Guys Read Thriller edited by Jon Scieszka
Walden Pond Press/ HarperCollins Publishers. September, 2011. 978-0-06-196376-6. (Purchased.)
As promised, Jon Scieszka delivers his second themed volume of short stories aimed at the guys. This time the theme is Thriller. The ten stories that follow are thrilling in different ways, which is good because what thrills, like humor is highly individual. The offerings by these ten amazing YA authors are as individual as they are and range from realistic and poignant (Matt de la Peña’s entry) to realistic and gritty (Walter Dean Myers) to ghost stories (M.T. Anderson and Margaret Peterson Haddix) to somewhat slapstick mystery (Anthony Horowitz) to graphic novel (Jarrett J. Krosoczka). I found myself engaged in nearly every story, though I must confess that I just didn’t get James Patterson’s entry. (I did crack a smile at the names of two of the teachers meant to take over the field trip - Balzer + Bray.)
Perfect choice for reluctant readers and wonderful addition to my pitiful Story Collection.