SCYABA discussion

I was a bit disappointed in Angry Management by Crutcher. I can market his books to many of my students and know the students will enjoy his books. This book seemed a bit disjointed in format -- several "novellas" joined by the observations of a counselor -- and not quite as marketable in my opinion. Love the title -- that may cause students to pick up the book!

I just wrote a long response and an "error" occurred. Probably for the best. I really liked this book and may just sit down and read it again. I will also read all of his books again this summer. Teachers could do an entire class on this book along.
I thought the novellas tied in very well through themes - first amendment rights, bigotry, prejudice, you name it! The characters were so strong! I loved them all.
The Psychologist observations added a nice touch of humor.

Laura, I too see much potential in this book. It is a GREAT opening to having very healthy conversations about sensitive and downright uncomfortable issues, and best they are about fictional characters and not real life ones. Many teachable moments to talk about morals, family values, sexual promiscuity, drug abuse, prejudice, bullying, and more. Those students we have a hard time getting to read anything would devour this book. Yeah, way more profanity than what I like, but I have to say it is right in line with what I hear walking the halls, sad to say. It is significanty more realistic than Hate List.

I think we all need to remember is that Angry Management is a book, a novel, with characters. As a teacher/ librarian in a school, I see tattooed, pierced, fat, scarred, gay, angry students all day long...and this book reminded me that they are far more than their appearance and I must not let any preconceived ideas get in the way of connecting to them. Likewise, students who read novels can be reminded to look beyond the surface (and that includes language, dress,) of other students. If Chris Crutcher can help us all grow as people, we need to welcome his characters into our libraries.