Stupid Fast

Stupid Fast is a great book for middle-school children. It is written through the mind of an adolescent. What I mean by that is the ideas in the book move quickly which is how children think and speak. The only criticism I have is that young adults might not see the "point" to the book because it takes a while to set up the entire plot. I had a hard time explaining what the book was about when I was halfway through! 

My favorite theme in Stupid Fast is the idea that Felton can change his life on his own. His mother and brother have "gone crazy" while he spends the summer getting friends, a girlfriend, and discovering his passion (running). Felton feels accomplished in the idea that he can establish a life outside of his crazy family; "I liked being somebody I'd never been before; someone not connected to what was happening at home; somebody who is obviously not a Reinstein" (158). This wouldn't be considered his "Aha moment," but it is certainly the result of acting on his Aha moment. He realized he could accomplish these goals and he did. 

This is certainly a coming-of-age story. The way I would incorporate this into my classroom is to see what parts of Felton's life relate to my students. Students are interested in ideas they can understand; so what better way to guide their understanding than by connecting the book to their life? Felton goes through struggles in the book with his family, friends, and Aleah, but he deals with them like many adolescents would. I would want my students to know that it is okay to get angry, like when Felton finds out the truth about his father. When the anger subsides, they need to know their will be peace. 

This book can reach a wide variety of adolescent audiences from all walks of life. I also think it's great for male students because there are many books highlighting female struggles but not many that are from the point of view of a boy.