SHOOTER by Walter Dean Myers

The idea for SHOOTER came from the shootings at Clumbine High School although the story is pure fiction. Walter Dean Myers is a great author who really understands the problems children face growing up, a fact which is obvious when you read SHOOTER. The book is written in question and answer format in the form of interviews of some of the students who participated in or were friendly with those involved in a school shooting. We learn to understand the characters and the reasons for what they do. Although sad and somewhat frightening, SHOOTER holds the readers' interest throughout the book. The book also contains a fascinating interview with the author.