Author:
Koertge, Ron
Title:
Stoner & Spaz
Publisher & Date:
Candlewick Press, 2002
Recommended Age Range:
14 and up
Plot Summary:
Sixteen-year-old Benjamin lives with his grandmother, walks with a limp due to his cerebral palsy, and loves to hide at the back of the historic Rialto Theatre watching classic monster films. In a way, he’d like nothing else than to disappear. Or at least be “normal.” This all changes the day that drugged-out alternakid Colleen Minou decides to hide in the theatre, too, and falls asleep with her head on Ben’s shoulder.
Reader Appeal:
This book would appeal to underdogs, anti-romance romantics, dreamers, outsiders, budding filmmakers, Pasadena natives and fans of realistic fiction. This book would also appeal those looking for a short read or a realistic portrayal of drug addiction.
Artistic Merit:
This brief but well-written novel perfectly captures a brief episode of a teen’s life in a refereshing realistic and respectful way. The story it tells, that of two teens from different cliques coming together, is not new, but the candor with which it unfolds makes it riveting and delightfully unsappy.
