101 ways to dance is about young adults and sex. There are no actual sex scenes in this set of short stories, but many sexual topics are examined such as; homosexuality, teen pregnancy, and restricting contact between two teens showing “interest” in each other. The young adults in all of these stories have sexual thoughts and desires and are learning to deal with the feelings they have in these situations.
If any book has a chance to be controversial, it is this one. Some adults like to think that restricting their children access to materials about sex will somehow make them better able to deal with the issue. It may be more accurate to say that those adults hope that their teens will then not have wrong or inappropriate thoughts about sex. The stories in this book examine sex in a very accurate and level headed way: Two boys trying to “get lucky” are exposed to the results of what reckless sex can cause. Girls wonder if they read and book about lesbians and they “like” the book, if that means they are gay. A dying young adult has an experience which he will remember for the rest of his short life. I think this book would be valuable for most all young adults to read and even discuss with their friends and if possible with their parents.
Stinson, K. (2006). 101 ways to dance. Toronto, ON: Second Story Press.
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