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Strays
Sixteen-year-old Ted O’Connor’s parents just died in a fiery car crash, and now he’s stuck with a set of semi-psycho foster parents, two foster brothers — Astin, the cocky gearhead, and C.W., the sometimes gangsta — and an inner-city high school full of delinquents. He’s having pretty much the worst year of his miserable life. Or so he thinks. Is it possible that becoming an orphan is not the worst thing that could have happened to him?
176 pages, Hardcover
First published May 8, 2007
22 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Ron Koertge
71 books103 followersAsk Ron Koertge what he brings to the realm of young adult fiction, and the seasoned author responds matter-of-factly. "I write dialogue well, and I'm funny," he says--an assessment few would argue with. "I like iconoclasm and practice it in my fiction. I don't like pretense or hypocrisy. I'm almost always irreverent."
A faculty member for more than 35 years at Pasadena City College, where he has taught everything from Shakespeare to remedial writing, Ron Koertge is the author of several acclaimed novels, most of them for young adults. That Ron Koertge is a master at capturing teenagers' voices--often in witty repartee--is fully evident in MARGAUX WITH AN X, the story of a sharp-tongued beauty and a quirky, quick-witted loner. "MARGAUX WITH AN X started as a short story, but the heroine wouldn't let me alone," the author says. "She had a story to tell, and she wanted a whole novel to tell it in." Another unlikely pairing is found in STONER & SPAZ, Ron Koertge's funny, in-your-face tale of a young cinephile with cerebral palsy and the stoner who steals his heart. "My wife works with the disabled," the writer says of his inspiration for the novel, which quickly garnered critical acclaim. "One night she came home and told me about a young man she'd been working with. He had C.P. and a terrific sense of humor. Coincidentally, that day I had talked to a former student of mine who'd recently been in rehab for substance abuse. What would happen, I wondered, if those two knew each other?"
In addition to his young adult novels, Ron Koertge writes poetry, and has been dubbed "the wisest, most entertaining wiseguy in American poetry" by poet-laureate Billy Collins. SHAKESPEARE BATS CLEANUP is narrated by a straight-talking, fourteen-year-old first baseman who has been benched by mono and decides to take a swing at writing poetry. Written entirely in free verse, with examples of several poetic forms slipped into the mix--including a sonnet, haiku, pastoral, and even a pantoum--SHAKESPEARE BATS CLEANUP is a veritable English teacher's dream. "The interest in SHAKESPEARE BATS CLEANUP is less with the arc of the plot than with the individual poems, some of which demonstrate poetic form, some of which tell the story," the author says. "One of my biggest challenges was to write like a fourteen-year-old who has a knack for writing poetry, and not just sound like a sixty-one-year-old pretending to be one!"
The author's first book with Candlewick, THE BRIMSTONE JOURNALS, is also a novel written in free verse, with 15 different teenage characters narrating four or five poems each. "The book started to nag me a few months before the shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado, and I started to make notes in the form of poems," he says of the hauntingly prescient work. "BRIMSTONE needed to move at high velocity, and this form is perfect for that: no tail fins, no leather seats, no moon roof. Just get in and go."
Ron Koertge grew up in an agricultural area in an old mining town in Illinois, just across the Mississippi from St. Louis, Missouri. There he learned to "drive a tractor and buck hay bales, which are clearly useful skills in Los Angeles," he quips. He and his wife live in South Pasadena, California.
A faculty member for more than 35 years at Pasadena City College, where he has taught everything from Shakespeare to remedial writing, Ron Koertge is the author of several acclaimed novels, most of them for young adults. That Ron Koertge is a master at capturing teenagers' voices--often in witty repartee--is fully evident in MARGAUX WITH AN X, the story of a sharp-tongued beauty and a quirky, quick-witted loner. "MARGAUX WITH AN X started as a short story, but the heroine wouldn't let me alone," the author says. "She had a story to tell, and she wanted a whole novel to tell it in." Another unlikely pairing is found in STONER & SPAZ, Ron Koertge's funny, in-your-face tale of a young cinephile with cerebral palsy and the stoner who steals his heart. "My wife works with the disabled," the writer says of his inspiration for the novel, which quickly garnered critical acclaim. "One night she came home and told me about a young man she'd been working with. He had C.P. and a terrific sense of humor. Coincidentally, that day I had talked to a former student of mine who'd recently been in rehab for substance abuse. What would happen, I wondered, if those two knew each other?"
In addition to his young adult novels, Ron Koertge writes poetry, and has been dubbed "the wisest, most entertaining wiseguy in American poetry" by poet-laureate Billy Collins. SHAKESPEARE BATS CLEANUP is narrated by a straight-talking, fourteen-year-old first baseman who has been benched by mono and decides to take a swing at writing poetry. Written entirely in free verse, with examples of several poetic forms slipped into the mix--including a sonnet, haiku, pastoral, and even a pantoum--SHAKESPEARE BATS CLEANUP is a veritable English teacher's dream. "The interest in SHAKESPEARE BATS CLEANUP is less with the arc of the plot than with the individual poems, some of which demonstrate poetic form, some of which tell the story," the author says. "One of my biggest challenges was to write like a fourteen-year-old who has a knack for writing poetry, and not just sound like a sixty-one-year-old pretending to be one!"
