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Title: Athletic Shorts; 6 Short Stories
ISBN: 0440213908
Author:
Chris Crutcher
Publicate Date: 1992-10-01
Publish: 1992-10-01
List Price: $4.99
Average Customer Rating: 4.5
Format: Mass Market Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $0.94
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $0.01
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| Customer Review: |
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1: Old characters reappear
In this collection of six short stories based on characters from Crutcher's books, he reminds me again of why he is one of my favorite YA authors. And also one of the most-often banned. He uses the world of high school sports to address issues faced by young adults in a sensitive and realistic way. As his heroes get on with the task of growing up in a difficult world, they deal with just about every -ism there is.
Crutcher's books provide excellent talking points for conversations that parents, teachers, and any other concerned adults should be having with the kids we love.
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2: Another Crutcher classic
I purchased this book for my 9th grade classroom library. Chris Crutcher hits the controversial topics so well. Though I haven't read all of his other works, this seems to be a great follow-up book to revisit his characters. Another Crutcher book to open up the mind and start conversations.
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3: Courtesy of Teens Read Too
In ATHLETIC SHORTS, Chris Crutcher presents original short stories involving characters from his previous novels. In the book's forward, Crutcher explains, "In my travels around the country and in letters from readers, I am constantly asked what happens to certain characters in my books. So once in a while I check in" (pp. ix-x).
Each of these short stories involves a central character from a previous novel, but, while Crutcher may have intended a particular story to be a prequel or an afterward, the stories remain independent. So a person who has not read RUNNING LOOSE will still be able to understand the storyline behind IN THE TIME I GET, in which Louie Banks looks into the eyes of a friend dying of AIDS and realizes the value of time. Additionally, after getting a taste of Crutcher's novels through his short stories, readers may well be inspired to go out and acquire the novels themselves.
Athletics are the uniting theme throughout these stories, but they also give Crutcher a medium to introduce physical, mental, and emotional challenges for his characters. Sports allow a safe setting for conflict and failure, while also providing a site for characters to achieve and excel.
Thumbs Up! Award Winner, 1992
Reviewed by: Mechele R. Dillard
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4: Athletic Shorts
Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher is a collection of six short stories revolving around six different characters. More than a mere collection of sports related stories this book looks at everyday situations and problems about teen life. Weight problems, pushy parents, uncomfortable situations, racism, homosexuality and death. Packed into less than 200 pages Crutcher is able to captivate readers through this book with his humor as well as his insights into the young adult mind. My favorite story of the six is "The Other Pin" about a guy named Petey who is "volunteered" by his best friend to wrestle Chris Byers who has a habit of not just beating all opponents but humiliating them in the process. If that wasn't bad enought Chris Byers is also a girl. Though some of Crutcher's stories are emotional and heart wrenching all are worth the read.
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5: Wonderful book
This really is a wonderful collection, one that anyone seeking to understand the mind and actions of a teenage boy or even girl should read. Chris is simple, straightforward, and always fun to read. I'd highly recommend this to any student and even some teachers.
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