Friction

E. R. Frank

ISBN 10: 0807216488 ISBN 13: 9780807216484

Publisher: Audio, 2003

Synopsis

Book by E. R. Frank

About this title

Reviews

Grade 6-10-Alex, an eighth grader in Forest Alternative school, is the only girl on her school's soccer team, and best friends with Tim, a boy she has known all of her life in this novel by E.R. Frank (Atheneum, 2003). Alex finds her life changing dramatically after Stacy, a new girl, arrives at the school. Stacy challenges Alex's relationship with Tim and with their non-traditional teacher, Simon. After a class camping trip, Alex learns that there are rumors circulating around school. Stacy inflicts her dysfunctional unhappiness on everyone, and the power she wields with her fantasies causes friction among the kids and the adults connected with the school. The narrator, Jessalyn Gilsig, presents a very credible voice for Alex, and her innocence and naivete come through clearly. There is a limited attempt made to differentiate characters, but since Alex is the narrator, it would have been more effective if the other characters had not been given different voices. There are many conversations in this story, and listeners may find the constant "s/he goes" instead of "s/he said" very distracting, even though it's the vernacular of those speaking. That phrase is much more effective written than spoken. Young adults who enjoy the gritty realism of Frank's stories will respond positively to this recording.
Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Audio
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0807216488
• ISBN 13: 9780807216484
• Binding: Audio Cassette