Title: Shattering Glass Author: Gail Giles
Publish Date: August 2003
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Pages: 224pp
ISBN: 0689858000
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Realistic Fiction/Suspense
Age Range: 13 and up
Amazon: $7.99
Annotation: Rob Haynes, the cool out-of-state boy and leader of the pack decides to transform Simon Glass, the all around nerd, into the heights of popularity. When Simon discloses his true plan with his new found popularity he finds himself greeted with violence from the other boys in the pack, and ultimately dead.
Summary: Simon was easy to hate. I never knew exactly why, there was too much to pick from. I guess, really, we each hated him for a different reason, but we didn’t realize it until the day we killed him. This tension-filled suspense story is told through the eyes of Young Steward, a member of the cool group ran by Rob Haynes, an out-of-state student who transferred in and immediately took over with a wide-reaching power. Rob presides to transform the high school nerd, Simon Glass, who by all means demonstrates all the typical elements of a nerd. With this physical transformation, Rob encourages his classmates to accept Simon and change their perception of him. With his newfound popularity, Simon does not cease contentment but rather revenge. He is tired of Rob controlling him (and everyone else). He takes a stand, in which leads to a violent death.
Evaluation: I thought this story did an excellent job at portraying five different boy’s perspectives and flaws, in which made it easy to associate with at least one or two of them (even the girlfriend, Ronna was relatable). I really enjoyed the juxtaposition of the excerpts of interviews before each chapter, it kept the depth and pace of the novel. By the time the reader finished the book, they had all of the pieces in place.
Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness:
- People aren’t always what you perceive them to be.
- Everyone has a dark side.
- Trying to change people doesn’t always work to your advantage.
- Following the crowed keeps you from being yourself.
Reason this book was chosen: I have never read a Gail Giles book before though have heard some intense reviews from my friends (and online). The main reason for selecting this title (besides the obvious, “it’s required”) is the similarity it has to Lord of the Flies, a novel I absolutely love.
Similar Titles:
Author Website: Click HERE
Awards:
Awards:
ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2003
ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2003
ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults, 2005
