Out. (SideStreets). Sandra Diersch. Toronto, ON: James Lorimer, 2009. 143 pp., pbk. & hc., $9.95 (pbk.), $16.95 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-55277-422-9 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-55277-421-2 (hc.). Subject Heading: Maple Ridge (B.C.) - Juvenile fiction. Grades 9-12 / Ages 14-17. Review by Caroline Higgins. *** /4

excerpt:

How many other people he’d grown up with had secrets like this? How did their families cope with the information? Alex doubted he was the only one struggling. He heard the front door open and slam shut, the sound of his brother’s sneakers on the boards of the verandah then crunching down the gravel driveway until it was quiet again. Alex let out a big breath, and closed his eyes.

This should be the best summer of Alex Straker has ever had. He has only one year left of high school, and he is dating Laura, the most beautiful and kind-hearted person Alex has ever met. He has friends, a good part-time job, and aspirations to leave his rural BC town. But Alex is struggling with his knowledge of a church leader’s infidelity, his brother’s sexuality and his sudden loss of faith. As occurs in many coming-of-age stories, Alex must reconcile his vanishing childhood with the new realities he confronts as he enters fully into adulthood.

     Out is an action-driven story, but Diersch does develop a protagonist readers will instantly like. Though a good-looking high school jock, Alex has a sweet nature and is conscientious of others’ feelings. But he is also hot tempered and reacts poorly in sensitive situations. He is not overly cerebral and is often bewildered by the overwhelming emotions he feels. For much of the story Alex maintains a child’s sense of justice and struggles with his increasing disappointment with the adult world. But only through this struggle is there an opportunity for Alex’s self-growth.

      As a title in Lorimer’s “SideStreets” series, Out is intended for struggling young adult readers. It follows a standard narrative arc: rising action, climax, resolution, but Diersch keeps the reader’s attention with a quick pace and action. Out is designed to be instructive: most teens will relate to the many difficult situations Alex faces as he navigates through the tough terrain of changing peer and family relationships. Through Alex, young readers have the advantage of learning the story’s hard life lessons, and they can take comfort in the final resolution.

Recommended.

Caroline Higgins is a Community Outreach Librarian for Calgary Public Library's Saddletowne branch opening in 2011.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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