Reviewed by Mechele R. Dillard for TeensReadToo.com

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 ( )

Great book for boys (finally!) although all students will enjoy it. Funny, real and relatable! Easy to read, fun, made me laugh! ( )

Booklist, v. 88 (October 15 1991) p. 428.

With themes such as acceptance, forgiveness, and grief, Crutcher uses sports to tell six coming of age stories. Five of the six stories are based on characters from other Crutcher books. The sixth is a reprint from a short story collection.
Angus, the butt of a cruel school joke, has the last laugh. Petey wrestles with a girl in more ways than one. John wrestles with living in the shadow of his father. Lionel trolls deep within himself to try to forgive a friend who caused the boating accident that killed his family. Jack, emotionally challenged, is thrust into the perils of racial prejudice by his father, a fencing instructor. Louie, a football player, tackles the prejudice surrounding aids as he becomes friends with a dying man. ( )

School Library Journal; Sep91, Vol. 37 Issue 9, p278, 1/7p ( )