Breaking Rank
Average rating |
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4 out of 5
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Based on 39 Ratings and 39 Reviews |
Book Description
To Baby, the outside world is a cold and lonely place. He has lived most of his life as a member of the silent, enigmatic group that calls itself the Clan-scorned and feared by classmates and neighbors.
It's up to Casey to see to it that Baby isn't alone when he's the only Clan member of his mysterious group to be placed in their high school's honors classes. She's his guide into the mainstre...
MoreTo Baby, the outside world is a cold and lonely place. He has lived most of his life as a member of the silent, enigmatic group that calls itself the Clan-scorned and feared by classmates and neighbors.
It's up to Casey to see to it that Baby isn't alone when he's the only Clan member of his mysterious group to be placed in their high school's honors classes. She's his guide into the mainstream-a pretty, well-liked girl who wants to do the right thing. Like the rest of the Clan, Baby has never before participated in school. She helps him find a path; she makes it possible for him to see the Clan with a sharp outside light.
But what Baby is doing threatens both Clan and the Cribs, and it isn't long before Baby's and Casey's familiar worlds are shattered.
Kristen D. Randle has written a story that is absorbing and unusual, insightful and outspoken, about two teenagers whose lives become intertwined-and a collision that forces them to make difficult choices.
From Publishers Weekly
This novel challenges stereotypes and stigmas when an unprecedented friendship develops between two teens of rival high school groups. "Randle is adept at conveying ingrained prejudices as well as the frustration and alienation that leads some youths to forsake the `straight' world for a more friendly and accepting one of their own making," said PW. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal:
Both teens become renegades in the eyes of their peers; group conflict erupts as their friendship grows beyond books. Unfortunately, females are only seen as sex objects in the all-male Clan and Thomas's failure to consummate his relationship with Casey leads in part to his expulsion from the group. Casey's own beliefs are strained as Thomas challenges society and learns the costs of conformity. Reminiscent of The Outsiders and West Side Story, Randle's novel is compelling reading. Romance, gang in-fighting, and high school classroom and social scenes are realistically detailed . . .powerful writing and a suspenseful, action-driven story will grab teen readers.
Gail Richmond, San Diego Unified Schools, CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist:
When 17-year-old Casey Willardson agrees to tutor Thomas Fairbairn, family and friends think she's crazy--and in danger. But as Casey and Thomas get to know each other, labels and preconceptions fall away, resulting in a deep understanding of shared human experiences and emotions, and ultimately a rewarding love that challenges both teens' long-held beliefs. This modern, insightful Romeo and Juliet story is a rare and notable contribution to the teen fiction genre. The alternating points of view and Randle's taut, poetic prose provide remarkable character depth and complexity. Thomas, in particular, is a fascinating character, whose conversations embody the joy of learning and incorporate the works of classic philosophers and writers in ways that may show readers the relevance and rewards of learning the masters. Gritty, smart, and realistic, the novel perceptively explores issues of religion, sex and sexual abstinence, peer pressure, and integrity with grace and compassion. Despite some religious overtones, there is no preaching here, only a well-communicated respect for making comfortable personal life choices, and allowing others the opportunity to do the same. A story of morality without judgment, this will encourage teens to look beyond appearances and deep within their own hearts. Shelle Rosenfeld -
Publisher | Ponymoon Press |
Binding | Kindle Edition (12 editions) |
Reading Level | Uncategorized
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# of Pages | 261 |
ISBN-10 | B007FZJVVM |
Publication Date | 02/29/2012 |
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