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
carly m. beam Says:
i cant stan this book even though i have not read it! he he ha ha i am trying to get ideas for my book report that due thursday! if you have read the book and have any ideas please post them im reallly worried i can not make a bad grade on this assignment i will fail the seventh grade if i do make a bad grade please help me i tryied reading the back of the book but there is no info! please help me!?
niki Says:
To be honest this was a really dull book and I really hated writing a book report on it. The only thing I got on the whole book was that there lives or destiny whatever criss crossed into each other. I wouldn’t recomend people to read this unless they liked dull books with no plot. Not recomended for reports. The whole this is just about a few teenagers trying to find themselves. I’d rather read an atlas
Jessica Says:
wow…… i just had to say that, because a lot of people have to do a report about this book. And yes, i’m one of those people. I have to do a novel critique…… UGH…. bummer………. but i’m trying which is good too. It’s also due on Friday, and i think i can make it in time. *sighs* just stay relazed, calm and cool……. well, GOOD LUCK GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!