Grade 6 Up. This compelling collection features confident storytelling and surprise endings. Modern technology merges with fantasy in the title story. Cheapskate Bill Essler dumps Denise Bainbridge as his graduation-dance date so he doesn't have to spend his money on her. Furious when she then humiliates him in front of the entire school, he discovers a new computer web site, Curses, Inc., and chooses from a menu of spells to make Denise's life miserable. However, the curses never seem to have their desired effect and Bill's bank account quickly dwindles. Other selections include a hilarious take on what might happen if humans could understand animals but animals still couldn't understand humans; meditations on vanity; and the moral question of whether or not it is right to take the life of someone who took yours?if you were raised from the dead. A strong theme of morality and making choices runs throughout the book. "Witch-Hunt," a fable about censorship, is sure to promote discussion. Vande Velde skillfully deceives readers into thinking that the story is taking place in the distant past, making the twist at the end all the more relevant. The author writes about her inspiration for each tale in a short afterword, giving teens insight into the perennial question, "Where do you get your ideas?" This will be a hot choice for YAs and can be easily booktalked off the shelves.?Tim Wadham, Dallas Public Library, TX
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
DOWNLOAD CURSES. INC. AND OTHER STORIES - VIVIAN VANDE VELDE
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