Product Description

In every school at every grade, there's a pecking order among students-an in crowd and those outside it, who are often ridiculed mercilessly for the "crime" of being different. This powerful anthology explores the teen outsider experience in electrifying, never-before-published stories by eleven of today's most acclaimed YA authors. A tomboy finds the relief of self-expression through her music, while in another tale a relentless bully tests the faith of an intensely religious girl. A cheerleader discovers that the true soul of her school can't be found within the cool clique; a football player finally stands up for a harassed fellow student; and a boy watches in horror as the school "freak" marches into his classroom with a loaded rifle.

Offering insights into popularity and peer pressure, nonconformity and persecution, acceptance and hate, these riveting, provocative tales will leave readers thinking and start them talking.

Stories by:

Joan Bauer
Alden R. Carter
Chris Crutcher
Jack Gantos Angela Johnson
M. E. Kerr
Ron Koertge
Francess Lantz
Graham Salisbury
Will Weaver
Nancy Werlin

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #742114 in Books
• Published on: 2001-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 240 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Adolescent outsiders are the subject of On the Fringe, a collection of 11 short stories by well-known YA authors, edited by Donald R. Gallo. Joan Bauer describes confronting the "jock flock" who have a bonding ritual called, "Get the Geeks" and M.E. Kerr demonstrates the determination of Brian, nicknamed "Mousey," to show everyone he isn't a loser. Other authors include Jack Gantos, Chris Crutcher and Angela Johnson ( May)
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-Kids who are geeks, unathletic, poor, emotionally fragile, loners, or unattractive by current standards form the heart of this collection of exceptional stories by well-known YA authors such as Joan Bauer, Chris Crutcher, and M. E. Kerr. Inspired by the events at Columbine High School, the authors pondered what sorts of heartbreak could cause teens to react so powerfully and violently, and how being isolated and shut out of high school groups could tear down the fragile walls of self-esteem, making vulnerable individuals snap and cause massive destruction. The result is a compilation of short stories from the point of view of those tormented, and those who view others being bullied and how their perceptions change as they examine the situations. While all the stories are excellent, Jack Gantos's "Muzak for Prozac" is an exceptional example of the fragile balance that one teen struggles to maintain through the use of mood-stabilizing chemicals. A must-buy for all libraries.-Susan Riley, Greenburgh Public Library, Elmsford, NY

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 7-10. There's no question it's tough to put together a good written-to-order anthology, but once again Gallo has managed very well. This time, the subject is outsiders, and to be sure, the stories come complete with moral underpinnings. They are, however, sufficiently different to keep interest high, and, as usual, they have been written by a talented bunch of YA authors already familiar to many teen readers. Ron Koertge's biting story is laced with his typical humor; Jack Gantos' dark, cynical tale is built around the main character in his YA novel Desire Lines (1997); and Chris Crutcher's story, the most graphic and, arguably, the most philosophical in the mix, recalls headline events at Columbine High School. Joan Bauer, Angela Johnson, and Graham Salisbury are among the other contributors. Teens will find plenty of stereotypic geeks and nerds, but they'll also find outsiders who are unexpected. The discovery may make them think about who's "in" and who's "out," and why. Information about each of the 11 authors, often with an e-mail address, follows each selection. Stephanie Zvirin
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Customer Reviews

A Great Book for Sharing
I used selections from this collection as read-alouds for my 8th grade language arts class (I end class most days with a read-aloud, while students keep a response journal). Because of the subject matter, these stories definitely engage the students and keep their attention. Do they all "get" the message? No, but I guarantee that when you look around the room and see the eyes of those two or three students who are themselves on the fringe, you will know it was worth it.

Touching, honest and engaging
As a middle school teacher I am constantly trying to help those who are on the fringe to feel more included and to understand that being on the fringe is not such a bad thing! This book does just that! It is an amazing book and I am using it to lead discussions in my reading class. I have kids fighting over it at the end of each class period. The stories are real and my middle school students are able to connect with them. I highly recommend it!

The War At School
There is a war going on in our schools. Although many people may not see it or many people may not be aware of it the war is there I'm talking about the on going fighting between "outcasts" and the "populars". Through some tragic events, some heart warming, and some that just want to make you stand up to anyone who gets in your way you see the realities of violence and harshness of some lives which are the victims of this so called war. Through theses collections of short stories with authors such as Jack Gantos many lessons can be learned. It is a book that will make think about the kids at your school and events that have happened in your community that have taken place I this book. Maybe this book may change the way you think and make you a better person.
One of these short stories by Chris Crutcher is "Guns For Geeks." In this story Gene Taylor has always been the "outcast" at school. When he was young he was beaten in front his class for smarting off to the teacher Mr. Dickenson at their Christmas party. As he went on through school his troubles went on he was even yelled at when he had to give a statement in front of the student body! The main characters in this story are Sam and T.J. They are Mr. Beemer's class and are taking about guns in school but little do they know Gene Taylor is going to turn this lesson into first hand view of what death is like.
Through these shocking and horrible happenings, Sam and T.J. are forced to be heroes. Sometimes lessons can be learned through the most horrible experiences you could ever think of. Chris Crutcher does an excellent job at this by going through the troubles of boy's life. Who lashes out at all those people who thought was quiet and never thought anything of him. It shows that everything can change in the blink of an eye.
This book is great for any student who loves comedy, action, tragedy, and drama. This book has it all with the amazing short stories that are collected within the book. It is a great read and I highly recommend this book to anyone students or adults' whom are just looking for a good easy read. I love this book and I think it is fantastic.