Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins
Audience: 10 and up
Rating: B+
Synopsis:
Many characters’ paths criss-cross throughout the plot of this book. The two main characters, Debbie and Hector, are both trying to figure out who they are and how to get boys and girls to notice them. This book is written in a very creative format, telling many different stories through great descriptions, pictures, and realistic story lines. This is not a straightforward story and some may find it to be a challenging read.
Chatter:
(Spoiler Alerts! ) This is one random book! The plots do related to each other, but the format is very different than most books. I really liked how pictures and song lyrics were used to tell the story. I especially found Hector’s song lyrics to be insightful.
The portion of the plot I did not like was the part about Dan and the donkey. I just didn’t find this interesting. I agree that Dan has the potential to be a jerk or a good guy, and that the decisions he makes now will form the person he becomes, but I had a hard time caring for him.
I thought the way that Lenny, Phil, Hector, Patty and Debbie related to each other was pretty realistic. In real life there are definitely those moments when you all of a sudden realize that a guy who’s a friend is also boy… and awkwardness occurs! Debbie’s wish that something would happen (… soon!) is also something I can relate to. I thought she was a pretty realistic character.
I liked Hector too. Not only were his songs fun to read, but he also wasn’t afraid to be himself. How many teenage boys do you know that are willing to wear a sarong in public? Even if things didn’t always turn out the way he planned, I respect his bravery for trying.
Questions:
Who is your favorite character?
Do you think Debbie and Peter will stay in touch?
Which ‘missed moment’ had the biggest chance of changing the plot?
Keep reading!
-Paige
Laila Says:
this book has NO PLOT!!!! and i have to do a book project!!!!!
Tanya Says:
i nedd to do a book report and dont know where to start
Kimmi Says:
and I have to write a report about it for summer reading…how much worse can it get
Kimmi Says:
I hated the book, it was terrible, there was no plot and yet it won an award how ridiculous is that…if that book won an award than a book written by a five year old can.
The book was confusing there were five different stories going on a once and you never know what is happening. I finished it (THANK GOD) and couldn’t tell you a sentence about the plot of the story until I went online and looked it up. and even then, reading the discription there really isn’t a plot..a girl growing up..a boy growing up and five other teenagers growing up …WHO CARES there is no climax at all
It is the absolute worst book I have ever read!!
rainbow Says:
great book lolved it omg like totally haahahaha ajkjkjkjkjkjkjkjjkjkjkjkjkjkjkjkjkjkjkj bam
milan Says:
hi i likede this book alot but i read it in the beggining of the summer and i kinda for got what it was aobut and just like hazel i have to right i book report on it!!!!! dang
HAzel Says:
THIS STORY IS SOOOO CONFUSING!!!!!!!!!!!!
I NEED TO MAKE A BOOK REPORT ABOUT IT!!!!!!GRRRRR…….
XD
Sierra Says:
This book was terrible!!! we had to read it in English and it was the worst book ever! There was no flipen plot and that mad it harder to read!
Rachel Says:
The book was terrible! I was expecting a lot more from it! It won an award and there is not even a plot. Its just telling the story of a few very boring teenagers lives! The front cover gave me the impression that it would be about ONE girl that really wanted something to happen. But throughout the whole book nothing big happened to her. And it brought in 2 other main characters and nothing happened with them either. So I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone!
Tom Says:
I personally hated this book. All the different styles were too much. It was a neat idea but it soon became to much, also the story idea didn’t seem to carry the the unique writing style. I was truly disappointed by the ALA for their pick that year.