Module 14 On the Fringe

Gallo, Donald. On the Fringe. 1st ed. New York NY: Dial Books, 2001. Print.

On the Fringe is a story collection of fictional teenage high school student accounts of ostracization and inadequacy among their peers. “Geeks Bearing Gifts” tells the story of cheerleader-golden girl student Renee writing a journalism piece for more credit learning about the other school cliques and unpopular groups that are cut off from the social norm. She faces opposition on all sides – from those she tries to interview being defensive and demeaning to her own boyfriend making an ultimatum to drop the piece. Sticking to her purpose she loses a bit of her perfect social standing and learns that we all indeed are outsiders if we choose to be, but even better – that those who appreciate others are always welcomed.

I enjoyed Renee’s attitude. She didn’t start as a snob but she did learn a great deal about people and about herself creating this shift in perspective about the value of a person. The other stories were just as valuable combining lessons of courage and self-discovery.

I would suggest this book as a display or even to be placed on teachers’ reading lists to encourage better understanding of teenagers towards their peers.

Review:

Riley, Susan. "On the Fringe." School Library Journal 47.5 (2001): 150. Web. 7 May 2011

Gr 7 Up-Kids who are geeks, unathletic, poor, emotionally fragile, loners, or unattractive by current standards form the heart of this collection of exceptional stories by well-known YA authors such as Joan Bauer, Chris Crutcher, and M. E. Kerr. Inspired by the events at Columbine High School, the authors pondered what sorts of heartbreak could cause teens to react so powerfully and violently, and how being isolated and shut out of high school groups could tear down the fragile walls of self-esteem, making vulnerable individuals snap and cause massive destruction. The result is a compilation of short stories from the point of view of those tormented, and those who view others being bullied and how their perceptions change as they examine the situations. While all the stories are excellent, Jack Gantos's "Muzak for Prozac" is an exceptional example of the fragile balance that one teen struggles to maintain through the use of mood-stabilizing chemicals. A must-buy for all libraries.