On the Fringe: Stories (Paperback)

by Various (Author), Donald R. Gallo (Editor) "HEY, RENEE. WASSUP?..." (more)
Key Phrases: Onondaga John, Gene Taylor, Blue Moon (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Adolescent outsiders are the subject of On the Fringe, a collection of 11 short stories by well-known YA authors, edited by Donald R. Gallo. Joan Bauer describes confronting the "jock flock" who have a bonding ritual called, "Get the Geeks" and M.E. Kerr demonstrates the determination of Brian, nicknamed "Mousey," to show everyone he isn't a loser. Other authors include Jack Gantos, Chris Crutcher and Angela Johnson ( May)
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-Kids who are geeks, unathletic, poor, emotionally fragile, loners, or unattractive by current standards form the heart of this collection of exceptional stories by well-known YA authors such as Joan Bauer, Chris Crutcher, and M. E. Kerr. Inspired by the events at Columbine High School, the authors pondered what sorts of heartbreak could cause teens to react so powerfully and violently, and how being isolated and shut out of high school groups could tear down the fragile walls of self-esteem, making vulnerable individuals snap and cause massive destruction. The result is a compilation of short stories from the point of view of those tormented, and those who view others being bullied and how their perceptions change as they examine the situations. While all the stories are excellent, Jack Gantos's "Muzak for Prozac" is an exceptional example of the fragile balance that one teen struggles to maintain through the use of mood-stabilizing chemicals. A must-buy for all libraries.-Susan Riley, Greenburgh Public Library, Elmsford, NY

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Speak (March 24, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142500267
• ISBN-13: 978-0142500262
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #73,288 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book for Sharing, May 23, 2004

By	A teacher (Owings Mills, Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Fringe (Hardcover)

I used selections from this collection as read-alouds for my 8th grade language arts class (I end class most days with a read-aloud, while students keep a response journal). Because of the subject matter, these stories definitely engage the students and keep their attention. Do they all "get" the message? No, but I guarantee that when you look around the room and see the eyes of those two or three students who are themselves on the fringe, you will know it was worth it.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touching, honest and engaging, May 22, 2001

By	Teacher K (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Fringe (Hardcover)

As a middle school teacher I am constantly trying to help those who are on the fringe to feel more included and to understand that being on the fringe is not such a bad thing! This book does just that! It is an amazing book and I am using it to lead discussions in my reading class. I have kids fighting over it at the end of each class period. The stories are real and my middle school students are able to connect with them. I highly recommend it!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The War At School, May 2, 2005

By	student008528 "Reggie" (Stanford Kentucky) - See all my reviews

There is a war going on in our schools. Although many people may not see it or many people may not be aware of it the war is there I'm talking about the on going fighting between "outcasts" and the "populars". Through some tragic events, some heart warming, and some that just want to make you stand up to anyone who gets in your way you see the realities of violence and harshness of some lives which are the victims of this so called war. Through theses collections of short stories with authors such as Jack Gantos many lessons can be learned. It is a book that will make think about the kids at your school and events that have happened in your community that have taken place I this book. Maybe this book may change the way you think and make you a better person.
One of these short stories by Chris Crutcher is "Guns For Geeks." In this story Gene Taylor has always been the "outcast" at school. When he was young he was beaten in front his class for smarting off to the teacher Mr. Dickenson at their Christmas party. As he went on through school his troubles went on he was even yelled at when he had to give a statement in front of the student body! The main characters in this story are Sam and T.J. They are Mr. Beemer's class and are taking about guns in school but little do they know Gene Taylor is going to turn this lesson into first hand view of what death is like.
Through these shocking and horrible happenings, Sam and T.J. are forced to be heroes. Sometimes lessons can be learned through the most horrible experiences you could ever think of. Chris Crutcher does an excellent job at this by going through the troubles of boy's life. Who lashes out at all those people who thought was quiet and never thought anything of him. It shows that everything can change in the blink of an eye.
This book is great for any student who loves comedy, action, tragedy, and drama. This book has it all with the amazing short stories that are collected within the book. It is a great read and I highly recommend this book to anyone students or adults' whom are just looking for a good easy read. I love this book and I think it is fantastic.