Mason and Carrie Marie can't summon up the courage to ask each other to dance. Lindy knows her best friend is making a huge mistake with her boyfriend, but she doesn't know how to tell her. Cub is struggling with the feelings he has for his friend Trent. Russ's girlfriend has died, and now he's just trying to live without her. Peggy Lee has grown up with Tennessee, but can she ever think of him as more than a friend? In her first book for older readers, Kathi Appelt brings a group of unforgettable students together for the most memorable night of their lives. •The first book for older readers from a popular picture book author •Eight short stories a favorite format for teen readers that capture the humor and mixed emotions of growing up Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Gr 6-9-Readers may be surprised by the powerful literary mix that they encounter in this short-story collection. In interrelated selections, individual students prepare for their eighth-grade dance, and every story shifts imperceptibly through a broad spectrum of teen issues. Rachel's religious father is abusive and volatile; Becca is the victim of date rape. Cub wraps himself in the scent of his father's old shirt hoping to protect himself from "The Question"-a private doubt about his sexuality that is taunting and terrifying him. The title story is equally fulfilling with a more traditional romantic flavor. The various moods are caught with immediacy and intimacy, and the resolutions occur in precious little time. This collection will spark conversation in contemporary literature discussions, will quietly unsettle readers, and will elevate the quality of short-story collections.-Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr. 5^-9. Eight short stories follow graduating eighth-graders on the night of the Dogwood Junior High Stardust Dance. Though most stories offer the usual assortment of love troubles (unrequited love, crushes, and turning friendship into love), it's the stories of uncertainty and abuse that are the most memorable, not for the topics but for the finely crafted writing. The fundamentalist Christian father in "Rachel's Sister" may beat his daughter for wearing lipstick, but the images of the story that linger are ones of hope and resourcefulness. "Starbears," a nicely ambiguous tale about sexual identity, features a wonderful scene of two boys bonding during a skateboarding adventure. Short story collections are often a hard sell, but the topics in this one will appeal to middle-school readers, and the book is worth mentioning to teachers for its recurring examples of good writing. --Debbie Carton From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Invitation
Dance with Me	p. 1
Rachel's Sister	p. 11
Just a Kiss, Annie P.	p. 31
Starbears	p. 41
The Right Word	p. 66
Kissing Tennessee	p. 81
The Notes Between the Notes	p. 90
These Shoes	p. 101
Midnight
Acknowledgments	p. 117 '

Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.