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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a fun book about the perils of high school, being the new kid, and everything it takes to figure out who you ARE and how that might be different from who you want to be.
fast-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Field Guide to the North American Teenager is the humorous story of a black kid with Haitian roots named Norris who moves to Texas from Canada to complete his senior year in high school. He lives with his hardworking and single mom Judith who teaches at the University of Texas. There is an interesting cast of characters who are much more than they seem, and it is this aspect of the story that drives the plot. Norris is a likable young man with razor sharp wit who keeps notes on everyone and everything throughout the novel, hence the title and book cover. (This little notebook of his figures prominently later on in the story.) Norris has little tolerance for teen superficiality and drama but finds himself smack dab in the middle of his new high school's social politics. This book was a little slow for me (as you can see it took me a while to finish), and I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had listened to it instead of reading it. Norris's "voice" is perfect for the audio version. However, the ending of this novel really impressed me. I don't want to give anything away, but it's certainly not a typical happy ending. I think teenagers would REALLY like this novel and appreciate the realistic outcomes.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
I actually laughed out loud multiple times reading Norris' take of the world. This book touched on mental health and current social issues. Stereotypes were challenged and Norris got a chance to get to know people past what he assumed they would be. He also got a chance to show that he was more than a stereotype as well. Fingers crossed for a sequel!