Middle school can be an awkward age for some, and this anthology captures much of what can be a turbulent time. The stories range across many themes, including:
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Raging hormones |
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Physical changes |
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Fashion choices |
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Schoolyard scuttlebutt |
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Eternal questions |
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Figuring out what to do with your life |
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Coping with school |
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Dealing with cruelty |
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Being cruel to others |
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Relationships |
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And awkward social situations |
The creators in this book include a good range of well established creators, including
Dan Clowes,
Ariel Schrag,
Lauren Weinstein,
Joe Matt,
Aaron Renier, and
Dash Shaw. As you can tell from the images, they vary stylistically, as do the stories, some being funny, others instructive, still others sad or dramatic. The standouts for me are
- Schrag's "Plan on the Number 7 Bus," about the dangers of teens trying to get around on public transportation while gossiping.
- Cole Johnson's "Tina Roti," full of dark humor observations about a girl dealing with ennui while trying to fit in at a new school.
- Shaw's "Crater Face," a gross and touching look at a boy trying to deal with acne and girls.
- Gabrielle Bell's "Hit Me," a compelling and bittersweet tale about figuring out ways to deal with bullies, parents, and people in general.
- Renier's "Simple Machines," an ultimately uplifting story about a boy dealing with ADD, school, and life.
- Schrag's "Shit," another gross story about friendship and a weekend trip on a houseboat, highlighting the pitfalls of using its toilet.
I felt that there was so much in this book to enjoy, laugh at, and/or sympathize with. The stories are obviously heart-felt and well crafted by creators who know what they are doing. Even though some of the tales are excerpts from larger works, I still feel that the glimpses we see into those worlds are worth exploring.
This anthology has received much
support and praise. It was named one of the
New York Public Library's Books for the Teen Age in 2008. It received a starred review from
Booklist.
Ned Vizzini remarked that it was "excellent, and the variety of the art ensures that the reader never gets bored." The reviewer at
Publishers Weekly wrote, "This collection should help those in the midst of similar social
travails realize that they, too, will someday look back and laugh at it
all."
This anthology is a black and white kaleidoscope cast on the experiences
of adolescents, and all of the stories smack of realism and moments
that many can relate to. As a consequence, they deal with issues that
teens deal with, including questioning authority, sex, drug use,
drinking, and trying to make and keep friendships. These features have
made this book somewhat controversial in some places and likely to be
targeted for bans. There is some mature language throughout as well, though nothing worse than can be found in a YA novel or students' lives.
Stuck in the Middle was published by
Viking.
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