Thursday, May 22, 2014

Tangerine by Edward Bloor

Tangerine
Environmentalism, prejudice, bullying and economic disparity are all covered in this excellent novel for middle school age kids. Told by Paul Fisher, a seventh grade boy who is legally blind but does not remember how that happened, the story begins when his family moves from Houston to a gated community in Tangerine Florida. Paul tries to fit in to his new school and community, but he is bullied by kids at school and not allowed to play soccer there due to his "disability". His parents favor his older brother Paul, a rising football star whose bullying they ignore. When Paul has the opportunity to transfer to another school and play on their soccer team, he does so eagerly even though it is a tough inner-city school. Despite the racism and economic disparity, Paul makes friends there and finds the strength to do what he needs to do. Totally excellent book. 

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