The author's first book with Candlewick, THE BRIMSTONE JOURNALS, is also a novel written in free verse, with 15 different teenage characters narrating four or five poems each. "The book started to nag me a few months before the shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado, and I started to make notes in the form of poems," he says of the hauntingly prescient work. "BRIMSTONE needed to move at high velocity, and this form is perfect for that: no tail fins, no leather seats, no moon roof. Just get in and go."
Ron Koertge grew up in an agricultural area in an old mining town in Illinois, just across the Mississippi from St. Louis, Missouri. There he learned to "drive a tractor and buck hay bales, which are clearly useful skills in Los Angeles," he quips. He and his wife live in South Pasadena, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 9, 2013
Strays was recommended by a friend of mine. I was not sure what to expect, and after reading it, I am actually not completely sure what to think. Ted's parents just died, and now he is in a foster home where he meets Astin and C. W. He shares a room with Astin who is older and has lived in the home for quite some time. Ted sees Astin as the cool guy. C.W. arrived at the home with Ted but is no stranger to the system. C.W. strives to feel at home with his gang-sta friends and yearns to be loved. The foster parents seem to be nice, but Ted has not made any permanent decisions yet. Further, Astin warns Ted and C.W. of the Little Noodle.
Ted is not just your average guy. He has tons of useless information stored in his head and hears animals talk. Yes, he has actual conversations with animals. In his previous life with his parents, Ted felt out of place. His parents owned a pet store which he worked at so he always smelled like animals. To make matters worse, he is socially awkward. These things are not looked at highly in a typical public high school. Ted has his own "friendly" bully, Scott. Ted assumes that things will be the same at his new high school, just different faces and names.
Ted's journey from outcast to his new life is quite a charming story.
I enjoyed the book, and I thought it would bring good discussions regarding the vision that the author had while writing. I would probably read another by this author even though this is really not my genre. 3.5 stars, but I was not willing to round to 4.
Interesting passages:
"...we're in Freudland now. On our left is Sigmund Village, and on our right the Oedipus Complex."
"Valerie, Pamela, and Robin are, as my art teacher used to say, the center of the painting. The rest of us--the stoner with the ring in her nose, the boy with the droopy Mohawk, the girl in the wheelchair--are just background. We might as well be trees and clouds."
Ted is not just your average guy. He has tons of useless information stored in his head and hears animals talk. Yes, he has actual conversations with animals. In his previous life with his parents, Ted felt out of place. His parents owned a pet store which he worked at so he always smelled like animals. To make matters worse, he is socially awkward. These things are not looked at highly in a typical public high school. Ted has his own "friendly" bully, Scott. Ted assumes that things will be the same at his new high school, just different faces and names.
Ted's journey from outcast to his new life is quite a charming story.
I enjoyed the book, and I thought it would bring good discussions regarding the vision that the author had while writing. I would probably read another by this author even though this is really not my genre. 3.5 stars, but I was not willing to round to 4.
Interesting passages:
"...we're in Freudland now. On our left is Sigmund Village, and on our right the Oedipus Complex."
"Valerie, Pamela, and Robin are, as my art teacher used to say, the center of the painting. The rest of us--the stoner with the ring in her nose, the boy with the droopy Mohawk, the girl in the wheelchair--are just background. We might as well be trees and clouds."
November 14, 2011
I probably could be talked into giving this four stars, but I'm tired of giving almost everything I read except the really exceptional works four stars. After all, I really liked this better than "Stoner & Spaz" by the same author. A quick read and I'd say about 80% on the mark with its depictions of contemporary teen life, with 20% sounding more like cliched observations of media cliches. The protaganist has a somewhat extraordinary ability to speak with animals that is interesting, but I'm not sure Koertge gets the most out of this rather quirky creation. Still, I did like the book and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a pretty quick read in a story dealing with teenage coming-of-age, trying-to-find-how-to-fit-in kind of issues.
August 22, 2019
I really liked this character and his connection to animals. The storyline was choppy, yet made sense: it was full of different types of strays. It just felt like someone dropped the manuscript and random pages got blown away. Maybe that's what life for foster kids feels like sometimes...
January 21, 2013
This book was good but, had a very bad ending. It is about a boy that becomes a foster child and his life starts to change. He thinks the change is good at first but doesn't really know for sure, one major change is that he can now speak to animals. I would recommend this book to someone that wants a good easy reading book, wants a couple laughs, and does not mind a very horrible ending.
September 30, 2016
The strays is a well paced book and it's not too short but not too long at the same time. The character depth that the author went in was so well made and overall really unique. Strays was a unique book for me to read and I enjoyed it. The author really put the book together well but a little confusing at some points.
