GIVE A BOY A GUN

This powerful story, direct from today's headlines, is told in snatches of interviews, emails, and journal entries taken from teachers, parents, and townspeople. This is the story of two boys who take their high school hostage and start meting out revenge for years of bullying and humiliation. The author presents everyone's point of view without taking sides. One of the most resonating moments comes when a girl from the "popular" set states that high school has always been that way--you just have to live through it. You find yourself thinking, but why does it have to be the same? This would be a great book for young people to read and discuss. There are some outstanding readers among the cast. Suzanne Toren is especially good as the calm, insightful teacher, Betsy Bates, and the college student doing the interviews, Denise Shipley. The children's voices sound so authentic and real that it's especially chilling to hear them discussing these horrific events. D.G. 2002 YALSA Selection (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 02]