Lowry, Lois, ed. Shining on; 11 star authors' illuminating stories

LOWRY, Lois, ed. Shining on; II star authors' illuminating stories. Random House, Delacorte. 159p. c2007. 978-0-385-73472-1. $8.99. JS

This concise collection of 11 short stories centers on the theme of growing up. More specifically, the characters deal (or don't deal) with major obstacles or hardships that teens often face. Some are more universal than others--coming out as gay, parents divorcing. Other issues are entirely unique, such as dealing with synesthesia and blindness all at once, or dealing with moving to a real haunted house. Notable authors contributed to this collection, including Meg Cabot, Melvin Burgess, Meg Rosoff, and Lois Lowry, who provides an introduction articulating the coming-of-age theme. All the authors know teen troubles intimately, which comes across in their writing. The stories are brief, which makes for a fast and enjoyable read. In many cases, though, the stories cut off before a complete resolution. They tend to present the common theme and issues, and the reader gets a chance to relate, but they would serve their purpose better if given the chance to continue fully. Joanna Solomon, W. Newton, MA

J--Recommended for junior high students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

COPYRIGHT 2007 Kliatt
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning