Shelley Stoehr
SELF-MUTILATION |
My Works Nancy and Katie are best friends with one big thing in common -- they both cut themselves, “Not by accident, we do it purposely -- and regularly -- because physical pain is comforting, and because now it has become a habit.” CROSSES was the first novel for young adults to deal with an increasingly widespread disorder, and “...graphically describes the cry for help of many adolescents and how far they have to fall before they are even noticed.” (VOYA) *An ALA Best Book for Young Adults *An ALA Quick Pick *An ALA Recommended Book for Reluctant Young Readers Crosses
From The Critics: Publisher's Weekly Stoehr draws a hard-hitting, graphically realistic portrait of troubled adolescents who indulge in alcohol, drugs, sex, shoplifting and ``cutting'' themselves, deliberately, an activity that somehow assuages inner turmoil.... Yet this morbidly compelling chronicle of promising lives gone astray commands attention throughout. Ages 14-up. (Nov.) School Library Journal Gr 9-12-- Self-abuser Nancy deals with alcoholic, abusive parents by hurting herself and drinking. At school she meets Katie and they become best friends; both are freshmen, both are punkers, and both are scarred from cutting. Cutting--with fingernails, glass, or any sharp instrument--is their escape from the sordid reality and lack of control of their lives. When you hurt physically, you can't feel emotional pain. Strong street language, sex, and violence mark this portrayal of a troubled young teen. Written as a first-person narrative, the compelling story draws readers into Nancy's mind: they will feel the intensity of her pain, both physical and emotional. Characterizations of parents, caring but misguided school personnel, punk rockers, and other teens are strong, realistic, and consistent. Stereotypes have been avoided, and the language, conversations, and relationships are contemporary and genuine. Consequences for actions are logical; didacticism is avoided, yet the unstated message of the horrors of drugs and alcohol is there. Reminiscent of Go Ask Alice (S. & S., 1971), the powerful portrayal of Nancy and Katie will be read again and again by today's teens. --Gail Richmond, Point Loma High School, San Diego  When sixteen-year-old Tracey runs away she finds that making ends meet in New York City for a young girl with few real skills is nearly impossible. That’s when Tracey becomes Amanda, a topless dancer. On her first day of work, another dancer gives Amanda this advice: “Never mix this place with the real world.” but already Tracey’s and Amanda’s worlds seem like one big blur... “Tracey is one of the most interesting female characters in recent YA fiction.... In a sense this is a survival novel.” (The Horn Book) *An ALA Recommended Book for Reluctant Young Readers Weird on the Outside
From the Critics: Voice of Youth Advocates An emotionally powerful novel that describes with great intensity a trap of adolescent behavior and beliefs. Publisher's Weekly "Stoehr seems out to shock with this sordid sortie through the strip joints of New York City," said PW. Ages 14-up. (Aug.)  “I’ve discovered that if you wear a big enough hat, no one worries much about what’s going on inside your head,” says Cary. And no one, not even her boyfriend, Danny, knows about the things inside Cary’s head. Especially the feelings she has for Wendy, a girl with bright green hair and hard-candy sadness in her eyes. “Stoehr displays a keen appreciation for love’s ambiguities and complexities.” (Kirkus) *An ALA Quick Pick *An ALA Recommended Book for Reluctant Young Readers *A New York Public Library Best Books for the Teenaged, 1998 Tomorrow Wendy
A Reader Reports: Jessica (Vixen_0297@yahoo.com), a 17 year old student from MA., July 28, 2000, True Realism and Grit in an Outstanding book This book was outstanding. I could really connect with the main character. There were many striking similarities between my mind and hers. We ask each other the same questions and this book helped to answer them. This was the first book I read that truly reflected teenagers with the right attitude and reality. It was not a person trying too hard to sound like a teenager and trying to hard to have the attitude of a teenager but it was like reading something I myself had written. Truly one of the best books I've read. |
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