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June 14, 2023Stray - By Ron Koertge
Genre - Young Adult Fiction
A character that changed by the end of the book was the main protagonist Ted because he overcame his hardships in his life to stand up to his bully. Before Ted became an orphan he was bullied by Scott McIntyre, a jock football player. Ted had no self esteem and did his best to avoid confrontations with his bully. When Ted finds himself in a foster home he becomes friends with the boys that live there. Through his friendships he changes and learns to face his problems head on. At the end of the book Ted sees and confronts his bully “It’d be easy just to walk around him…I walk right toward him”. The author discussed this topic to show how people, especially young adults, can overcome their fears, even though they face hardship in their lives. Ted in fact could get revenge and beat his bully up but doesn’t, as he would rather enjoy his own life. “I could still hold him while you hit him…Nah, I’d rather go buy stuff for your party”. The author shows us how we too can change our thinking and overcome our problems. Bullying is common in schools around New Zealand. We wear pink shirts to show awareness of bullying at school. If children can become more aware of their actions as bullies but also if the person being bullied can understand that this does not last and focus on the good aspects of life. Just like Ted did. Neither the bully or Ted cares about what happened in the past. They both have moved on.
Genre - Young Adult Fiction
A character that changed by the end of the book was the main protagonist Ted because he overcame his hardships in his life to stand up to his bully. Before Ted became an orphan he was bullied by Scott McIntyre, a jock football player. Ted had no self esteem and did his best to avoid confrontations with his bully. When Ted finds himself in a foster home he becomes friends with the boys that live there. Through his friendships he changes and learns to face his problems head on. At the end of the book Ted sees and confronts his bully “It’d be easy just to walk around him…I walk right toward him”. The author discussed this topic to show how people, especially young adults, can overcome their fears, even though they face hardship in their lives. Ted in fact could get revenge and beat his bully up but doesn’t, as he would rather enjoy his own life. “I could still hold him while you hit him…Nah, I’d rather go buy stuff for your party”. The author shows us how we too can change our thinking and overcome our problems. Bullying is common in schools around New Zealand. We wear pink shirts to show awareness of bullying at school. If children can become more aware of their actions as bullies but also if the person being bullied can understand that this does not last and focus on the good aspects of life. Just like Ted did. Neither the bully or Ted cares about what happened in the past. They both have moved on.
April 10, 2019
Strays by Ron Koertge is a book about a young 16-year-old boy Ted O'Connor. Ted is struggling to find his way in life after he has been placed in foster care due to the death of his parents. When Ted is given a new home with his new family the Rafters Ted has to learn how to live a normal life again. As Ted gets used to his new school and used to the absence of his parent he finds himself communicating with animals. Ted knows that he can't rely just on animals for friends. Ted is left with one question: Can he learn how to live with people in the same way?
I enjoyed this book. The book is constantly keeping you entertained with funny, touching, and thoughtful ideas. Ted is an interesting character to follow as it is fun to see him get back to into normal life. I thought the communication between the animals and Ted somewhat confusing as it was hard to tell if it was actually happening or if it was just in his head. However, it didn't take away from the enjoyment of the novel. I recommend this book to anyone above the age of 13 as some of the language and ideas implemented may be too intense for younger kids.
I enjoyed this book. The book is constantly keeping you entertained with funny, touching, and thoughtful ideas. Ted is an interesting character to follow as it is fun to see him get back to into normal life. I thought the communication between the animals and Ted somewhat confusing as it was hard to tell if it was actually happening or if it was just in his head. However, it didn't take away from the enjoyment of the novel. I recommend this book to anyone above the age of 13 as some of the language and ideas implemented may be too intense for younger kids.
June 30, 2023
Strays
From reading this book I learned about the importance of having a sense of belonging. Ted, a teenage boy, is put into foster care after his parents die. He is new to foster care, but there is another boy who seems to care for him. After the first night, the other boy (C.W) says to Ted “We get through tonight, we might be ok. Any kind of weird shit go down and you yell your ass off, all right? And the same for me.” This shows that C.W is willing to trust Ted, and that C.W is open to helping Ted. This is the first time in a long time someone has shown they care about Ted, and I think it means more to him than he realises. The author writes this to convey the message that no matter where you go, you will always find people that you can build trust with. I think that this is really important, as it can help you to discover your true self. Someone will feel a lot more comfortable and safe around people they trust. Everyone needs people they can trust in life, but when you have no one else, it makes it even more important to have a sense of belonging to somewhere/someone.
From reading this book I learned about the importance of having a sense of belonging. Ted, a teenage boy, is put into foster care after his parents die. He is new to foster care, but there is another boy who seems to care for him. After the first night, the other boy (C.W) says to Ted “We get through tonight, we might be ok. Any kind of weird shit go down and you yell your ass off, all right? And the same for me.” This shows that C.W is willing to trust Ted, and that C.W is open to helping Ted. This is the first time in a long time someone has shown they care about Ted, and I think it means more to him than he realises. The author writes this to convey the message that no matter where you go, you will always find people that you can build trust with. I think that this is really important, as it can help you to discover your true self. Someone will feel a lot more comfortable and safe around people they trust. Everyone needs people they can trust in life, but when you have no one else, it makes it even more important to have a sense of belonging to somewhere/someone.
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May 5, 2020How is it that when you're feeling sad or lonely, an animal seems to know? My dog will whine and sit by me and push her nose in my hand. When I was younger, I had a cat who would curl around my head on the pillow. Animals are connected to us.
