Period 8

by Chris Crutcher

Overview

In this terrifying and provocative novel by the bestselling and award-winning author of Deadline and Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, a teenage boy tries to uncover what happened to a girl who has vanished from his high school. Was she abducted, or did she run for her life?

Paul "The Bomb" Baum tells the truth. No matter what. It was something he learned at Sunday school. But telling the truth can cause problems, and not just minor ones. And as Paulie discovers, finding the truth can be even more problematic. Period 8 is supposed to be that one period in high school where the truth can shine, a safe haven. Only what Paulie and Hannah (his ex-girlfriend, unfortunately) and his other classmates don't know is that the ultimate liar is in their midst. Terrifying, thought-provoking, and original, this novel combines all the qualities of a great psychological thriller with the controversy, ethics, athletics, humor, and raw emotion of a classic Crutcher story.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780061914829
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	03/25/2014
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

About the Author

Chris Crutcher has written nine critically acclaimed novels, an autobiography, and two collections of short stories. Drawing on his experience as a family therapist and child protection specialist, Crutcher writes honestly about real issues facing teenagers today: making it through school, competing in sports, handling rejection and failure, and dealing with parents. He has won three lifetime achievement awards for the body of his work: the Margaret A. Edwards Award, the ALAN Award, and the NCTE National Intellectual Freedom Award. Chris Crutcher lives in Spokane, Washington.

What People are Saying About This

Laurie Halse Anderson

“Period 8 is the best of Crutcher: warmth, humor, and spot-on teen reality, but coupled with terrifying intensity and a shocking ending.”

Editorial Reviews

Period 8 is the best of Crutcher: warmth, humor, and spot-on teen reality, but coupled with terrifying intensity and a shocking ending.

Laurie Halse Anderson

Praise for Deadline: “As usual, Crutcher does not hesitate to incorporate serious subject matter within an engaging first-person narrative.

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (starred review)

The coolest teacher at Heller High is “Logs,” as the students call him, who hosts an extended therapy session in his classroom during lunch, the “Period 8” of the title. Even in Crutcher’s normally sure hands, this premise doesn’t work, largely because the action of the story isn’t remotely believable. Basically, a psychopath is roping the school’s prettiest girls (including one nicknamed the Virgin Mary) into a sex ring. Logs and his mentee, 17-year-old distance swimmer Paulie Baum, slowly unravel what’s going on, leading to a high-octane finish that will keep readers furiously flipping the pages to uncover who the good guys really are. But subplots about Paulie’s parents’ marital woes and Paulie’s struggle to finish his senior essay on “adolescent decision-making,” coupled with cartoonish villains and implausible details—when the Virgin Mary goes missing, police recruit the Period 8 crew to help them scour the woods for her body—may stop some readers from reaching the exciting conclusion. Ages 14–up. Agent: Darhansoff & Verrill Literary Agents. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

Period 8 is the best of Crutcher: warmth, humor, and spot-on teen reality, but coupled with terrifying intensity and a shocking ending.” — Laurie Halse Anderson, author of Speak and Chains

Praise for Deadline: “As usual, Crutcher does not hesitate to incorporate serious subject matter within an engaging first-person narrative.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (starred review)

“Crutcher uses dark humor and self-deprecation effectively to avoid maudlin situations, and teens will appreciate the respectful tone of the work.” — School Library Journal

Praise for Whale Talk: “Crutcher offers an unusual yet resonant mixture of black comedy and tragedy that lays bare the superficiality of the high school scene.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Cataclysmic and triumphant.” — Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

Crutcher writes vivid sports action scenes, and teens’ interest will be held by the story’s dramatic premise.

ALA Booklist

Gr 7 Up—Bruce Logsdon's Period 8 session, held during the regular lunch period, is a place for Heller High School students to talk about their concerns and feelings. Logsdon, or Mr. Logs as he is called by his students, is gifted at getting teens to unburden themselves and speak honestly. Chief among his admirers is Paulie Bomb, whose unbridled honesty has cost him his relationship with his girlfriend, Hannah. When quiet, unassuming Mary Wells (called the "Virgin Mary" by other students due to her outwardly prudish behavior) goes missing, Period 8 must grapple with the fact that their safe space has been compromised. Issues centered on trust, forgiveness, extreme bullying, disturbing parenting, and reputations are prevalent throughout the story. Crutcher captures teen speak in a natural and realistic manner. Although the narrative begins at a deliberate pace, the drama over Mary's disappearance and incidents in the final quarter of the story ratchet up the intensity. Some sexuality and rough language are present, but it is never gratuitous or excessive. Mr. Logs is a positive portrayal of an involved teacher; he is dedicated to his students and genuinely concerned about them. However, his personal contacts with several students outside of school might, in real life, cause some concern among hypervigilant administrators and parents. Crutcher keeps readers guessing as to who is behind Mary's disappearance, and the portrayal of the psychopath is truly chilling. A must-have where the author's novels or psychological thrillers are popular.—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

School Library Journal

Suspense, heartbreak, a healthy dose of athletics--this novel has everything that Crutcher's longtime fans have come to expect, and more. When distance swimmer Paul "Paulie Bomb" Baum confesses to his girlfriend that he's cheated on her, he turns to his mentor for advice. During lunch period, Mr. Logsdon--Logs--runs an open classroom where students can freely air their feelings and opinions. Paulie and Hannah's breakup takes a back seat to the disappearance of straight-A student and Period 8 regular Mary Wells, aka the Virgin Mary. Meanwhile, semi-nemesis Arney seems a lot more manipulative than Paulie would have expected from the student body president, especially when he worms his way into Hannah's good graces. With his signature straightforward storytelling, economy of language and credible teen voices, the author stretches into new territory here, exploring the emotional toll being coerced into sex against their wills takes on boys as well as girls. While at times plot elements seem disconnected against a backdrop of a wide array of characters and motivations, there's a lot here that will appeal to teens, including the way that Logs, nearing retirement, plays a little fast and loose with confidential information. Fast-paced intrigue keeps the reader hanging on as Paulie pieces together clues to the discomfiting truth behind the strange, shadowy behavior of people he trusted. (Fiction. 14 & up)

Kirkus Reviews