Rating: 
Summary: Groundbreaking
Review: "Kissing Tennessee" is a short, but passionate book written for young adults. It contains the stories of eight different eighth graders that are about to graduate from junior high. But before they graduate, they all attend one last dance, the Stardust Dance, held in the school's cafeteria. Kathi Appelt has quickly become one of my favorite young adult writers because she has, in this book, perfectly captured the volatile emotions of adolescents as they prepare to enter high school; I know that this time in your life can be very confusing and difficult. The story that I could relate to the most was called "Starbears," which is a narrative about a young boy trying to sort out his feelings for other boys. Not many authors are brave enough or accepting enough to broach the subject of homosexuality in young adult literature. Kathi Appelt did, however, and she deserves to be applauded for it. It is my sincere hope that questioning teenagers reading this book will be also be able to relate to stories like "Starbears" so that they, like the students in this book, can finally be the people they really are inside. Such a positive, well-rounded piece of literature definitely deserves to be read by a variety of students as well. I'd recommend "Kissing Tennessee" for all pre-teens and young teens (eighth grade being the ideal age, especially since it's part of the story). I honestly believe that the eight different situations in this book will allow all of this story's readers to connect with one, if not more, of the storylines.
Rating: 
Summary: Young adult romance - and realism
Review: A collection of short stories, both bitter and sweet, that touch the most vulnerable of times - our teen years. As a young adult librarian who works with teen girls from disordered and abusive situations I was thrilled to have this special collection of short stories to share with them. Kissing Tennessee contained stories many of the girls relate to, with situations very similar to their own experiences. "Rachel's Sister" and "The Right Word" are two of the most powerful stories that communicate to readers in similar situations that "you are not alone." Though the book focuses on a junior high dance, I have found it just as appealing to high school readers. I am so thankful that more authors like Appelt who are writing for teens are addressing their real issues, experiences, and concerns. Yes, there are the tender, romantic stories here, too. But Appelt is in tune with the rest of the world that teens live in. It is not all fantasy. There is bitter right along with the sweet. A stellar collection highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Kissing Tennessee
Review: Do you remember what it was like to be in the 8th grade? Kathi Appelt helps us to remember what a wonderful and sometimes confusing time adolescence is. Written in a true Southern voice, this selection of individual stories chronicles one night to remember in several middle school student's lives. This isn't an idealized account of what we would perceive a 1950's youth would experience. With sometimes brutal honesty and an eye to detail, the book give us a window into the lives of these young students as they cross the threshold into adulthood in the late 20th Century.
Rating:
Summary: Stormy Stilley reviews Kissing Tennessee
Review: I read this book and thought it was great. I thought it was neat how the reader can picture most of the scenes. I liked the way Kathi Appelt put the stories together to where they have surprising endings. My favorite story was "Rachel's Sister" because I too have a younger sister. We would never let each other get hurt.
Rating:
Summary: WHEN I WAS YOUNG
Review: I would have loved reading this book. The word is out; there is no 'typical' junior high. I was raised in the 50's, lived in a nice neighborhood, was a fairly ordinary teen. But guess what? One of my friends was indeed beaten by her father. And one was in fact abandoned by a religious-fanatic father. And yes, there were rapes. And boys who reminisced about first loves. There were also those who did their homework, cooked suppers, played the cello and on and on. But, where's the story. Teenagers today face issues that many people refuse to admit. Or want to hear. Or know. That is sad. Because it is tough. Hallways are places that are filled with contagious laughter and horrible sadnesses. Dances too. Dances especially. And let's don't overlook what wonders the stories have to offer; the stolen kisses, the kisses dreamed of, the tender moment of dancing itself. These characters have heartache. And courage. It's the kids who aren't ordinary who encounterthe world in a not so safe place, but learn to live in it anyway. I, for one, will recommend all teens read this book. I have two words for this book; evocative, magical.
Rating: 
Summary: Typical junior high?
Review: In this series of vignettes built aroung a junior high school dance, we encounter: a girl being beaten and abandoned by her religious-fanatic father; a boy reminiscing about his first love, who was killed by a careless driver; a boy realizing that he is homosexual; and a girl being raped by her boyfriend. The only thing missing is a good teen suicide. Perhaps the author ran into a publication deadline before she could write that one. Yes, this is just good, wholesome reading for today's young teen readers!
Rating:
Summary: Best Book for Teens Touches the Heartstrings
Review: It's no wonder that this much anticipated short-story collection by noted author Kathi Appelt was recognized as a Best Book for Young Adults by the American Library Association or that it is so eagerly devoured by young teens looking for stories that connect with their real lives. The school dance in these tales holds all the perils and delights of those memorable moments, the ones that young people use to define themselves and will forever look back upon. This is a book that can be enjoyed on many levels. Real, romantic, gritty, and touching, KISSING TENNESSEE will leave thoughtful readers with much to ponder and all of us still swaying to the music.
Rating:
Summary: Lyrical!
Review: Kathi Appelt has outdone herself. Long accomplished as a picture book writer (see her new The Alley Cat's Meow--absolutely wonderful!) she has now distinguished herself as a young adult author. This series of related stories captures the angst that junior high age teens grapple with. Appelt covers it all, from abusive parents to rape to homosexuality. And through it all, she maintains a light touch and lyrical way with words. This is delicious writing!!
Rating:
Summary: Lyrical!
Review: Kathi Appelt has outdone herself. Long accomplished as a picture book writer (see her new The Alley Cat's Meow--absolutely wonderful!) she has now distinguished herself as a young adult author. This series of related stories captures the angst that junior high age teens grapple with. Appelt covers it all, from abusive parents to rape to homosexuality. And through it all, she maintains a light touch and lyrical way with words. This is delicious writing!!
Rating:
Summary: Utterly Fantastic
Review: Kathi Appelt has taken a bold step from her picture books into these realistic short stories sporting a cross-section of teens from Anywhere, USA. Tho she sets her stories in the south at a Jr. High school dance, the experiences her characters face are real and often universal situations that most people can relate to. Each character has a fresh and unique voice. Kathi isn't afraid to include the tougher issues that some teens experience, but also handles the everyday struggles of things like a first kiss with insight and heart. This is an exellent book for peaking interest in reading in our young people who find whole novels too forboding to attempt.
|
