Athletic Shorts: Six Short Stories
by Chris Crutcher

    ATHLETIC SHORTS by Chris Crutcher
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  11/5/02
    Publisher:  HarperTeen
    Reviewed by:  Mechele R. Dillard
    Rating:  5 Stars


    In ATHLETIC SHORTS, Chris Crutcher presents original short stories involving characters from his previous
    novels. In the book's forward, Crutcher explains, "In my travels around the country and in letters from
    readers, I am constantly asked what happens to certain characters in my books. So once in a while I check
    in" (pp. ix-x).

    Each of these short stories involves a central character from a previous novel, but, while Crutcher may have
    intended a particular story to be a prequel or an afterward, the stories remain independent. So a person who has
    not read RUNNING LOOSE will still be able to understand the storyline behind IN THE TIME I GET, in which
    Louie Banks looks into the eyes of a friend dying of AIDS and realizes the value of time. Additionally, after getting a
    taste of Crutcher's novels through his short stories, readers may well be inspired to go out and acquire the novels
    themselves.

    Athletics are the uniting theme throughout these stories, but they also give Crutcher a medium to introduce physical,
    mental, and emotional challenges for his characters. Sports allow a safe setting for conflict and failure, while also
    providing a site for characters to achieve and excel.

    Thumbs Up! Award Winner, 1992