Breaking Rank

by Kristen D. Randle

Thus does the Clan speak. To Baby, the outside world is a cold and lonely place. The silent, enigmatic group that calls itself the Clan is his home, and he has been scorned and feared by classmates and neighbors. Like the rest of the Clan, he has never before participated in school. It's up to Casey to see to it that Baby isn't alone when he's the only Clan member to be placed in honors classes. But what Baby is doing threatens Clan and non-Clan alike, and it isn't long before Baby's and Casey's familiar worlds are shattered.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, High School, Contemporary, Romance, Teen

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 1999

Reviews

[Susan Emmet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Randle's 1999 YA novel echoes "Romeo and Juliet" and eternal war between the "clans." Baby (Thomas Fairbairn) and Casey Willardson are linked at school, she as his peer tutor. Baby belongs to The Clan, a group of young men who shun contact with "normal" society for reasons social, economic and philosophical. The Clan is divided into groups of masters and apprentices. All learn by reading and doing; they are self-taught. Dressed in black, with identifying braids and beads and bracelets, they are polite and remote, but definitely a force. Casey and Baby fall in lust/love/contact, but remain conflicted about their motives and desires. After a violent attack on Baby sparked by his relationship with Casey, the story finds its denouement in apology, emotion and commitment to finding a better way. Exploration of relationships, of honesty and deception, of remaining true to thine own self and how hard that can be - these are keys to the book's kingdom. A fine read.
One review mentioned "West Side Story" echoes and they are there, thanks to Shakespeare and his sources, as well as clear allusions to character and plot.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! I love a good teen drama. I love the way she builds her characters and puts you in their minds and thoughts! These are the kind of characters that stay with you long after the book is over. I own this book now and just finished reading it again. The complexity of the story and the description of the world they live in come alive in her books. You feel there pain and their joy in everything they go threw. Few authors I have read can hold me like Randle. I love everything she writes! Randle is a favorite. If you like this you'll love her other book "The Only Alian on the Planet" and On the Side of Angles, both amazing reads! 16 and up. And it is now a Kindle 3 dollar buy!!! Love that!

[Elesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really a "West Side Story" kind of story, but without the dancing. And is a LOT like her book "On the Side of the Angels." Though I read most of the book with my stomach tied in knots, afraid something awful was going to happen.

I enjoyed it, but I probably would have enjoyed it more 10 years ago. Sometimes teenagers are just so annoying, you know?

And I wish that Casey had told Baby how stupid the Clan was. That she had been able to convince him that while the idea was an ok one, the execution was horrible. He said they didn't waste, but they wasted all those hours in school when they could have been learning something. Sheesh, was homeschool not an option? It just goes to show you that planning your whole world around the ideas of 10 year old boys may not be the best idea.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I checked this book out of the library over and over again as a teenager, but it's been 15 years and I couldn't remember the title or author. But the cover image of Baby with his braid and parts of the story stuck with me. I managed to find it on Kindle after some late night Googling, wondering what that book that I loved all those years ago was called.

Parts of the story hold up for an adult versus a middle schooler, but the intended audience is definitely the latter. I don't think I'll read it again, but I still remember loving it, and I would recommend it for a teenager for sure.

[Shantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a really hard time getting into this one. Chapter 2 gave you a glimpse into a conversation, but it was really confusing and I had a hard time following it.I dont feel like it really made sense till later in the story. A few things from this book really hit home. I also liked the discussion questions that made you think a bit harder at what you read.

[Iwi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this, Baby and Lenny resonated so much with me. Again I'm left wanting to read more.

[Reviewman2]

