Synopses & Reviews
This gripping novel in prose-poetry form interweaves the stories of four high-school students: Kurt, the freak who gets bullied by his peers; Ryan, the football star who walks the hallways like a king; Tisha, who feels like an unattractive misfit because shes of mixed race; and Floater, the operator who acts as the principals right-hand man. During the course of a single school day, escalating events involving bullying, racism, and an accusation of rape bring these four very different teenagers together. As tensions rise and emotions reach the breaking point, will Kurt, Ryan, Tisha, and Floater be able to reach out to one another before tragedy occurs?
Review
"Adoff creates palpable tension as he explores each character's state of mind through the physical and emotional pain of being ignored, rejected, or terrorized. [T]his is a powerful, complex, skillfully written novel that even the most reluctant reader will find accessible." -Booklist
Synopsis
During one day at school, the paths of four teens will cross in ways they never imagined. There's Kurt, the "freek" who tries desperately to escape bullying; Tisha, who doesn't feel she fits in with anyone; Ryan, the football jock who rules the hallways while losing control of his life; and Floater, who uses his connections to gain dangerous power. On this day, teasing, racism, loneliness, and secrets bring each of them to the breaking point. Now they must help each other prevent a tragedy. The voices of these four teens weave together in prose-poetry to create a powerful read.
About the Author
Jaime Adoff is the author of The Song Shoots Out of My Mouth, illustrated by Martin French. It is a Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Honor Book, an IRA Young-Adult Fiction Honor Book, and a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age.