Description

Chris Crutcher fills these three stories with raw emotion. They are about insecurity, anger, and prejudice. But they are also about love, freedom, and power. About surviving. And hope.

Every kid in this group wants to fly. Every kid in this group has too much ballast.

Mr. Nak's Angry Management group is a place for misfits. A place for stories. And, man, does this crew have stories.

There's Angus Bethune and Sarah Byrnes, who can hide from everyone but each other. Together, they will embark on a road trip full of haunting endings and glimmering beginnings.

And Montana West, who doesn't step down from a challenge. Not even when the challenge comes from her adoptive dad, who's leading the school board to censor the article she wrote for the school paper.

And straightlaced Matt Miller, who had never been friends with outspoken genius Marcus James. Until one tragic week—a week they'd do anything to change—brings them closer than Matt could have ever imagined.


  • Coming of Age: Follows five teens—Angus, Sarah, Montana, Matt, and Marcus—as they navigate abuse, abandonment, and bigotry in a battle to define themselves.
  • Censorship in Schools: When Montana West writes a controversial article for the school paper, she finds herself fighting not just the administration, but her own father.
  • Unlikely Friendships: From a road trip that changes everything to a tragedy that forges an unexpected bond, these stories explore how connection can be a lifeline.
  • Hard-Hitting Social Issues: With unflinching honesty, this collection tackles tough topics like child abuse, racism, and homophobia, making it a powerful read for teens and adults.

About the author(s)

Chris Crutcher has written nine critically acclaimed novels, an autobiography, and two collections of short stories. Drawing on his experience as a family therapist and child protection specialist, Crutcher writes honestly about real issues facing teenagers today: making it through school, competing in sports, handling rejection and failure, and dealing with parents. He has won three lifetime achievement awards for the body of his work: the Margaret A. Edwards Award, the ALAN Award, and the NCTE National Intellectual Freedom Award. Chris Crutcher lives in Spokane, Washington.

Reviews

“Well written, action packed, engrossing, and at times humorous . . . [Angry Management] is vintage Crutcher.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“Crutcher fanatics rejoice! . . . Teens comfortable with Crutcher’s black-and-white take on controversial issues will delight in these stories, and with his best book cover yet, this may draw new fans to the fold.” - ALA Booklist

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