Read Between the Lines

by Jo Knowles

Overview

“One might think Knowles isn't creating but channeling the adolescent mind. A fascinating study of misperceptions, consequences, and the teen condition.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Thanks to a bully in gym class, unpopular Nate suffers a broken finger—the middle one, splinted to flip off the world. It won’t be the last time a middle finger is raised as ten voices speak loud and clear about the complex dance that is life in a small town. They resonate in a gritty and unflinching portrayal of a day like any other, with ordinary traumas, heartbreak, and revenge. But as on any given day, the line where presentation and perception meet is a tenuous one, hard to discern. Unless, of course, one looks a little closer—and reads between the lines.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780763663872
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	03/10/2015
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.20(d)
Lexile:	HL600L (what's this?)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

About the Author

 

Editorial Reviews

01/12/2015
Ten interconnected stories set over the course of one day at a small-town high school reveal a well of despair and confusion among the nine students and one teacher whose lives are examined. Beginning with Nate Granger, a bullied freshman whose middle finger is broken by a basketball hurled like a weapon in gym class, each character either delivers or receives the obscene single-digit salute. Knowles (Living with Jackie Chan) catalogues their backstories and charts the way the lives of these cheerleaders, athletes, nerds, and stoners intersect, allowing readers to see a bigger picture than the characters themselves are able to do. The plot device of inserting a raised middle finger into each story wears thin after a while, but the idea of looking past an angry gesture to understand what led to it makes for an empathetic approach to understanding random hostility. Teens who read these stories will likely never see a raised middle finger again without wondering what the story is behind it. Ages 14–up. Agent: Barry Goldblatt, Barry Goldblatt Literary. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

01/01/2015
Gr 9 Up—Knowles's latest novel realistically depicts the intertwined lives of 12 individuals. From high school student to recently graduated new adult to teacher, these personal vignettes are achingly truthful and reveal the secrets and sorrows hidden behind everyday facades. As the stories unfold and the points of view begin to overlap, a complete picture begins to form. The message of the novel is divulged on the last page, bringing the book into tight focus and finally giving teens an "aha" moment. The short story format could tempt reluctant readers, and many young adults will see shadows of themselves in the well-drawn characters. Hand this one to fans of dramatic realistic fiction and those who enjoy slice-of-life novels.—Heather Miller Cover, Homewood Public Library, AL

School Library Journal

★ 2014-12-10
Over the span of one day, Knowles' novel offers glimpses into the intertwined lives of nine teens and one high school teacher. These days, "to read between the lines" means two very different things: One, with a gesture, is the ultimate insult, and the other is to garner more insight than is readily apparent. Here, both definitions fit. Each character either receives or "gives the finger," and each chapter provides a "between the lines" peek into the characters' lives, always revealing a disconnect between the realities of their lives and the ways in which they are perceived by others. First up is Nate Granger, a much-harassed high school freshman whose middle finger is broken by a bully during gym class. Nate is tormented by the fact that his mother died in a hit-and-run crash while on her way to pick him up at school and struggles to deal with his abusive and resentful father. While Nate is in the nurse's office, Claire—another student, and the next character to come into focus—comes in, feigning cramps, and is dismissed from school. Feeling her life and relationships superficial, Claire takes a bus into the city in search of a meaningful experience. The book proceeds, each new character entering, with his/her realities, dreams and secrets becoming another masterfully woven thread. With emotional explorations and dialogue so authentic, one might think Knowles isn't creating but channeling the adolescent mind. A fascinating study of misperceptions, consequences and the teen condition. (Fiction. 14-18)

Kirkus Reviews

The book proceeds, each new character entering, with his/her realities, dreams and secrets becoming another masterfully woven thread. With emotional explorations and dialogue so authentic, one might think Knowles isn't creating but channeling the adolescent mind. A fascinating study of misperceptions, consequences and the teen condition.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Achingly truthful... The short story format could tempt reluctant readers, and many young adults will see shadows of themselves in the well-drawn characters. Hand this one to fans of dramatic realistic fiction and those who enjoy slice-of-life novels.
—School Library Journal

The idea of looking past an angry gesture to understand what led to it makes for an empathetic approach to understanding random hostility. Teens who read these stories will likely never see a raised middle finger again without wondering what the story is behind it
—Publishers Weekly

Each (story) can be read and appreciated in isolation, but readers will enjoy piecing together the stories and the accompanying relationships.
—BookPage

This is likely to speak to any teenager (or adult) in a stage of transition
—Booklist

The stories are all skillfully written ... may cause readers to think twice about the sentiment behind that sign.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

This is a poignant read that will leave readers thinking.
—School library Connection

These interconnected stories create a powerful, complex whole.
—The Horn Book

From the Publisher

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