6-321 [Hardcover]

Michael Laser (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2001

More went on in sixth grade than the rest of my life put together. In just two months, I fell in love, watched my family break into pieces, and came this close to getting beaten to a pulp along with all my friends -- not to mention meeting Mickey Mantle and getting attacked by the biggest juvenile delinquent in the school. It's like this year was a nuclear chain reaction, exploding the scared little kid I used to be and turning me into a more grown-up self.

Things are not always how they seem. That's what Marc Chaikin learns in this touching, beautifully wrought coming-of-age novel set in the 1960s. When his sixth-grade class, 6-321, gets caught up in a feud with a rival class, Marc's life is turned upside-down. As he watches the things and the people he took for granted change before his eyes, he learns that maybe he has the power to change them -- and that he doesn't have to stay invisible in order to survive.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Laser's (The Rain) school-days yarn set in Queens, N.Y., during the 1960s may carry more relevance to the over-40 crowd than its target audience, but some poignant moments will hold the interest of teen readers. Those unfamiliar with the historical setting could grow restless tracing sixth-grade narrator Marc's numerous ups and downs. For instance, the narrative presumes that readers will understand the impact of Kennedy's assassination on the characters in lieu of delving deeply into Marc's and others' individual responses and actions; similarly, the disgrace caused by the separation of Marc's parents may be lost without a historical context. The author excels in portraying the more universal and accessible turning points in Marc's life, including his first infatuation with a girl (and her subsequent rejection of him, in one of the novel's best scenes, during a game of Scrabble), his run-ins with bullies from another class and Marc's initial fear of an intimidating teacher who, predictably, turns out to be his mentor. Laser balances an exploration of Marc's growing pains with humorous anecdotes. The book's leisurely pace and introspective nature demand patience, but encourage reflection. The reward for readers is a series of poetically crystallized moments as a boy on the brink of manhood becomes initiated into the larger world outside classroom 6-321. Ages 10-14.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Gr 5-7-Marc Chaikin's life has always been stable and steady but he is about to discover hatred and first love. Marc and his friends in 6-321 (the highest academic class) are being bullied by the students in 6-309 (the lowest academic achievers) and anger and hostility are escalating. Meanwhile, he is fighting the most popular boy in class for the affection of Lily Wu, his idea of the perfect girl. On the day of the agreed "big fight," President Kennedy is shot, and priorities suddenly change. Written in a direct style, and set within the narrow confines of Queens, NY, in 1963, this coming-of-age story subtly draws readers in. Laser's uncomplicated language allows his theme about image and expectation to come through clearly.-Amy Stultz, Leesburg Public Library, FL

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum; 1st edition (March 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689833725
• ISBN-13: 978-0689833724
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,720,512 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Nostalgic Trip, March 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: 6-321 (Hardcover)

It seems strange to use the word "halcyon" to describe the turbulent 60's, the era of Vietnam and the Kennedy assassination. However, Mr. Laser lovingly recreates that era when children did not have computers or video games to distract them...when school projects were joint efforts...when neighborhood schools were really neighborhood schools. Yet, today's young readers will realize that their wants, needs, fears, desires are not that different from children of yesteryear. This is a book for young readers to enjoy. I think their parents will enjoy it too. What a wonderful way to bond with one's children.

5.0 out of 5 stars 6-321 lover!, April 26, 2002

By 

Olivia Schoen (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 6-321 (Audio Cassette)

I thought this book was one of the best books I've ever read. It's a coming-of-age story and also has some comedy, drama, and sorrow. My favorite part was when the children heard of Kennedy's assasination and realized how unimportant their school yard fighting really was. I recomend this book to people of all ages.

3.0 out of 5 stars Better for younger readers, January 27, 2002

By 

Amelia Merwin (Burbank, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 6-321 (Hardcover)

This book started out really well, and I thought I would like it a lot. But really, nothing exciting happened. My favorite part was probably when the boys are telling the secrets that they know. Also, why does the principal believe that Marc always has something to do with a fight when he was the one being beat up? Better for younger readers.