Ted feels more comforted by animals than by any person he knows now. After his parents are killed in an accident, Ted is sent to a foster home where he rooms with Astin, who sometime likes him and sometimes threatens him. Also living in the foster home is C. W. who has lived in 16 foster homes in 9 years. And the foster parents are a piece of work, let me tell you.
He feels like a stray animal that wound up at the pound. It's only when Ted meets Wanda, who is a senior, that he starts to feel less like a stray animal and more like a real person.
Ted feels more comforted by animals than by any person he knows now. After his parents are killed in an accident, Ted is sent to a foster home where he rooms with Astin, who sometime likes him and sometimes threatens him. Also living in the foster home is C. W. who has lived in 16 foster homes in 9 years. And the foster parents are a piece of work, let me tell you.
He feels like a stray animal that wound up at the pound. It's only when Ted meets Wanda, who is a senior, that he starts to feel less like a stray animal and more like a real person.
June 26, 2023
Strays~
Ron Koertge
Young Adult Fiction
15th May
I would recommend this book to someone who is having trouble fitting in. As Ted comes to a new foster home with no one to talk to, he finally makes a friend Astin, and then Wanda. The story shows that even when you're at your lowest, with no family, and previously being bullied, people can change. Koertge gives the reader hope, and motivation that they can change themselves, or their ways for the better. Just like Ted did, which then flipped his whole life upside down, after losing his parents. This is all made highly believable to many, as Teds life is so relatable to society, facing bullying, loss, and lacking a feeling of belonging.
Ron Koertge
Young Adult Fiction
15th May
I would recommend this book to someone who is having trouble fitting in. As Ted comes to a new foster home with no one to talk to, he finally makes a friend Astin, and then Wanda. The story shows that even when you're at your lowest, with no family, and previously being bullied, people can change. Koertge gives the reader hope, and motivation that they can change themselves, or their ways for the better. Just like Ted did, which then flipped his whole life upside down, after losing his parents. This is all made highly believable to many, as Teds life is so relatable to society, facing bullying, loss, and lacking a feeling of belonging.
February 5, 2018
Animals talk to Ted, Cat Box Boy, no one else does. His parents own a pet shop, then die. Ted, already an outcast, is alone and is moved into foster care, which turns out to be a bit better than home. As Ted finally makes friends and a life animals stop talking to him.
I loved this book. We need it.
I loved this book. We need it.
May 3, 2024
This is such a wonderful book! I was expecting something a lot darker, given the characters and plotline, but this was really joy-filled and just - feel good.
Enjoy it for a quick read. I think it took me about two hours.
Enjoy it for a quick read. I think it took me about two hours.
January 29, 2020
It was an enjoyable book to read
April 9, 2021
Strays mingles loss with teenage angst and mental survival with animal love. Coolest part: friendship and change in Ted
Weirdest part: Little noodle
Weirdest part: Little noodle
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October 11, 2021Really good book
May 12, 2022
Sixteen-year-old Teddy is thrown into the foster care system when his parents are killed in a car crash. He and C.W., another teen who has been in nineteen homes in six years, are placed in a home with another boy, Astin, who at 18 will "age-out" and go his own way. Teddy's parent's owned a pet store and had lots of animals who lived with them. He was expected to help out and didn't have many friends so it is not too surprising to realize that Teddy has the ability to communicate with animals. Considered part of the "pack", Teddy can relay messages for animals and is considered a sort of "animal whisperer" by his classmates. But as he begins to make friends at his new school and become less of a social geek, Teddy also loses his ability to communicate with animals as he moves to join a new "pack". This is easy-to-read and quite humorous, and there is lots of realistic interaction between the three boys. Recommended for teens in grades 6-10.
November 26, 2025
I enjoyed it
September 14, 2011
In Strays, by Ron Koertge, Ted, a shy, mild sixteen-year-old, is thrust into the foster care system when his parents die suddenly in a car crash. He meets Astin—long time foster kid at the Rafters’ (Ted’s new foster home), who is about to graduate and “age out” of the system—and C.W., who arrives at the Rafters’ at the same time as Ted and is both a wannabe gangsta and, as it turns out, a kind-hearted dog-lover.
The book is about Ted letting go of his parents. They didn’t treat him very well, but he’s nonetheless haunted by their gruesome and abrupt end. He didn't get to say goodbye. Or tell them off.
Strays is also about Ted finding real friends. Family. A “pack” to run with.
In fact, early in the story, Ted, who is awkward and unpopular at his previous school, finds his closest friends are animals, with whom he can inexplicably communicate. It just starts, without warning, around page 14 or so. At first, I wonder if Ted’s imaging it, making it up, or if he’s just plain crazy. Is this an ability he’s always had, or has it developed since his parents’ death? As it turns out, it doesn’t matter, because it provides for Ted (and me) what’s needed, when it’s needed. At first, it’s only animals who know him, love him, care about him. Then it’s people, and the animals can go back to being important to Ted in a different way. They don’t have to stand in for real human relationships.
