Concrete Candy: Stories

by Apollo

Six incendiary stories that reflect the rage and frustration -- and the determination to survive -- of America's disenfranchised inner-city youth

Concrete Candy marks the debut of an astonishing new writer -- notable both for the authenticity and immediacy of his voice and for his fifteen. Three years ago, Apollo, a child of the inner city and a protege of the acclaimed novelist Jess Mowry, began writing stories that reflect the tension, drama, and pathos of the urban reality he has lived and witnessed. The result is this collection of six powerful, haunting tales of boys dangerously adrift in the 'hood.

Genres: Short Stories, Teen, Young Adult

144 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1996

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Six short stories set in inner city Oakland, CA that was written by a 13 year old boy. Apollo captures the frustration and rage, but also the desire for belonging that most teenagers (not only those in inner cities) experience.

While the stories are uneven and characters were somewhat predictable, there are many poignant and just plain brutal moments that make this collection of short stories a compelling read. The moments of brilliance scattered through the stories make me eager to read more of this young man's writing as he matures.

A quick read.

[Marcela · Rating 4 out of 5]

WAt i lEARNEd Ab0Ut tHiZ B00k itZ tHAt itZ AlM0St likE WAt HAPPENZ iN 0AKlANd EVERyDAy!! H0W tHEy tRy ANd GEt liTTlE KiDZ jOiNEd iNt0 SElliN DRUG ANd StUFF. ANd H0W tHE GEt PE0PlE KillEd F0R D0iN StUPid StUFF

[alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book of short urban stories; esp. impressive because they were written by a fifteen year old. Great sense of dialog, esp. the street slang. Sure to be popular with my urban drama fans.
Super quick read--one sitting.

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting collection of stories. It deals with the experiences of young African American males in Oakland, yet at times employs elements of fantasy with dreams and coincidence. The author does a good job with dialogue for characterization and physical description for thematic purpose.

[Mendel Chernack · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 15 year old Oakland kid's tales from the hood. Gripping for teens.

[Tama Wise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Believe it or not, this book was actually written by a 16 year old. He was the protege of author Jess Mowry, who has written a number of books of the same flavor.

[Thomas Ah-hing · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned that you have alot to learn as a child even when you live on the streets at the age of ten. Its never to late to go back home and be a changed man.

[Carol]

Inner city stories by a young writer.Lots of gang, drug stuff. Not great writing and the story about the zoo doesn't ring true in regards to animal care.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember getting this book from the New Book section shelf at the library. And I still have the copy to this day, heh.