HAND ON SHOULDER begins with the story “Banko’s Box”, a comedy. Nicky Banko finds a mysterious box on his porch and tries to open it with his friend Grace. The next story, “The Legend”, is a little different from “Banko’s Box”. Lyla and her mom trudge through the woods, trying to find a creature of legend. The tension and tone is the reason this story is a thrilling mystery. Lastly in the collection is a story called “Beforehand”. Opposing the other two stories, this one is a drama. Andrew, a fencer, is talking to his older brother, Tony, about his upcoming match against a hated rival.