I like how Koertge handles Ted’s outward emotions throughout the novel. Ted’s a guy. A teenage guy. He doesn’t want to talk about his feelings. Not to his social worker. Not to the Rafters. Not to Astin or C.W. He even lies to several of these people, claiming he’s “talking things out” with the others. But he really, really needs to talk. And as willing as animals are to listen, their open ears are not enough. Then Megan, Astin’s girlfriend, sets up Ted on a sort-of “friend date” with her pal Wanda. Even though I thought the relationship between Ted and Wanda will bloom into a romantic one (several times), it doesn’t. They’re friends. And each can talk to the other about their parents, or any number of other things, that they can’t talk about with anyone else, including Astin and Megan.
Each character in Strays is well drawn—odd, unique, and authentic. Ted’s foster mother treats a doll like a real child after having lost her own. The father doesn’t particularly like kids, and doesn’t really want to be a part of the foster care system, and might just be in it for the money or to give his wife kids in a non-biological and non-adoptive way. And he has tons of unreasonable rules. But the foster parents are demonized as foster parents often are. Neither is abusive, and both do pretty much exactly what they say they’ll do. They’re irritating and predictable in almost a comforting sort of way, and Ted knows where he stands with them—more so than he did with his biological parents.
Astin, Megan, Wanda, and C.W. all reveal themselves to be multidimensional, too. Astin is a tough biker who’s figured out how to live successfully with the Rafters. He decides to take Ted under his wing, even though he’s out of this place (and the system) very soon. Megan is wealthy and can be haughty, bossy, but she cares enough for Ted to introduce him to Wanda, and she’s insightful enough to know they’ll hit it off. C.W. constantly criticizes Ted for his clothing and strives for a tough “street” image, but he falls in love with a stray dog who he puppy-talks to, and is visibly moved when Ted offers him his seat on Astin’s bike following a shooting that C.W. witnesses. And Wanda is bitter about her parents ditching her and somewhat ashamed of her weight, but she’s warm, witty, and kind, always being up front with Ted about their relationship while only being somewhat of a tease—no more than Ted can handle, though.
All of them are strays, lost, abandoned in some way or another, by the adults that are supposed to be responsible, in charge. Supposed to love them. But they find each other. And even though their relationships aren’t permanent, they remind them that they can have friends, family, meaningful connections, even without parents.
Recommended for boys, ages 14-17.
The book is about Ted letting go of his parents. They didn’t treat him very well, but he’s nonetheless haunted by their gruesome and abrupt end. He didn't get to say goodbye. Or tell them off.
Strays is also about Ted finding real friends. Family. A “pack” to run with.
In fact, early in the story, Ted, who is awkward and unpopular at his previous school, finds his closest friends are animals, with whom he can inexplicably communicate. It just starts, without warning, around page 14 or so. At first, I wonder if Ted’s imaging it, making it up, or if he’s just plain crazy. Is this an ability he’s always had, or has it developed since his parents’ death? As it turns out, it doesn’t matter, because it provides for Ted (and me) what’s needed, when it’s needed. At first, it’s only animals who know him, love him, care about him. Then it’s people, and the animals can go back to being important to Ted in a different way. They don’t have to stand in for real human relationships.
I like how Koertge handles Ted’s outward emotions throughout the novel. Ted’s a guy. A teenage guy. He doesn’t want to talk about his feelings. Not to his social worker. Not to the Rafters. Not to Astin or C.W. He even lies to several of these people, claiming he’s “talking things out” with the others. But he really, really needs to talk. And as willing as animals are to listen, their open ears are not enough. Then Megan, Astin’s girlfriend, sets up Ted on a sort-of “friend date” with her pal Wanda. Even though I thought the relationship between Ted and Wanda will bloom into a romantic one (several times), it doesn’t. They’re friends. And each can talk to the other about their parents, or any number of other things, that they can’t talk about with anyone else, including Astin and Megan.
Each character in Strays is well drawn—odd, unique, and authentic. Ted’s foster mother treats a doll like a real child after having lost her own. The father doesn’t particularly like kids, and doesn’t really want to be a part of the foster care system, and might just be in it for the money or to give his wife kids in a non-biological and non-adoptive way. And he has tons of unreasonable rules. But the foster parents are demonized as foster parents often are. Neither is abusive, and both do pretty much exactly what they say they’ll do. They’re irritating and predictable in almost a comforting sort of way, and Ted knows where he stands with them—more so than he did with his biological parents.
Astin, Megan, Wanda, and C.W. all reveal themselves to be multidimensional, too. Astin is a tough biker who’s figured out how to live successfully with the Rafters. He decides to take Ted under his wing, even though he’s out of this place (and the system) very soon. Megan is wealthy and can be haughty, bossy, but she cares enough for Ted to introduce him to Wanda, and she’s insightful enough to know they’ll hit it off. C.W. constantly criticizes Ted for his clothing and strives for a tough “street” image, but he falls in love with a stray dog who he puppy-talks to, and is visibly moved when Ted offers him his seat on Astin’s bike following a shooting that C.W. witnesses. And Wanda is bitter about her parents ditching her and somewhat ashamed of her weight, but she’s warm, witty, and kind, always being up front with Ted about their relationship while only being somewhat of a tease—no more than Ted can handle, though.
