Skin Deep

by Lois Ruby

An angry teenager is sucked into a gang of neo-Nazis

Dan shows up on his first day at a new school with long blond hair, John Lennon glasses, and a shy grin that makes every girl in the hallway swoon. But he only has eyes for Laurel, who’s in his English class. Laurel stirs feelings in Dan that he never knew existed, and suddenly, he understands love. Soon, he will understand hate as well.
 
When a gang of violent young men invades the annual Halloween party, most of Laurel’s friends stay away. The men are white supremacists with shaved heads, steel-toed boots, and a look in their eyes that says they’re ready to fight. But something in their attitude draws Dan toward them. He’s angry at the world, and these skinheads seem to understand how he feels. As he sinks deeper into their twisted world of hate and rage, Dan risks losing not only Laurel, but also his soul.
 
 

Genres: Realistic Fiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Lois Ruby is the author of fifteen books for middle-graders and teens, including STEAL AWAY HOME, SKIN DEEP, and THE SECRET OF LAUREL OAKS. She and her husband live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the foothills of the awesome Sandia Mountains. Lois explores lots of haunted places, including ghostly locations in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and even a few spooky spots in Australia and Thailand. No spirits have tapped her on the shoulder yet, but she hasn't given up hope.

Reviews

[Malia A · Rating 3 out of 5]

great book

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Digital ARC)

I didn't realize that this title had been out for so long when I read a digital ARC of its newest release. It's definitely a captivating topic but the book is just so-so.

It seems as though this is a HiLo book that's missing some of it's snarl. It's a quick read but I think a lot of my students would quickly leave it, asking a lot of questions about how/why it would ever make sense.

[Julie S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. Although it is fictional, it has some true facts on racism and the freedom of speech.

The book was good, but the cover creeped me out. I felt odd carrying this book around school because of the odd cover. Not a big deal but I just thought that I would mention it.

[Michelle White]

This book is not a book I would use in a classroom. I thought it would be good because it talked about neo-nazi's. I didn't feel that the way the content is portraryed is appopriate. I got the book from the IUS Library.

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for a book report in 9th grade. Very provocative. Good read.

[Briánna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad story, great book.

[Lisa]

again this was a book i read back in middle school.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good, amazing perspective on the topic. But the ending was left hanging, there was no closure. Over all the book was very well written and I enjoyed reading it.