Making Connections

Perhaps one of the biggest concerns for teens, from the time they enter high school, is making "connections," and, more important, the right connections for themselves. "Connections" can refer to being a part of a group of peers who share the same interests, activities, and values; it can refer to finding a few truly close friends with whom one may share their deepest thoughts and feelings; it can mean finding a romantic connection with that one individual who may provide the first experience of being loved in a new and different way. This need to "connect" is rather universal and is certainly a theme of Criss Cross, as this group of teens affirms its connection with each other, if only through the rather constant togetherness throughout the summer. Though some of the relationships appear deeper than others, these teens are connected by their close geographical proximity and...