Destination Unexpected [Hardcover]

Donald R. Gallo (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2003

Ten extraordinary authors contribute original stories about journeys of discovery, taking readers on a trip they’ll never forget - and to destinations
they never expected.

Darius climbs on a bus to a part of town he’s never seen. Mick goes for a
short walk on a dark golf course with a sister he barely knows. Jared rides
his bike day after day to the same destination, ultimately reaching a very
different one. Whether they’re leaving the country or just walking around
the block, whether traveling to Europe, Cape Cod, summer camp, the racetrack, or the local diner, the characters in these stories experience things along the way that change the way they look at the world, and at themselves. As distinct as they are compelling, these ten tales of intriguing teenage journeys are spun by ten outstanding authors - including Newbery Award winner Richard Peck, National Book Award winner Kimberly Willis Holt, and Boston Globe-Horn Book Award winner Graham Salisbury.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up-This anthology is composed of stories in which the protagonists embark on journeys that are both literal and metaphorical; their physical progressions mirror inner transformations inspired by events big and small. The authors represented include Kimberly Willis Holt and Ron Koertge, and tone and subject matter vary widely from story to story. Readers encounter pieces that are poetically insightful (Joyce Sweeney's "Something Old, Something New"), whimsically quirky (Richard Peck's "The Kiss in the Carryon Bag"), and downright creepy (Graham Salisbury's "Mosquito"). The quality throughout, however, is consistent, as each story is well crafted and true to its voice. This would be a great choice for fans of short-story collections such as Cathy Young's One Hot Second: Stories about Desire (Knopf, 2002).
Alison Ching, North Garland High School, Garland, TX
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 7-12. This outstanding collection of 10 short stories features teen protagonists experiencing a transforming experience while on some kind of journey. In Joyce Sweeney's "Something Old, Something New," Darius is apprehensive about leaving his poor neighborhood to go to a rich part of town to receive an award for a writing contest, but his fears are put to rest when he is warmly welcomed as a writer among equals instead of a poor black kid. Margaret Haddix's "My People" features a high-school girl from rural Appalachia who attends a summer college program and discovers that living in the city or suburbs and having money does not necessarily make one smarter or more sophisticated. Graham Salisbury, Alex Flinn, Kimberly Willis Holt, Ron Koertge, David Lubar, Richard Peck, Will Weaver, and Ellen Wittlinger contribute stories, as well. Whether humorous or serious, the stories are consistently well written and engaging. They will be great for booktalking as they will appeal to a wide range of teen readers. A solid roundup from an experienced anthologist. Ed Sullivan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763617644
• ISBN-13: 978-0763617646
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,398,977 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.