BIBLIOGRAPHY
Perkins, Lynn Rae. 2006. CRISS CROSS. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780060092726
PLOT SUMMARY
A combination of coming of age and love story, Criss Cross follows three adolescents as they look for romance. There’s Debbie who makes a wish that "something different would happen. Something good. To me.” Hector that suddenly decides to learn guitar in hopes of building confidence and attracting girls, and Lennie the mechanical gear-head type that falls for Debbie. Each chapter alternates between the three narrators as we get a closer glimpse into their lives and witness how our lives “criss cross” daily with each decision we make.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The setting is realistic and could take place anywhere in any time. The recurring theme of young teens looking for romance and flirting awkwardly is something any reader can relate to. The writing includes poems, haikus, and prose as well as the author’s own illustrations fills the novel. The author’s own pen and ink drawings appear frequently. The varied vignettes are shown through a typical teen point of view. Adolescents can certainly relate to the self-conscious wonderings. The characters of Debbie, Hector, and Lennie are typical kids. They don’t quite know how to express themselves nor truly understand themselves at this point. They are all interested in other people, but are somehow still connected to their childhood friendships. Each character finds comfort in knowing that each will be there, yet struggle to find their place in the in the world and the teen social scene.
REVIEW EXCEPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Young teens will certainly relate to the self-consciousnesses and uncertainty of all of the characters, each of whom is straining toward clarity and awareness.”
KIRKUS: “A tenderly existential work that will reward more thoughtful readers in this age of the ubiquitous action saga.”
CONNECTIONS
Another novel by Lynne Rae Perkins:
ALL ALONE IN THE UNIVERSE. ISBN 0380733021
Other Newberry Medal winners:
Curtis, Christopher Paul. BUD, NOT BUDDY. ISBN 0553494104
Kadohata, Cynthia. KIRA-KIRA. ISBN 0689856407
Picture credit: Barnes and Noble.com
Perkins, Lynn Rae. 2006. CRISS CROSS. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780060092726
PLOT SUMMARY
A combination of coming of age and love story, Criss Cross follows three adolescents as they look for romance. There’s Debbie who makes a wish that "something different would happen. Something good. To me.” Hector that suddenly decides to learn guitar in hopes of building confidence and attracting girls, and Lennie the mechanical gear-head type that falls for Debbie. Each chapter alternates between the three narrators as we get a closer glimpse into their lives and witness how our lives “criss cross” daily with each decision we make.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The setting is realistic and could take place anywhere in any time. The recurring theme of young teens looking for romance and flirting awkwardly is something any reader can relate to. The writing includes poems, haikus, and prose as well as the author’s own illustrations fills the novel. The author’s own pen and ink drawings appear frequently. The varied vignettes are shown through a typical teen point of view. Adolescents can certainly relate to the self-conscious wonderings. The characters of Debbie, Hector, and Lennie are typical kids. They don’t quite know how to express themselves nor truly understand themselves at this point. They are all interested in other people, but are somehow still connected to their childhood friendships. Each character finds comfort in knowing that each will be there, yet struggle to find their place in the in the world and the teen social scene.
REVIEW EXCEPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Young teens will certainly relate to the self-consciousnesses and uncertainty of all of the characters, each of whom is straining toward clarity and awareness.”
KIRKUS: “A tenderly existential work that will reward more thoughtful readers in this age of the ubiquitous action saga.”
CONNECTIONS
Another novel by Lynne Rae Perkins:
ALL ALONE IN THE UNIVERSE. ISBN 0380733021
Other Newberry Medal winners:
Curtis, Christopher Paul. BUD, NOT BUDDY. ISBN 0553494104
Kadohata, Cynthia. KIRA-KIRA. ISBN 0689856407
Picture credit: Barnes and Noble.com
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