Frizzell, Colin. Chill.

FRIZZELL, Colin. Chill. Orca, Soundings. 98 pages. c2006. 1-55143-507-1. $8.98. JS*

Sean's best friend Chill has had a limp all his life. Yet, no one picks on him as one might expect. In fact, Chill's equanimity makes him well respected amongst his classmates. Chill is also a superb artist, and it is this talent that earns him the opportunity to paint a mural at the school entrance as a parting "gift" from his senior class. Initially, he intends to paint inspirational and pop culture figures until he endures the new English teacher, Mr. Sfinkter, a self-absorbed, abusive individual who seems to enjoy demeaning students on a regular basis. A rift between Scan and Chill emerges as Scan decides to trust a promise made by this teacher, while Chill remains skeptical. When Chill's doubts are confirmed, he decides to take action in the only way he knows how: by changing the mural. What he eventually paints becomes the center of an end-of-the-year controversy that raises questions about Sfinkter's teaching methods, and his reason for becoming a teacher in the first place.

Strong emotions create a backdrop for Frizzell's novel: fortitude, longing, jealousy, frustration, disappointment, anger and revenge--all generated by one man, Sfinkter. This is understandable given this character's personality. However, the character interactions with and reactions to this nefarious teacher raises some good discussion questions: "What qualifies a person for teaching," "What makes a good/bad teacher," and perhaps most relevant to the readers, "How should a student respond to an abusive teacher?" Chill is a good read for all teens, especially for the less popular and the artistically inclined. Frizzell develops his major and minor characters equally well; each is unique and authentic, behaving in ways that, although somewhat predictable, are believable and realistic. This is one of the better Orca Soundings novels I've read.

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books.

Lisa Carlson, M.I.T., Teacher-Libn, Tyee Ed. Comp., SeaTac, WA