Scan barcode
dblue236's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
girlreading's review
4.0
an empathetic story that highlights the power in accepting what makes you ‘different’ and following your heart and passions.
transpercy_'s review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
beloved_bridget's review
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
just so cute!! it made me really sad
tiiif's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mat_tobin's review
5.0
I have always enjoyed those bildungsroman texts in which our protagonist goes through a transition or awakening, of spiritual or emotional, of sorts and Pennypacker, first in her startling debut, [b:Pax|22098550|Pax|Sara Pennypacker|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1434493048l/22098550._SX50_.jpg|41443759], and now in Here in the Real World, has a penchant for exploring these journeys with a tenderness and wisdom akin to DiCamillo and Paterson.
Her latest story follows Ware, a socially and emotionally distant (on the outside) eleven and a half year old who lives with a loveable and meaningful yet constrictive mother and an extremely busy father. Their professions involve copious amounts of control and safety and both work double-shifts in order to afford their perfect future home.
Too busy really give their son any quality time, Ware is forced to spend each summer at a community learning centre with other outcasts and finds that this time he has had enough and escapes to an abandoned lot nearby that houses a dilapidated church. Here he meets a solitary girl, Jolene, who is a fellow outcast too. Protective of this place and space, Jolene uses the space behind the church to grow a garden. Ware finds himself drawn to her and her qualities and, begrudgingly at first, Jolene becomes drawn to Ware: what enfolds is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Together both children create a new space out of something old and make it their own. They come to love and care for this new home and their relationship grows because of it. But the city council have plans for this place and just as Ware and Jolene begin to grow a threat to their newfound space is threatened.
Here in the Real World seems to be a sophisticated step up from Pax. It is a story with soul and a passion for acknowledging the importance of being happy with who we are. Pennypacker, as always, provides us with several layers of reading that invites a richer interpretation with each revisit. If you want an author who respects the young reader and never speaks down to them, then seek out Pennypacker.
Her latest story follows Ware, a socially and emotionally distant (on the outside) eleven and a half year old who lives with a loveable and meaningful yet constrictive mother and an extremely busy father. Their professions involve copious amounts of control and safety and both work double-shifts in order to afford their perfect future home.
Too busy really give their son any quality time, Ware is forced to spend each summer at a community learning centre with other outcasts and finds that this time he has had enough and escapes to an abandoned lot nearby that houses a dilapidated church. Here he meets a solitary girl, Jolene, who is a fellow outcast too. Protective of this place and space, Jolene uses the space behind the church to grow a garden. Ware finds himself drawn to her and her qualities and, begrudgingly at first, Jolene becomes drawn to Ware: what enfolds is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Together both children create a new space out of something old and make it their own. They come to love and care for this new home and their relationship grows because of it. But the city council have plans for this place and just as Ware and Jolene begin to grow a threat to their newfound space is threatened.
Here in the Real World seems to be a sophisticated step up from Pax. It is a story with soul and a passion for acknowledging the importance of being happy with who we are. Pennypacker, as always, provides us with several layers of reading that invites a richer interpretation with each revisit. If you want an author who respects the young reader and never speaks down to them, then seek out Pennypacker.
hadleyespencer's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
emily_charlotte's review
3.0
Heartwarming and quirky! Jolene and Ware's mission to create this sanctuary reminded me a little of The Bridge To Terebithia, if it had been longer.
Ware was a great character to journey along with, and his fears and struggles were portrayed quite well. As a gardener myself, I enjoyed Jolene's love for her papaya plants and her drive for compost :D ADORED the ending scene and how it tied in with the beginning. It was so sweet and left me with that perfect, satisfying feeling.
The beginning was a bit confusing and I did think that Ware's grandmother should have played a bigger role, but all in all - Here in the Real World was a sweet, heartwarming Middle Grade read with the right dose of whimsy and childhood charm.
Ware was a great character to journey along with, and his fears and struggles were portrayed quite well. As a gardener myself, I enjoyed Jolene's love for her papaya plants and her drive for compost :D ADORED the ending scene and how it tied in with the beginning. It was so sweet and left me with that perfect, satisfying feeling.
The beginning was a bit confusing and I did think that Ware's grandmother should have played a bigger role, but all in all - Here in the Real World was a sweet, heartwarming Middle Grade read with the right dose of whimsy and childhood charm.