Now Playing Stoner & Spaz II

Gr 9 Up—If opposites attract, Ben and Colleen are prime examples in Ronald Koertge's sequel (2011) to Stoner & Spaz (2004, both Candlewick). He's smart, sensitive, clean-cut, a movie buff, and crippled by cerebral palsy. She's tattooed, beautiful, and free-spirited, and alternates between attending 12-step meetings and using drugs. Frustrated by Colleen's inability to commit, Ben pursues a relationship initiated by AJ, an upper class fellow filmmaker. However, it soon becomes clear that AJ's motives may be less than stellar, and Colleen and Ben may be far more alike than they are different. Listeners need not be familiar with the first title. Although there are several unresolved story lines and an abrupt ending, this novel is raw, direct, and smart. Josh Hamilton's narration is spot-on as he captures the nuances of teen angst. Pair the audio with the book for reluctant readers.—Lisa Hubler, Charles F Brush High School, Lyndhurst, OH