GUNSTORIES

With an eye to the reality that “[g]uns are a fact of life for young people growing up in the United States today,” Atkin offers up the stories of 18 young people whose lives have intersected with guns in some way. Inner-city youths whose lives have been shattered by firearms share the pages with rural kids, for whom shooting is a positive part of their lives. The stories alternate, from the college woman who found confidence through shooting, to a boy who accidentally shot himself in the head, and so on. Although the author’s intent is to present as balanced a look as possible, the very nature of the stories works against her: The tale of a former gang member who lost six loved ones by the age of 13 cannot help but be more compelling than the story of a girl who was a member of her college’s shooting team. Also, the “pro-gun” voices have almost all been drawn from one shooting club and present a regrettable sameness of attitude and experience. Still, it’s a thoughtful and worthy effort that takes both issue and readership seriously. (bibliography, related organizations) (Nonfiction. 12+)