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Feature Editors:
Stephanie Francis, 14
Reathe Rahim, 16
Dariza Mora, 18
Massachusetts
21 Proms: Every Prom Date has a Story,
edited by David Levithan and Daniel Enrenhaft
Scholastic, 2007
Sasha Smith, 18
Massachusetts
This book was so interesting that I had to literally force myself to put it down and save chapters for the next day. Some of these stories are really funny and others are more heartfelt. I think what draws you into this book is that it's a compilation* of various prom experiences from different points of view. This was especially interesting for me as a senior in high school who is about to experience prom. In many ways, reading stories from authors who are now adults reminiscing* about their prom experiences has made me very anxious to make my prom memorable as well. (In a good way, of course!)
My favorite chapter was "Your Big Night" by Sarah Mlynowski. It's a story about a girl who just broke up with her long term boyfriend. She spends most of prom season thinking of ways to make him jealous so that he'll take her back and drop his new model girlfriend. In the end, she decides that he's not worth it (more power to her!) and instead decides to enjoy prom with her friends. There are many romantic and sweet stories in this book that are fun in a teen sort of way, making the stories completely relatable. I definitely suggest reading this book if you are a senior because these stories can give you tips on what to do and what not to do at prom, like getting drunk before it starts and winding up looking like a fool. But in any case, dance on dancing queens!
*Compilation: a book or writing of materials from various sources
*Reminiscing: to recall past experiences or events
No Laughter Here,
by Rita Williams-Garcia
Amistad, 2007
Jayde Smith, 15
Massachusetts
No Laughter Here is the story of a young girl named Akilah Hunter and her best friend Victoria Ojike. Both girls live in Queens, New York, but Victoria is originally from Nigeria, Africa. During the summer before fifth grade, Akilah finds herself in a confusing and very stressful situation. Victoria returns to Nigeria for the celebration of her coming of age. Things get weird after two months when Victoria stops writing to Akilah. Finally, Victoria comes home, but what happens next is unexpected. Akilah learns that her friend had experienced female circumcision* while she had been in Nigeria.
I can't say that I can relate to this story because I've never been put in a predicament like the one Victoria went through. I didn't understand why an 11-year-old would have to experience such a painful ritual and why the people who love her let it happen. While reading this story, I was in awe. Now, I know the story is fiction, but in reality, this custom does happen in certain countries and young girls really do suffer. Overall, the story was great. There were great characters who were believable and beautiful use of dialogue and scenery.
I highly recommend this book and think it's best suited for girls aged 11-16. The book gives you a lot of insight into what happens to some young girls in different countries. The author's message emphasizes that friendships are deeply important to have to get you through hard times.
*Female circumcision: partial or complete removal of the clitoris, prepuce, or labia of a girl or young woman, as practiced among certain cultures, especially in parts of Africa and western Asia.
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