Stoner & Spaz (by Ron Koertge)

I am a middle school librarian, so I read a lot, and mostly read YA books. I read this book last fall and really loved it. The main reason was that Ben (the protagonist) was a fully realized individual, with his own interests, quirks and thoughts, not just "some poor kid with cerebral palsy." I once had a friend who had muscular dystrophy and through our friendship got to understand a little bit about what she thought about living with a disability, especially the way others reacted to her. I found it very refreshing to encounter a charecter with a disability in a young adult novel that was so multi-dimensional. His releationship with Colleen is so engaging because she sees him as an individual first, without focusing on the cerebral palsy. Yes, Colleen is a drug addict, but Ben continually tries to encourage her to quit. Yes, there is some swearing and sex. Frankly, I hear much worse coming out of the mouths of my middle schoolers when they tell me about the R rated movies they watch and Grand Theft Auto Video Games they play. I'd much rather a student read a book where they might think a little and be introduced to new ideas about people diferent than themselves than keep it away from them because it doesn't pound away at an anti-drug message. The kids I sugested this book to loved it because it was so honest and realistic.

I loved this book. I myself have gone through rehab six times and fallen back into old habits. But thanks to friends, much like Colleen's in the book, I have been pretty straight for six months now. This is an awe-inspiring book and I recommend it to anyone.

This book was awesome! We read it in class for an assignment and I really enjoyed reading it!

This book was so amazing, if you cant tell already its a favorite. A must read for all teens and a good conversation starter. I loved every word of it and every nano-second i had free was filled with this book. The endingds kinda sad, and i can only wish for a sequal, but over all major Kudos and props to Ron Koertge.

this is one of my favorite books of all time!!!! people who are in ben or colleen's situation should read this book because it's very inspriring and realistic. although this is a great book, it's more suitable for teens.

The book has a pretty good build up and then it's as if the author tried to finish the novel within four pages. It skims through the parts that in my opinion are key moments or the best parts of the novel. This is just a way kids can access the world of sex, drugs, and rocknroll without a parent's restriction. Then again parents don't care as long as its a book and not a graphic movie!

After I read this book, I really couldn't believe it was in my school's elementary library; as it really shouldn't have been there due to the language and drug use. But that doesn't nessessarily make this book a bad one. I fell in love with this book just after the first chapter. It has very good drama, use of "social cliques", personalities, and plain real life....yeah, PLAIN real life.

it is a piece of c--p

This was a really interesting book, however the ending left too much unsaid.