Kissing Tennessee: And Other Stories from the Stardust Dance [Hardcover]

Kathi Appelt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2000

Mason and Carrie Marie can't summon up the courage to ask each other to dance. Lindy knows her best friend is making a huge mistake with her boyfriend, but she doesn't know how to tell her. Cub is struggling with the feelings he has for his friend Trent. Russ's girlfriend has died, and now he's just trying to live without her. Peggy Lee has grown up with Tennessee, but can she ever think of him as more than a friend? In her first book for older readers, Kathi Appelt brings a group of unforgettable students together for the most memorable night of their lives. •The first book for older readers from a popular picture book author •Eight short stories—a favorite format for teen readers—that capture the humor and mixed emotions of growing up

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"For this one night,
this one room
is no longer the
Dogwood Junior High cafeteria,
not at all.
It's the Stardust Dance.
You're invited."

The eighth-grade Stardust Dance at Dogwood Junior High School is the place where dreams, with the help of a few paper moons and a whole lot of glitter, just might come true. Tawny is hoping that her borrowed shoes with the red rhinestone bows will somehow turn her into Cinderella. Mary Sarah dares for the first time in her life to tie a colored ribbon in her hair and apply forbidden lipstick. Russ wonders if he'll ever get over his first love, the unforgettable Annie P. Peggy Lee is enchanted by the magic of her childhood beau Tennessee's kisses. And Cub Tanner hides from the whole affair on the school roof as he nurses a surprising secret crush.

Kissing Tennessee, Kathi Appelt's first book for older readers, is a nice mix of frothiness and substance. Appelt humorously and accurately describes the making and breaking of the eighth-grade heart, while still tackling weighty issues like date rape, same-sex crushes, and family violence. Best of all, the entire short novel can be devoured in one study-hall period. This is a great choice for reluctant readers. (Ages 12 and older) --Jennifer Hubert

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9-Readers may be surprised by the powerful literary mix that they encounter in this short-story collection. In interrelated selections, individual students prepare for their eighth-grade dance, and every story shifts imperceptibly through a broad spectrum of teen issues. Rachel's religious father is abusive and volatile; Becca is the victim of date rape. Cub wraps himself in the scent of his father's old shirt hoping to protect himself from "The Question"-a private doubt about his sexuality that is taunting and terrifying him. The title story is equally fulfilling with a more traditional romantic flavor. The various moods are caught with immediacy and intimacy, and the resolutions occur in precious little time. This collection will spark conversation in contemporary literature discussions, will quietly unsettle readers, and will elevate the quality of short-story collections.
Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; 1 edition (May 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 015202249X
• ISBN-13: 978-0152022495
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,798,806 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Kissing Tennessee and Other Stories from the Stardust Dance, October 8, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Kissing Tennessee: And Other Stories from the Stardust Dance (Hardcover)

Kissing Tennessee and Other Stories from the Stardust Dance by Kathi Appelt is a book of short stories about teens and some of the problems they face. These are some of the examples that the kids face in the eight stories. In Rachel's Sister, Mary Sarah struggles against memories of her and her sister escaping their abusive father. In Starbears Cub Tanner deals with his confusion about The Question, which is really many questions all rolled up into one. Why does he have such strong feelings for Trent Davis? In These Shoes, Tawny learns that you don't have to rich and have everything in the world to be happy. I gave this book four stars because these stories were fun to read and they made you think. Since the stories were so short, they made you wonder what would happen next if they kept going. I didn't want some of the stories to end. I think this is a good book for people who want to try reading a different style of writing. I really enjoyed this book and I think that all young readers should try it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book for Teens Touches the Heartstrings, May 25, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Kissing Tennessee: And Other Stories from the Stardust Dance (Hardcover)

It's no wonder that this much anticipated short-story collection by noted author Kathi Appelt was recognized as a Best Book for Young Adults by the American Library Association or that it is so eagerly devoured by young teens looking for stories that connect with their real lives.

The school dance in these tales holds all the perils and delights of those memorable moments, the ones that young people use to define themselves and will forever look back upon.

This is a book that can be enjoyed on many levels. Real, romantic, gritty, and touching, KISSING TENNESSEE will leave thoughtful readers with much to ponder and all of us still swaying to the music.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Young adult romance - and realism, May 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Kissing Tennessee: And Other Stories from the Stardust Dance (Hardcover)

A collection of short stories, both bitter and sweet, that touch the most vulnerable of times - our teen years. As a young adult librarian who works with teen girls from disordered and abusive situations I was thrilled to have this special collection of short stories to share with them. Kissing Tennessee contained stories many of the girls relate to, with situations very similar to their own experiences. "Rachel's Sister" and "The Right Word" are two of the most powerful stories that communicate to readers in similar situations that "you are not alone." Though the book focuses on a junior high dance, I have found it just as appealing to high school readers. I am so thankful that more authors like Appelt who are writing for teens are addressing their real issues, experiences, and concerns. Yes, there are the tender, romantic stories here, too. But Appelt is in tune with the rest of the world that teens live in. It is not all fantasy. There is bitter right along with the sweet. A stellar collection highly recommended.