Here in the real world novel
Here in the Real World
Sara Pennypacker's funny, relatable tale of two misfit tweens and their transformative summer on a ruined church property in Florida will resonate with lots of young readers. Especially those with strong views about how things ought to be who are constantly being told that Here in the Real World things don't work that way. Very little in this tale goes exactly as the characters would wish, but it goes to some profoundly satisfying places and makes some great connections.
"'No, Jolene. We won't let it happen. You won't lose this garden.'
"'What are you talking about?'
"What was he talking about?
"Ware suddenly saw page eleven in his report. Number twelve seemed to be lit up. Thou shalt always be the champion of the Right and the Good, against Injustice.
"That's what he was talking about.
"This was Injustice, all right. He needed to be a champion of the Right and the Good.
"This was, in fact, the purpose that would drive his life, he was suddenly certain.
"He pulled himself up tall. 'I won't let it happen, Jolene. I will save your garden.'
"Jolene snorted. 'How are you going to do that?'
"'I don't know yet. But I will. You won't lose y
Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker
Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker : a quick review and summary. This is a wonderful new middle grade novel for kids who like realistic fiction.
We are big fans of both Pax and the beloved Clementine series, so we were excited when Harper Collins sent a copy of Here in the Real World (affiliate link), Sara Pennypacker's newest book, for us to read and review. I read it aloud with my three girls (ages 10 to 14) and we have a lot of good things to say about it!
One night, when we were about ⅓ of the way through the book, I paused our reading and said, "Do you know what this book reminds me of?" But before I could explain, both Eila and Esme blurted out "Bridge to Terabithia," which was EXACTLY what I was going to say! Clearly, there's something to that comparison.
Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker
Eleven-year-old Ware is a thoughtful, introverted kid with a big imagination. His parents are busy working double shifts to earn enough money to buy their rental house.
Ware was supposed to spend the summer with his grandmother known as "Big Deal." But, when Big Deal breaks her hip and is put in a lo
Sponsored* | Opinions Are Our Own
The Children’s Book Review
Here in the Real World
Written by Sara Pennypacker
Age Range: 8-12
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (February 4, 2020)
ISBN-13: 978-0062698957
What to expect: Friendship, Self-Acceptance, Summer, Gardening, Birds, and Film Making
An introvert seeking acceptance from his parents discovers meaningful friendship and a solid sense of himself in New York Times bestselling author Sara Pennypacker’s middle-grade novel, Here in the Real World. Idealism and realism beautifully collide, making it an excellent choice for readers of books like Kate Dicamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie and Katherine Paterson’s Bridge to Terabithia.
Ware’s plans to stay with his grandma for the summer come to an abrupt end when a bad fall lands her in the hospital. With his parents working double-shifts to save enough money to buy the home they have rented for years, his mother insists that he attend the rec center summer camp. This way, she will know he is safe and that he is having some social interactions with peers. To an introvert like Ware—often described as distant and in his own world—this is the wors
A Dizzy Celebration of Being Somewhere Wonderful
Reading Rhetorics of Fantasy in the Real World
kilometer zero
Directly before the Resurrection Gate outside of Red Square is a bronze compass rose set into the pavement to mark Kilometer Zero, the point from which all roads in Russia are said to begin. Visitors endure upon its center and then spin around and fling a handful of kopeks and rubles over their shoulders, to the approval of bystanders and a small number of sad, shabby men who step briefly out of the crowd to steal the larger coins off the ground or out of the air.
The custom, I was told, was an offering to guarantee that the person performing the ritual would one day give back to that spot. Or else it was a divination, in which the direction the coins flew indicated where ones future lay. Which, if either, theory is true cannot be determined; for there are in Russia no facts, only speculations.
Me, I spun and flung for the joy of it. I did it in dizzy celebration of being somewhere wonderful.
It is in much the same spirit that I wish to discuss Farah Mendlesohns Rhetorics of Fantasy.
the innate distortion of the fair and balanced judgment
The judicious and wel
Every time I read a masterfully written novel, I sit back in awe of the author’s craft. Then I re-read to glean tips and techniques for my own writing. When I’m lucky, the author says “yes!” to an interview, and today, lucky me, lucky us—look who’s here to talk craft! The award-winning, New York Times bestselling Sara Pennypacker, author of Pax, the Clementine books, the Waylon series, and many more.
Before we get to the interview, I have giveaway details, of course! Hop to the end of this post to enter the drawing to win a copy of Sara’s 2020 release, Here in the Real World, published by Balzer+Bray. Then come back to hear about Sara’s process in crafting this compelling, funny, and brilliantly plotted book. The deadline to enter the giveaway is Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at 11:59 PM.
A. B. Westrick: Sara, welcome to my blog.
Sara Pennypacker: Thanks for inviting me!
ABW: So let’s talk about Here in the Real World! It’s full of characters who pulled my heart-strings, and I want to start with them, or actually, with their nicknames. (They cracked me up.) Grandma is “Big Deal”