Tangerine Author:Edward Bloor Paul Fisher is legally blind. He wears glasses so thick he looks like a bug-eyed alien, and kids tell a story about how he blinded himself by staring at an eclipse of the sun. But Paul doesn’t remember doing that. And he doesn’t mind the glasses, because with them he can see. Can see that his parents’ constant praise of his bro... more »ther Erik, the football star, is to cover up something that is terribly wrong. But no one listens to Paul. Until his family moves to Tangerine.
Tangerine is like another planet, where weird is normal. Lightning strikes at the same time every day. Underground fires burn for years. A sinkhole swallows a local school. And Paul the geek finds himself adopted into the toughest group around -- the soccer team of his middle school. Suddenly the blind can see, geeks can be cool, and -- maybe -- a twelve-year-old kid can finally face up to his terrifying older brother.
In Tangerine, it seems, anything is possible.
Awards
American Library Association Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults, 1998
Edgar Allan Poe Award nomination for Best Young Adult Novel, 1998
American Booksellers Association Pick of the List, 1997
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, 1997
Great for a teen who loves sports action (in this case, soccer). Fascinating setting and well-written characters--you will really feel for Paul as he struggles to fit into his family and his new town. However, there are some strange references early in the book which may mistakenly lead you to believe that there will be some sort of supernatural monster attacking him. Don't wait for it to show up; it was just an unfortunate metaphor.
My son had to read this book for school, and since he is legally blind, I read it to him.
The main character, Paul, goes through main different struggles. He has to deal with a threatening, abusive older brother and his mean friend; fitting in to a new school; being accepted on the soccer team and being different - as he is legally blind. My son and I were always eager to continue on the days reading for the book. It deals with anger, abuse, jealousy and even death. My 13 year old son liked this book better than any of the other chapter books that we have read together before. It worked especially well for us, since my son and the main character are both legally blind.
I read this book because it was the book for a buck in Scholastic's book order several years ago. When I began I was unsure seemed like a big Sports book and I am not a sports kind of reader.
I realized after a few pages that this journal entry stlye text was a mystery and an expose on life in general. Many people deal with intense issues in their personal lives: poverty, gangs, racial bias, relocation, abuse, neglect, crime, sports, extended family---including in-laws, friends, teen games/pranks, fights, trying to fit in, limited abilities/disabilities, dreams, choices; TANGERINE touches them all. this book is about life.
It's strength lies in the fact that, I believe, all readers can connect and see a meaningful message for themselves in the lives presented through the words of Paul Fisher.
PERFECT FOR YOUNG READERS-- and the young at heart.
This is one of the best book we've read with the kids here. The story is told by the middle school boy remembering his past and see what's happening where many others don't. Very good message.
