Who Do You Think You Are?: Stories of Friends and Enemies

Representing a variety of American cultures and ethnic groups, this collection of intimate stories and excerpts from novels by such renowned writers as Joyce Carol Oates, John Updike, Carson McCullers and Maya Angelou explores how children and young adults are affected by key figures: heroes, opponents, classmates and siblings. The majority of the selections deal with peer relationships. Updike's ``The Alligators,'' Oates's ``Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?'' and Gish Jen's ``What Means Switch'' trace adolescent infatuations that ultimately end in disappointment. ``Good Grief!'' by Ray Bradbury, taken from Dandelion Wine , commemorates the loss of a best friend, while Sandra Cisneros's ``My Lucy Friend Who Smells Like Corn'' celebrates the delight of discovering a kindred spirit. Other stories express the spiritual drifting apart of brothers (Louise Erdrich's ``The Red Convertible''), wartime confrontations between enemies (excerpts from Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried ) and a mute child's profound encounter with a highly respected and learned woman (from Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings ). Meticulously chosen and arranged, these works crystalize moments of vulnerability, sorrow and understanding; together, they serve as an excellent introduction to modern American writing. Ages 12-up. (May)