Chinese Handcuffs by Chris Crutcher

ISBN: 0-440-20837-8
Dell Publishing, NY
1989
220 pages

Plot Summary

High school junior Dillon Hemingway is haunted by the suicide of his drug-addicted older brother Preston. He is also half in love with his brother's girlfriend Stacey and with star basketball player, Jennifer Lawless. All three of them must confront their darkest secrets. Along the way Dillon learns how to get through life and high school without his older brother.

Critical Evaluation

This is a powerful book that shows how suicide affects those left behind. It also confronts the horrors of childhood sex abuse and how such abuse can scar children for life. The author knows his subject matter well as he's a child and family therapist.

Reader's Annotation

Dillon Hemingway, the best athlete in the junior class, competes in triathlons rather than in sports at his high school.

Author Information

Chris Crutcher has been awarded the National Council of Teachers of English/ALAN Award for Outstanding Contributions to YA literature and has written many outstanding YA books. He is also a child and family therapist in Spokane, Washington.

Genre

YA novel, coming-of-age, mental health, child sex abuse, suicide

Curriculum Ties

Life Skills class

Booktalking Ideas

Dillon's running battle with his high school principal, Mr. Caldwell, who feels that he is selfish for not using his athletic talents for the good of the school. His very good relationship with Coach Sherman, the girls' basketball coach, could also be discussed.

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Middle School/ Grades 9 - 12

Challenge Issues and How They Could Be Defended

Hot-button topics like suicide, drug use and childhood sexual abuse

The author depicts troubled teens realistically but helps point out signs of child abuse and suicide.

Why I Included This Book

This is an older, controversial title by a well-respected author. I kept hearing about this book so I thought that I should read it.