All of them are strays, lost, abandoned in some way or another, by the adults that are supposed to be responsible, in charge. Supposed to love them. But they find each other. And even though their relationships aren’t permanent, they remind them that they can have friends, family, meaningful connections, even without parents.
Recommended for boys, ages 14-17.
February 21, 2017
This book is horrible! After the first few homophobic slurs, I made myself keep reading it hoping for some sort of redemption. Nope. Just continued reading a weak plot filled with confusing and underdeveloped characters until I found lines like "Did you see the tits on her?" (or something close to that) coming from a dog to a boy and more homophobic/stereotype-supporting character descriptions.
I previously taught high school foster youth and added this book to my classroom library since the protagonist is a foster youth. However, this book is now in the garbage can. I will not recommend it to any of my students.
I previously taught high school foster youth and added this book to my classroom library since the protagonist is a foster youth. However, this book is now in the garbage can. I will not recommend it to any of my students.
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February 17, 2017The book "Strays" by Ron Koertge is a good book that is about the struggles of C.W's life and how he over came them. The book starts off with C.W going to a foster home after losing his parents in a car crash. He soon is adopted and tries to make ends meet with his new family. Things that I enjoyed about this book is how it wasn't a hard and I was able to comprehend most of the book without any troubles. I also liked how the story was set up to where there's always something to continue reading for. The type of reader that would enjoy this book is someone that doesn't have a lot of friends. I say this because throughout the book the main character was on his own and went through problems on his own. someone without friends could easily relate to this book and enjoy it.
March 24, 2016
The book “Strays” by Ron Koertge is about Ted O’Connor who isn’t the usual teen, he has an unique ability and because of this ability he isn’t very popular, social or liked. He grew up in his parents pet shop, he is now in the foster care system after they died in a car crash. His new parents are the Rafters and his new “brothers” Austin and C.W. The Rafters Bob and Barbara are slightly insane.
I think Ron Koertge is a really good author who has gained a new fan. His books are very relatable to teens who are becoming closer to adulthood. The first chapter is confusing as to who he is talking too... or rather what he is talking to. I would recommend this book because it is very interesting to see how Ted has gone from the most picked on kid at his old school. He is now the new and improved kid who now has his group of friends and even a job at the local zoo. You see how far he has matured, which is fun to watch a character grow into a man. Another reason I would recommend “Strays” is because the book is not challenging all of the word a familiar. So you don’t need a dictionary to decipher every word on every page. The last reason I would recommend the book is because it is short story so it is not going to take ages to finish. Unless you are like me and read one page a week. So if you have a due date and need to start and finish a book, then write a review on the book, and then upload it to goodreads by the end of the marking period. You would definitely be done by the marking periods end ;) .
I think Ron Koertge is a really good author who has gained a new fan. His books are very relatable to teens who are becoming closer to adulthood. The first chapter is confusing as to who he is talking too... or rather what he is talking to. I would recommend this book because it is very interesting to see how Ted has gone from the most picked on kid at his old school. He is now the new and improved kid who now has his group of friends and even a job at the local zoo. You see how far he has matured, which is fun to watch a character grow into a man. Another reason I would recommend “Strays” is because the book is not challenging all of the word a familiar. So you don’t need a dictionary to decipher every word on every page. The last reason I would recommend the book is because it is short story so it is not going to take ages to finish. Unless you are like me and read one page a week. So if you have a due date and need to start and finish a book, then write a review on the book, and then upload it to goodreads by the end of the marking period. You would definitely be done by the marking periods end ;) .
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April 16, 20094Q 3P MJ
Ted O’Connor is a teenager facing the death of his parents, and being thrust into the foster care system. Life has been challenging for Ted, as he has never “fit in” and has been made fun of his entire life. His parents had owned a pet store, and through this experience Ted developed his love of animals. He even communicates uniquely with animals, as he too feels he is a stray. At his new foster home he encounters his diverse foster brothers; Austin cocky and cool with his motorcycle, and C.W. with his gangster with heart attitude. For the first time, Ted has been able to develop friendships and relationships with other human beings, and in so doing he begins to lose his unique ability to converse with the animals. Was it really a gift, or was it only part of his imagination that allowed him to cope with his isolation? Ted learns that he is able to belong, and that those who harassed him previously no longer have an impact on his life. Developmentally, the need to belong and the fear of isolation are central teen and young adult issues. We all need to find our place in this world, and find comfort in knowing there are others we can connect with and count on along the way….we are more than strays. In addition to tying in the foster care theme, one could also explore the animal theme. Teens do have an interest in animals and may be motivated to fund raise for animal shelters, etc.
