My Review:
Here in the Real World is an engaging and enlightening read for me. It follows the story of an 11-year-old boy Ware, who is considered a misfit and an introvert because he doesn't really entertain social activities as deemed necessary and meaningful by his parents. What sets this book apart from most middle grade novels I have read is that the story is told more through imagination and reflection than through action.
It is a unique experience for me to get inside the mind of a young boy who is not always willing to share his own thoughts and who definitely has no interest in prying into the world of others. His unexpected encounter with the mysterious girl Jolene leads to an unlikely friendship, which has magically overcome the clashes between the seemingly contrasting worlds of an idealist (Ware) and a realist (Jolene). Both characters are well-developed and highly relatable.
While the book is geared toward middle grade readers, who may identify strongly with the characters from the story, it offers valuable insights into the parenting of tweens and teens as well. It urges parents to give kids more space and respect and to stop trying to mold them into someone they are not meant to be. Children all yearn for approval and appreciation from their parents. Let's learn to embrace their differences and give them the love and support they need on their journey to growth and self-discovery. Yes, I'd recommend this great book to both young readers and their parents.
From the author of the highly acclaimed, New York Times bestselling novel Pax comes a gorgeous and moving middle grade novel that is an ode to introverts, dreamers, and misfits everywhere.
Ware can’t wait to spend summer “off in his own world”—dreaming of knights in the Middle Ages and generally being left alone. But then his parents sign him up for dreaded Rec camp, where he must endure Meaningful Social Interaction and whatever activities so-called “normal” kids do.
On his first day Ware meets Jolene, a tough, secretive girl planting a garden in the rubble of an abandoned church next to the camp. Soon he starts skipping Rec, creating a castle-like space of his own in the church lot.
Jolene scoffs, calling him a dreamer—he doesn’t live in the “real world” like she does. As different as Ware and Jolene are, though, they have one thing in common: for them, the lot is a refuge.
But when their sanctuary is threatened, Ware looks to the knights’ Code of Chivalry: Thou shalt do battle against unfairness wherever faced with it. Thou shalt be always the champion of the Right and Good—and vows to save the lot.
But what does a hero look like in real life? And what can two misfit kids do?
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Balzer + Bray | February 4, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-0062698957
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Sara Pennypacker is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Pax; the award-winning Clementine books and its spinoff series, Waylon!; and the acclaimed novel Summer of the Gypsy Moths. She divides her time between Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Florida. You can visit her online at www.sarapennypacker.com.
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Five lucky readers will each win a Sara Pennypacker book prize pack!
The prize pack includes a hardcover copy of Here in the Real World and a paperback copy of Pax. Giveaway ends 2/21. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are eighteen years of age or older in their state or territory of residence at the time of entry. Void where prohibited by law. Please enter using the form below. Good luck!
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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Giveaway is hosted by The Children's Book Review and sponsored by HarperCollins. icefairy's Treasure Chest is not responsible for winner selection or prize fulfillment.
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