Tangerine by Edward Bloom Date of Publication: 1997 ISBN: 0439286034 Number of Pages: 294

REQUIRED READING ABILITY: Average
GENRES: Mystery, Realism
THEMES: Coming of Age, Family, Good versus Evil, Appearance versus Reality, Life versus Death, Prejudice, Bullying, Loyalty

SUMMARY:
Paul Fisher is an amazing soccer goalie, a keen observer of those around him, and he has a secret…in fact, he has a few. Unfortunately, the one that bothers him the most is the secret he feels is being kept from him; how he damaged his eyes when he was just a child. He knows his older brother had something to do with it, but his parents seem unaware and unconcerned, and since his brother is a football hero with a golden future, Paul decides he can’t worry about it. As the new kid in Tangerine, he has enough to worry about already…making the soccer team, understanding the weird place in which he now lives, and surviving his new school. When a series of tragedies and accidents happen, and Paul learns that his new school won’t allow him to be on their soccer team because of his eyesight, he takes action. He moves to the nearby, inner-city school in Tangerine, where he finally finds people who accept him for himself, despite their different backgrounds, and where his soccer dreams can be realized. When yet another tragedy occurs, however, Paul’s past and present finally come together, and he understands just how truly blind he and his parents have been all along…

WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK? A kid who...

• loves soccer
• loves football
• has a very competitive parent cheering on the sidelines
• has sibling issues
• likes rooting for an underdog
• wishes he or she could fit in
• has recently moved or been a “new kid”
• likes Florida
• is aware of kid cliques
• has been bullied or abused by other kids
• likes stories told in the character’s voice (first person narrative)
  

WHAT ELSE?
This is a fabulous book, with an interesting setting, strong writing, and a deft handling of themes. It has won numerous awards, including being chosen as an ALA Top Ten Books for Young Adults, a Horn Book Fanfare Book, an American Bookseller Pick of the List, and a BCCB Blue Ribbon Book. Edward Bloor has written other books for young adults, including Crusader.

There are a number of scenes in this book where tragedy strikes, but none are described in a gratuitously graphic way. The violence and sociopathic behaviour of Paul’s older brother will be upsetting to some readers, but Paul’s triumph over his bullying and abuse will make those same readers cheer. This is a great book for provoking discussions, and the emphasis on sports (particularly soccer and football) will make it appealing to athletes.

RELATED LINKS:
Lesson Ideas
Discussion Guide
Expanding KnowledgeTrackStar
Interview with the Author