Breaking Rank

Breaking Rank is a very exciting and interesting book, it features problems teenagers might struggle everyday such as peer pressure, choices, trust, and many others. Peer pressure and choices is strongly emphasized in the book as the main protagonist Thomas Fairbairn, a junior member of the group called the Clan indirectly brainwashes Thomas with philosophies that you don’t need school or people’s support to become successful. As Thomas follows the Clan’s beliefs and falls behind the shadows of society he eventually see’s the light through a high mark in an IQ test. Due to this incident, he struggles with the decision whether he should approach society’s help to achieve a better life or betray the Clan.
Throughout the novel, the author made Thomas seem like he is living in 2 different lives as he is trying to keep his identity as a Clan member and a person who wants to choose the right path. For example on pg 60, Thomas is trying to keep his identity by actions he performs “He undressed, wondering how he could close his door without making her think he was sneaking around doing drugs or something. He turned off the overhead light and climbed into bed, then leaned way over, fishing under the bed for his American systems book. He hid it under the sheet before he turned on his reading light and kept it under there while read.” This paragraph indicates how Thomas is afraid of people knowing that he is making a change and wants to cover up the side he doesn’t to express to his friends, family, and the world.
Kristen D. Randle was very talented in writing this novel as the descriptions were detail enough allow the reader to visualize and mix a bit of their imagination into the scenes. For instance, in the beginning the Clan was introduced as group of young people that only wore black clothing and had a braided hair piece. This leaves the reader to think that they are a gang or a group of teenagers looking for mischief or people isolated from society. This technique is very effective as it makes the readers question or at least feel interactive with the book. Also the element of connection is very well used in the book. Kristen D. Randle took problems or situation that people might encounter as mention in the first paragraph and condenses them into something reader might be able to relate. For example when Casey convinced Thomas to take her out to a drive in movie, Thomas was very uncomfortable and kept questioning Casey if her parent was okay with this action. This is very common for teenagers today as they are always afraid that people know they have a relationship or don’t approve of the couples being together.
Overall the novel is very exciting and the author did a fabulous job in portraying a teenager’s life and problems into a dangerous and exciting life. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys gangs and dealing with daily issues people might encounter.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

As seen at www.bookwormwisdom.blogspot.com:

I started reading this book for English class, but I finished it way before I had to. This book is amazing-it pulls you right in! The main idea behind the story is that Baby Brother "Baby" is in a group called the Clan. The Clan never participates in any school work, and barely attends enough to keep out of truancy court. But Baby takes tests that show that he should be in honors classes. In order to bring him up to speed, a teacher assigns his tutor to be a girl named Casey, who is the kind, compassionate, I-can-help-save-the-world kind of girl. She and Baby have nothing in common, yet they become friends, and as Casey and Baby's relationship hovers on the edge of friendship and something more, Baby and Casey's seperate worlds will try to step in to stop them. This book is fantastic for anyone who loves YA Romance, and a bit of independence :)

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas "Baby" Fairbairn is a member of The Clan, a group started by his older brother Lenny and two of his friends. The Clan is not violent or thieves or drug addicts, they are simply a subculture that doesn't believe in the school system. They know they have to go, but they are silent ... nonparticipants. Until Baby scores high on a test and suddenly Mr. Hall, the principal, is convincing Casey to tutor Baby so that they can sign him up for honors classes. But trouble ensues: The Clan sees Baby as trying to break out; Gene and the football players think Baby should stay away from Casey. And Baby is starting to have strong feelings about the vivacious Casey and she doesn't mind. Baby is being pulled in both directions and the stress of the situation is starting to get to him. Can he risk alienating the brother he loves so much?

Classic Romeo and Juliet retelling. I love the characters.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking Rank is a story about a boy who meets a girl. Thomas Fairbairne is a member of a pseudo-gang called the Clan. Clan members dress in all black, they don't speak during school, and don't apply themselves in classes at all. The Clan, however, is not involved in any crime. Some school teachers were concerned about the Clan, and when Thomas Fairbairn shows some promise, they put him in Honors classes and give him a tutor. Thomas's tutor is a girl named Casey. I bet you can predict what's going to happen. A lot of the time I found myself questioning the Clan's motives, but Randle actually does explain it. There are certain plot holes in the book too, but if you put those aside this is a pretty engaging book. I think it would do well with students who are reluctant readers and boys, as it is fairly reminiscent of The Outsiders.

[Michael Wing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started this this week. Seems well written and controversial story about a group of high school students who simply attend and ignore authority, intimidating the rank and file by simply staying silent and close, The Clan. The protagonist "breaks rank" by taking honors classes and applying himself. Cool concept, but troubles ahead. Finished the read this morning and found it good, 'til the end. Baby, aka. Thomas Fairbairn, falls for his assigned tutor and ends up beaten by jealous jocks in January. He is now out of the Clan, in love, honest with himself, and comfortable with a more normal life. Randle understands the stress on adolescents at every page and certainly creates interesting plot lines and conflict. Several of today's Goths would love it.

[Tess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book, but I felt it was very predictable. I did not really like either of the main characters, which really hurts liking a story. I thought the idea of the separate society was interesting, but not very well explained. The problems were resolved way too easily to really be believable. And I really, really hated how preachy she seemed to be about sex.

I do like how she tries to get into her character's heads, but thought this book felt rushed and unfinished. If you want to read a really good book by her, please pick up "The Only Alien on the Planet" which was a fantastic story.

