Bibliographic Information:
Loertge, Ron. Stoner & Spaz. Cambridge: Candlewick Press, 2002.
Plot Description: Ben and Colleen are an unlikely pair. Ben, a self-proclaimed nerd without many friends, spends most of his free time enjoying movies and hanging out with his guardian Grandmother. He also lives with cerebral palsy, or C. P. Colleen is a drug abuser who shares in Ben’s loneliness, with whom she develops an unlikely friendship, inspiring him to pursue his latent interest in making movies.
Quantitative Reading Level: Lexile 490; GL 5.1
Qualitative Reading Analysis: This book is slightly complex in terms of structure and language – the story follows a chronological sequence and is simple to follow. The themes are certainly for a more mature audience, especially scenes and descriptions of Colleen’s drug use, reflecting life experiences that might be unfamiliar or scandalous to some readers.
Content Area: English Language Arts, Reading for Literature
Content Area Standard(s):
CCSS for Reading Literature, Grades 9-12: 3) Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
Curriculum Suggestions: The short but gritty nature of this book would be an intriguing, hi-low read for some high school students who can identify with the struggles of both main characters. Its lower reading level makes it more accessible to reluctant readers.
Supporting Digital Content: Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQI60ss54Us
Subjects/Themes: friendship, character and values, cerebral palsy, disability
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