I Go Along

I Go Along: Short story by Richard PeckA major theme of this story by Richard Peck is the benefit of occasionally stepping out of one’s comfort zone. When junior high schooler Gene “goes along” to a poetry recital with students from a higher English class, he doesn’t “go along” with the students in his own class who ignore the opportunity. Although it isn’t clear whether Gene gains an appreciation for poetry, he is lucky enough to sit with, and starts to “get along” with, the hottest girl in his grade. Other themes include independence vs. conformity to peer pressure, and friendship.

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Valediction

Valediction: Short story by Sherman AlexieThis coming-of-age story by Sherman Alexie was extracted from The Rumpus website. Valediction means the act of saying farewell, and in the story two boys who have been close friends for years break up over an act of shoplifting. They had shoplifted together several times, but when guilt and fear cause the narrator to stop, his friend continues and is caught. Disappointingly, instead of thanking his friend for telling authorities he wasn’t involved in the previous thefts, the narrator cuts him off without a word. There is no valediction. Themes include choices and consequences, crime and punishment, reputation, shame, ingratitude.

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Customs

Customs: Short story by Julia AlvarezIn this story from Julia Alvarez, a Dominican American college student makes her annual trip home to reconnect with her wealthy extended family. Set shortly after the 1965 Dominican Civil War, the story contrasts 1960s Western youth counterculture with her country’s traditional social, economic and political values. Although most Dominican youth cling to the old ways, she finds a kindred anti-establishment spirit in her father’s young chauffeur. It takes a disastrous (sabotaged) camping trip to teach her that she still retains some of her family’s outdated ways of thinking. Themes: culture/tradition, misogyny, class, deception, teen rebellion.

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The Metaphor

The Metaphor: Short story by Budge WilsonIn this coming-of-age story by Budge Wilson, a seventh-grade girl flourishes under a flamboyant English teacher. Inspired by the teacher, she learns to endure problems at home by writing metaphors. Four years later, she has the same teacher in high school. The unruly tenth graders constantly humiliate the poor woman, who has difficulty coping. Rather than acknowledge their past or offer thanks for her help in seventh grade, the girl ignores her. When the teacher dies in a tragic after-school accident, the devastated teen copes with her guilt by writing a metaphor. Themes include identity, peer pressure, guilt, self-realization.

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Two Kinds

Two Kinds: Short story by Amy TanA new slang term came into existence several years ago: Tiger Mother. This story by Amy Tan involves a perfect example of one. A fierce argument takes place between a mother and daughter following a disastrous piano recital. When the daughter refuses to continue practicing, the mother responds: Only two kinds of daughters. Those who are obedient and those who follow their own mind! Only one kind of daughter can live in this house. Obedient daughter! Ironically, blind obedience may not be the best strategy for success in America. Themes include mother-daughter relationships, matriarchal power, pride, individuality and self-determination, rebellion.

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The Moustache

The Moustache: Short story by Robert CormierIn this coming of age story by Robert Cormier, seventeen-year-old Mike grew a moustache to prove he could. He likes the look, and wants to keep it. When he visits his grandmother, who lives in a nursing home and is losing her memory, he is worried she won’t recognize him. However, when she sees him she smiles and calls him by name. Later, he realizes she has mistaken him for his late grandfather who he was named after and also wore a moustache. She then tells him a secret that affects him greatly. Themes: identity, family, aging, guilt, forgiveness, communication.

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Dead End

Dead End: Short story by Rudolfo AnayaThe protagonist of this coming of age story by Rudolfo Anaya faces a difficult decision: to honor a promise made to her dying mother, or risk ending a budding romance with the most sought after boy in school. Whichever choice she makes is likely to lead to a “dead end” of sorts. She comes close to a decision while ‘making out’ with the boy in his car. Fortunately, a childhood memory and plaintive sob from a passing bag lady help clear her mind. Themes: determination, family responsibility, dreams (a better future vs. ‘fitting in’ with the gang), sexuality, life choices

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Stay True Hotel

Stay True Hotel: Short story by Shihab Naomi NyeIn this story by Naomi Shihab Nye, a teenage girl grieving over her mother’s death is initially unhappy when yet another job change by her father results in yet another relocation, this time from the UK to Germany. Once there, she finds exploring the vibrant, unfamiliar streets of Berlin strangely exhilarating. In a sudden epiphany, she realizes that to “stay true” to her mother, she must let go of the gloom and look positively on life. Themes include grief, depression, acceptance, and that sometimes a change of environment can provide a fresh perspective on one’s problems.

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