Author: Paul
Volponi
Bibliographic Info:
Volponi, Paul. (2009). Response.
New York: Speak.
Descriptive Summary:
Three high school friends, in need of quick cash, devise a low risk plan to steal a Lexus and pass it off to a local chop shop. The fast cash is alluring to Noah, who is a already a father, and too hard to pass up. Things don't go quite as planned and Noah winds up on the receiving end of a baseball bat from a white attacker. Was Noah a victim of a hate crime? Is Noah ready to be a man and take responsibility for his own actions?
Three high school friends, in need of quick cash, devise a low risk plan to steal a Lexus and pass it off to a local chop shop. The fast cash is alluring to Noah, who is a already a father, and too hard to pass up. Things don't go quite as planned and Noah winds up on the receiving end of a baseball bat from a white attacker. Was Noah a victim of a hate crime? Is Noah ready to be a man and take responsibility for his own actions?
Evaluative comments with rating:
4/5 TVs - Much better than after school special/movie of the week
Volponi's dialogue and experiences with the justice system are his strengths in Response - a quick meaningful read that explores issues of coming of age and racism. Response isn't quite as strong as Rucker Park Setup and it might be because the territory seems slightly well-worn and the ending seems just a little too easy. That's not to say that Volponi isn't lobbing any softballs when it comes to race relations here. Response reads like a modern-day version of Do The Right Thing, but only maybe with a little more realism (if that's possible). Volponi does his best with a complicated issue, it's not his best work, but it's a far sight better than a lot of attempts at understanding the complex nature of hate crimes. A worthy read for anyone with an interest in Urban Fiction.
4/5 TVs - Much better than after school special/movie of the week
Volponi's dialogue and experiences with the justice system are his strengths in Response - a quick meaningful read that explores issues of coming of age and racism. Response isn't quite as strong as Rucker Park Setup and it might be because the territory seems slightly well-worn and the ending seems just a little too easy. That's not to say that Volponi isn't lobbing any softballs when it comes to race relations here. Response reads like a modern-day version of Do The Right Thing, but only maybe with a little more realism (if that's possible). Volponi does his best with a complicated issue, it's not his best work, but it's a far sight better than a lot of attempts at understanding the complex nature of hate crimes. A worthy read for anyone with an interest in Urban Fiction.
Suggested Audience
(age range):14-18 (some strong language and violence)
Readers’ advisory
notes:
Appeal factors:
Issue-oriented, disturbing, emotionally intense, suspenseful, dialogue-rich, reflective
Readalikes: The Skin I'm In - Sharon Flake, The Bully/The Gun - Paul Langan, Monster - Walter Dean Myers, Dark Dude - Oscar Hijuelos, You Don't Even Know Me: Stories and Poems About Boys - Sharon Flake, After Tupac and D Foster - Jacqueline Woodson
Booktalking hook:
Reason for inclusion:
Familiarity with the author from shelving.
Category: Urban
Fiction/Street Lit/Race Relations
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