Shattering Glass

Giles, Gail. Shattering Glass. Roaring Book Press: 2002. ISBN: 0761315810.

Plot Summary:
Simon Glass is a nerd. He is at the very bottom of the high school food chain. Every day he is the butt of someone's joke or bullied physically. Enter the most popular boy in school, Rob. Rob likes a challenge and more importantly, likes to be in charge. Rob decides to make Simon popular. With the help of his posse, Rob begins changing Simon from school outcast to ultimately very popular. The posse, Young, Coop and the Bobster are vital in this transformation. Each helps Simon with an issue and Simon reciprocates. As Simon comes out of his shell and gains confidence, a side of his personality emerges that surprises his new friends. The friendship with Simon is tenuous and not authentic. If it weren't for the challenge, these boys would not give him the time of day. Rob orchestrates and calls the shots, but in the end something goes awry and everyone's life is changed.

Evaluation:
This book is masterfully written. Told in first person by Young Stewart, we get his perspective throughout the story. This is in contrast to paragraphs at the beginning of each chapter from the perspective of various characters talking about Young after the tragic event occurs. The reader doesn't know what this event is and must piece together what happened while reading about what lead up to it. Even though the reader knows the ending contains something awful, it is a surprise when the last page is turned. Gail Giles does not wrap the story up neatly, the reader must piece things together themselves. Much of the story is relayed in dialog and quick chapters, this convention makes this a great choice for reluctant readers.

Reader's Annotation:
It's never too late to take a stand, just be prepared for the consequences.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Bullying is a major problem for youth. This is not a new problem, but one that is finally being address. In the past society just accepted that boys will be boys and bullying behavior was ignored. This book sheds light on what it's like to be at the bottom of the high school social ladder and be bullied. The character of Lance is important because it shows the experience of someone who was well liked and/or popular, and fell from grace. Many high school students can gain from reading this book. The author touches on incest, parents in jail, neglectful parents, abuse and the list could continue. When youth can see their situation in a novel, it helps them gain understanding and perspective.

Genre:
Issue Novel

Why I Included This Book:
Initially, I almost put this book down. I just couldn't connect or keep up with the characters. After a while, I couldn't put it down and read way past my bedtime! This book was on the required list of reading. I never would have picked it up otherwise. I am so glad it was included on the list and plan on reading another book by this author.