Ted O’Connor is a teenager facing the death of his parents, and being thrust into the foster care system. Life has been challenging for Ted, as he has never “fit in” and has been made fun of his entire life. His parents had owned a pet store, and through this experience Ted developed his love of animals. He even communicates uniquely with animals, as he too feels he is a stray. At his new foster home he encounters his diverse foster brothers; Austin cocky and cool with his motorcycle, and C.W. with his gangster with heart attitude. For the first time, Ted has been able to develop friendships and relationships with other human beings, and in so doing he begins to lose his unique ability to converse with the animals. Was it really a gift, or was it only part of his imagination that allowed him to cope with his isolation? Ted learns that he is able to belong, and that those who harassed him previously no longer have an impact on his life. Developmentally, the need to belong and the fear of isolation are central teen and young adult issues. We all need to find our place in this world, and find comfort in knowing there are others we can connect with and count on along the way….we are more than strays. In addition to tying in the foster care theme, one could also explore the animal theme. Teens do have an interest in animals and may be motivated to fund raise for animal shelters, etc.
April 14, 2016
This nice, not too long read was pretty enjoyable. Theodore, or Ted, parents pass away in a flaming car crash. But before anything else, you should know this family is not completely normal. They own a pet shop, and the house is covered in cat and dog hair considering they own, or take in, about any animal that talks to them and says he/she needs a home. That's right, Teds mom can talk to animals, she understands them. And so does Ted.
After their deaths, Ted must goes into the system. He is in high school, but no ones ever really been his friend. The only attention he got at his old school was getting beat up or having slushies thrown at him. At his new house with his new "parents" he meet his roommate, "Astin", and another boy also moving in with them, C.W..
Ted must get used to the new school, adapt to his first new friends, deal with his foster parents, all while the birds down the street are talking to him. Throughout the book Astin introduces him to a girl named Wanda, and he finally doesn't feel like the biggest loser ever. But something life changing occurs, and he has to deal with this loss, or leave all his new friends. This book would be very good for teenagers, although sometimes it will get a little confusing. I believe it is much more relatable to teenagers and they would enjoy it more. Overall an interesting read.
After their deaths, Ted must goes into the system. He is in high school, but no ones ever really been his friend. The only attention he got at his old school was getting beat up or having slushies thrown at him. At his new house with his new "parents" he meet his roommate, "Astin", and another boy also moving in with them, C.W..
Ted must get used to the new school, adapt to his first new friends, deal with his foster parents, all while the birds down the street are talking to him. Throughout the book Astin introduces him to a girl named Wanda, and he finally doesn't feel like the biggest loser ever. But something life changing occurs, and he has to deal with this loss, or leave all his new friends. This book would be very good for teenagers, although sometimes it will get a little confusing. I believe it is much more relatable to teenagers and they would enjoy it more. Overall an interesting read.
April 18, 2016
This good paced, not too long read was pretty enjoyable. Theodore, or Ted, parents pass away in a flaming car crash. But before anything else, you should know this family is not completely normal. They own a pet shop, and the house is covered in cat and dog hair considering they own, or take in, about any animal that talks to them and says he/she needs a home. That's right, Teds mom can talk to animals, she understands them. And so does Ted.
After their deaths, Ted must goes into the system. He is in high school, but no ones ever really been his friend. The only attention he got at his old school was getting beat up or having slushies thrown at him. At his new house with his new "parents" he meet his roommate, "Astin", and another boy also moving in with them, C.W..
Ted must get used to the new school, adapt to his first new friends, deal with his foster parents, all while the birds down the street are talking to him. Throughout the book Astin introduces him to a girl named Wanda, and he finally doesn't feel like the biggest loser ever. But something life changing occurs, and he has to deal with this loss, or leave all his new friends. This book would be very good for teenagers, although sometimes it will get a little confusing. I believe it is much more relatable to teenagers and they would enjoy it more. Overall an interesting read.
After their deaths, Ted must goes into the system. He is in high school, but no ones ever really been his friend. The only attention he got at his old school was getting beat up or having slushies thrown at him. At his new house with his new "parents" he meet his roommate, "Astin", and another boy also moving in with them, C.W..
Ted must get used to the new school, adapt to his first new friends, deal with his foster parents, all while the birds down the street are talking to him. Throughout the book Astin introduces him to a girl named Wanda, and he finally doesn't feel like the biggest loser ever. But something life changing occurs, and he has to deal with this loss, or leave all his new friends. This book would be very good for teenagers, although sometimes it will get a little confusing. I believe it is much more relatable to teenagers and they would enjoy it more. Overall an interesting read.
February 26, 2009
A fiery car crash makes Ted O'Connor an orphan and a new addition to the California foster care system. The story follows Ted as he establishes himself and moves from being a lonely outcast in his old school to being liked and part of a group in his new school. He finds a place in his new "family," and struggles to come to terms with his negative perceptions of his parents. Just as stray animals can find better homes, Ted realizes he may have done the same. He also gains some gumption when he finally stands up for himself, although there seems to be few consequences for his action. Koertge uses first person, present tense to tell the story and this elevates the personal intensity of Ted's world-view. Ted hears animals and talks with them; in the end, Koertge leaves the character wondering (and the reader) if this gift was all in his head. And, if it was all in his imagination, was Ted an unreliable narrator all the way through? The dialogue is snappy throughout, a Koertge hallmark. The character's transformation is front-and-center: the reader sees how this experience changes the character physically and emotionally. The foster care information/stories felt authentic and provide a compelling glimpse into that world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2011
This book was surprisingly well-written. The structure was simple, but very effective. There was some things I liked in this book and some things, I thought could have been better.
