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A review by oneanjana
Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It's incredible to me that I managed to finish this book in just one sitting. It’s really that good, I guess.
Ware, an eleven-year-old boy, was sent by his mother to spend his summer in Rec. Despite going there every year, he felt that he's too old for it this year. So, he sneaked out and met Jolene, a tough and secretive girl who grows a garden in the rubble of an abandoned church. This lot eventually became their refuge and sanctuary.
The blurb of this book caught my attention. It says: it's an ode to introverts, dreamers, and misfits everywhere, ideal for readers aged 9-12. The truth is, it’s even so ideal for a mom like me. It pleases both of my sides. It's easy to comprehend Ware's preference for being invisible and ‘off in his own world’ because I'm also an introvert. Sometimes it's nice to have some alone time. I can also relate to Ware's mother. How she, as a mother, automatically acquires the ability to plan everything and does the best she can for her child's happiness. But sometimes, as parents, we also forget to see things from the child's perspective. I was left questioning myself: does the act I do to make my child happy really bring her joy? Or, did my child lie to me because she was just mean or because she didn't feel comfortable sharing her feelings with me? I appreciate that Ware and his mother had good communication at the end and both were open to seeing things from different perspectives.
The plot is well-done and there is a lot of character development. Ware and Jolene's personalities and perspectives on the world are diverse, but eventually, they can learn from one another. It's a delight to witness their innocence, curiosity, and pure heart.
Every middle-grade student should read this book, but it's also a great tool for parents to gain insight into their children's perspectives.
Ware, an eleven-year-old boy, was sent by his mother to spend his summer in Rec. Despite going there every year, he felt that he's too old for it this year. So, he sneaked out and met Jolene, a tough and secretive girl who grows a garden in the rubble of an abandoned church. This lot eventually became their refuge and sanctuary.
The blurb of this book caught my attention. It says: it's an ode to introverts, dreamers, and misfits everywhere, ideal for readers aged 9-12. The truth is, it’s even so ideal for a mom like me. It pleases both of my sides. It's easy to comprehend Ware's preference for being invisible and ‘off in his own world’ because I'm also an introvert. Sometimes it's nice to have some alone time. I can also relate to Ware's mother. How she, as a mother, automatically acquires the ability to plan everything and does the best she can for her child's happiness. But sometimes, as parents, we also forget to see things from the child's perspective. I was left questioning myself: does the act I do to make my child happy really bring her joy? Or, did my child lie to me because she was just mean or because she didn't feel comfortable sharing her feelings with me? I appreciate that Ware and his mother had good communication at the end and both were open to seeing things from different perspectives.
The plot is well-done and there is a lot of character development. Ware and Jolene's personalities and perspectives on the world are diverse, but eventually, they can learn from one another. It's a delight to witness their innocence, curiosity, and pure heart.
Every middle-grade student should read this book, but it's also a great tool for parents to gain insight into their children's perspectives.