Scan barcode
A review by mat_tobin
Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker
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.