relationship with David; and find the perfect date for prom.

This book is made more interesting when David and Mitchell make an experimental short Claymation film based extremely loose on Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath filled with biblical imagery and controversial nudity scenes. Mitchell decides to show his film in place of turning in a paper on the novel, and his problems spiral out of control. Mitchell must now deal with the impending judicial review on his film, which may cause him to get expelled, plus the expanding sexual animosity between him and David. In addition, Mitchell has garnered the attention of Danielle the extremely attractive and recently single popular girl at school.

Goldman’s first novel is told with a dry wit that at times can be humorous, but can also come off as slow. His main characters seem, likeable enough and tend to mirror much of the attitudes of adolescents, however the problems that Mitchell faces and the his attitude for much of the book comes off as whiny and unfeeling.