What is Period.8? by Chris Crutcher

     Period.8 by Chris Crutcher has just enough suspense and intrigue to keep the pages turning.

 
     However, I still don’t understand the cover illustration nor the teaser.  The plot thickens as the novel unfolds; yet, the ‘who’ or ‘what’ is behind the scheme is difficult to decipher; there’s no clear explanation of the circumstances that brought these individuals together.  How certain teenagers get involved and why is even more unclear.
     Manipulation, power and control, and trust are major themes throughout the story, and the students of period 8 are not quite sure who to trust, even though what’s said in period 8, stays in period 8.  More focus on the scheme could have provided deeper character development and various perspectives on issues that teens face and difficult decisions they make everyday.

     As with Crutcher’s other novels, Period.8 is a work of realistic fiction; yet, parts of this story are a little too unrealistic to me.  I just could not buy-into this storyline. I may recommend this book to students who like Crutcher. For those new to Crutcher or want a good story, I will recommend his other titles first.