One thing I liked was the fact that Ted (main character) had such a strong relationship with the animals around him. At first I was confused. But as the story progressed I realized that he could understand the animals. It was weird how not too many people noticed he was talking to the animals, or questioned him about it.
On thing I did not like was that the story didn't exactly go anywhere. Well it did, but not in the way that I would have hoped. Basically, his parents died. He was put in foster care. He made friends. And he got a job. The end.
I did enjoy it, but a more interesting plot would have drawn me into the story more. Ted didn't display too much emotion. His parents died, and I wanted to know what he was feeling. Even though he might have held a resentment toward them, his feelings still could have been shown more throughout the book.
All in all I give it 2.8 out of 5. I kind of had to plow through it. But it was still a good read.
One thing I liked was the fact that Ted (main character) had such a strong relationship with the animals around him. At first I was confused. But as the story progressed I realized that he could understand the animals. It was weird how not too many people noticed he was talking to the animals, or questioned him about it.
On thing I did not like was that the story didn't exactly go anywhere. Well it did, but not in the way that I would have hoped. Basically, his parents died. He was put in foster care. He made friends. And he got a job. The end.
I did enjoy it, but a more interesting plot would have drawn me into the story more. Ted didn't display too much emotion. His parents died, and I wanted to know what he was feeling. Even though he might have held a resentment toward them, his feelings still could have been shown more throughout the book.
All in all I give it 2.8 out of 5. I kind of had to plow through it. But it was still a good read.
July 8, 2008
This was a nice short read that kept me turning pages long after I should have been asleep. The main character is Ted, a 16-year-old who has just lost both his parents in a car wreck. Ted is placed with a foster family where two other teen boys also reside as foster kids. Ted's parents owned a pet store and he was their employee for pretty much his whole life. The book starts out with Ted relating primarily to animals rather than other humans. Part of this seems to be a defense mechanism, as he was always the outcast at his former high school. But as Ted becomes freinds with Astin and C.W. (his foster "brothers") and a girl from school, he begins to develop a knack for relating to other people. This was a fun book that would appeal to teen boys as well as reluctant readers.
Read for YALSA online course: Making the Match: the right book for the right teen (Teri S. Lesesne, instructor).
Read for YALSA online course: Making the Match: the right book for the right teen (Teri S. Lesesne, instructor).
April 1, 2014
The book Strays is about a 16 year old boy named Ted who gets put into foster care after his parents die in a fiery car crash. He gets put into a foster home with two foster brothers Astin and C.W.. The author Ron Koertge writes about the problems Ted faces after he is put into foster care for example being a new school, living without his parents for the first time, and accepting his new family into his life. Once put into the foster home he realizes he has a special gift, he can talk to animals.
The book was an easy read, it was simple and short but I think it could have been more interesting. I found it to be confusing when I finally understood that he could talk to animals but as I read on I figured out he could understand them. But I like more realistic books so I wasn't really interested that he could understand animals.
I would recommend this book for a younger reader or someone who likes animals. It was an easy read so it would be good for someone who doesn't like reading.
May 8, 2011
I am a fan of Mr. Koertge, I think his books are great for a high school guys read list.
In this book Ted (16 or so) is struggling with the deaths of his parents in a fiery car crash. They aren't the best parents, mom loved animals, dad loved money (and various women) Ted was their lackey. At school Ted was a mat for anyone to bully. Ted's crew were the animals that he can truly understand as mates at the mercy of the humans around them.
Now he is 'in the system' and in a foster home of the Rafters; not particularly well meaning and not particularly terrible foster parents.
The story centers on Ted and his two foster mates Astin and CJ settling into their lives and making their way together through their time with the Rafters and the local high school. A slim volume that still has food for thought and a reflection for kids in many circumstances.
In this book Ted (16 or so) is struggling with the deaths of his parents in a fiery car crash. They aren't the best parents, mom loved animals, dad loved money (and various women) Ted was their lackey. At school Ted was a mat for anyone to bully. Ted's crew were the animals that he can truly understand as mates at the mercy of the humans around them.
Now he is 'in the system' and in a foster home of the Rafters; not particularly well meaning and not particularly terrible foster parents.
The story centers on Ted and his two foster mates Astin and CJ settling into their lives and making their way together through their time with the Rafters and the local high school. A slim volume that still has food for thought and a reflection for kids in many circumstances.
January 7, 2012
this book is full of interesting stuff, the situation, the players, the character development and i loved the big twist. it was perfectly written and threads through the whole story linking it and adding depth and making sense of the it in a really interesting way that kept me reading to find out what we were going to find out next about his animal friends. in the end i wished we could have heard more from them but it did make sense for this story. his foster situation is realistic and i enjoyed how such tragic and traumatic events could lead to a better life. its definitely a quiet book, and a fast easy read, but its also got just that perfect amount of depth and interest to leave me thoroughly satisfied with the story. and my favorite part of all, it is actually an uplifting optimistic book. i am excited to read his other stories now and see if they are equally well executed.
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