[Sandra Strange · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel deals with tough choices: a boy brought up by his older brother in a gang-like clan of young men who don’t “do” school allows himself to be put in an AP track because of his high test scores. His tutor is a “nice” girl who comes from an upper middle class home and conventional family. Little by little she gets through his defenses. However, the “jocks” don’t allow him to enjoy life, beating up on him and harassing him. The climax comes in a violent confrontation between clan and jocks. Language and violence make this a mature novel. The issues make it positive and appealing.

[Mario · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am currently on chapter 4 which is page 54. So far the book is ok. The main character is Baby. He is part of this Clan who everyone hates. They do literly nothing don't talk, work, or show any life in school. They only talk amongst themselves out of school. The principal of the school, assigned Casey, a good student is going to be Baby's mentor to become a good student. Baby took a test that no other clan member took and got 100 percent on it. The principal was empressed and believes he can make Baby a somebody in the world. Baby exepts but doesn't want any clan member to find out.

[Hannah Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

A teenage girl becomes the student mentor/tutor for a boy who is part of a gang, or rather, the Clan. She befriends this outcast boy through her associations with him at school and as she helps him with his homework. The thing is, he isn't brainless and classless. He is just with the wrong crowd.
This was one of the weirdest books I have ever read. It depicts a regular girl trying to "fix" a "broken" teen boy. The book covers topics such as standing up for virginity, deceit, and befriending an outcast. It was definitely interesting, but it was assuredly just a strange book.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

My roommate's mom wrote this book. It was interesting... It isn't fantasy or sf (my usual genre). It is a about a boy everyone calles Baby who runs with a 'gang,' but not a real gang. They just have mentors who teach them so they ignore their classes at school. Well Baby decides to take a test which catapults him into advance classes. He also gets a tutor--a little mormon girl. It was all very strange.

[Ariell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I put YA with a disclaimer that it may be better for youth older than 16. That's my opinion, anyhow.

I really do love Kristen Randle's books. She writes about real issues that teens may have to face and conquer. I am always pleased that her heroes/heroines make the right choices in the end, even if they mess up they resolve the issues. They are great books for giving examples of what you can do when you have been, or are going through similar situations.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out a bit confusing not knowing who was who or what the "clan" was. But once I sorted that out I liked it. Some ideals I agree with. It started to fall short though. A lot of build up to not such an interesting ending.

Weird thing. My kindle had the print really really small. I couldn't read it without hurting my eyes. I changed my settings so I could read it but now have to change it all back since all the other books now have ginormous print.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given this book 4 stars because it is really good, but I have been reading all of Kristen Randle's books and liked others more than it. Still I like the way all of her books revolve around LDS girls and there is a scene in here that could have been taken from my own life, very interesting.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was recommended this book by one of my friends, she'd been going on and on about it for days. And after having read it, I can say that I wasn't impressed. It's another run of the mill Romeo and Juliet rip-off. While some of the situations that happened throughout the book were kind of interesting it just didn't hold anything for me. I definitely like Randle's other works much more.

[Cesar Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

this show how peer pressure affects who we are as a person, some times like the main character we do all that we see other around us do, we dont have to be how everyone wants us to be. when i read this book i really connected to it because this piece because i been to much under peer pressure by two sources family and friends.

[Camie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like her writing. She can get me hooked and I seem to read her books fast! I may have liked "The Only Alien..." a little better, but this was still great. I love the way she handles day to day teenage struggles in this book and makes you think a little bit more about the way you perceive/judge people. This would be a good one for older teenage girls, and adults.

[Suzette Kunz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young man belongs to a gang/cult that controls pretty much everything he does. He becomes friends with a girl in his school and finds himself wanting to break away from this group, but he's afraid to.

[Jacie Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of my all time favourite books. I've read it a million times in past 10yrs.

It's an excellent story of fearing what you don't know and coming to realise what you thought was all wrong.

[Joy Smercak · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reminded me a lot of reading the Outsiders. Okay but it's not a book I would recommend to anyone. Just a mediocre work; nothing to rave over.

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting - good have some good discussion, but I thought the ending lacked pinache. Or panache.

[Pygmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Randle's The Only Alien on the Planet was better, but this book still has a lot of merit, and was able to grip and move me to tears despite the flaws.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a wonderful mixture of family dynamics and growing pains and teen romance. Moral dilemmas, personal conflicts, and becoming oneself apart from the crowd.

[David Petersen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I stopped reading this book because it's really hard to understand and inappropriate.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristen Randle knows how to get inside her characters and how to take the reader along. Insightful, surprisingly excellent read.