Here in the Real World
Sara Pennypacker
Subjects
- Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
- Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
From the author of the highly acclaimed, bestselling novel Pax comes a gorgeous and moving novel that is an ode to introverts, dreamers, and misfits everywhere, ideal for readers aged 9–12. Ware can’t wait to spend summer ‘off in his own world’ and generally being left alone. But then his parents sign him up for dreaded Rec camp, where he must endure Meaningful Social Interaction and whatever activities so-called ‘normal’ kids do. On his first day Ware meets Jolene, a tough, secretive girl planting a garden in the rubble of an abandoned church next to the camp. Soon Ware starts skipping Rec, creating a castle-like space of his own in the church lot. Jolene scoffs, calling him a dreamer – he doesn’t live in the ‘real world’ like she does. As different as Ware and Jolene are, though, they have one thing in common: for them, the lot is a refuge. And when their sanctuary is threatened, Ware vows to save the lot. But what does a hero look like in real life? And what can two misfit kids do?
Reviews
Sent to stay with his beloved Grandmother while his parents are both working, Ware has a peaceful summer holiday in store at the retirement village where she lives. Then she falls, breaks her hips and Ware gets sent to his worst nightmare ‘Rec.’ His parents want him to be safe, happy and have “Meaningful Social Interaction with other kids.” But 11 year old Ware enjoys his own company, he likes peace and quiet, he likes his own little world, joining in with big groups of kids is difficult, loud and uncomfortable. Then Ware discovers the abandoned church next door, meets Jolene and everything changes. I found the first part of the book rather slow but determined to stick with it I’m pleased to say that it does pick up. Ware is determined to change, to be reborn and start over, to be the kid his parents can be proud of, only nothing he consciously tries works. Yet as his summer unfolds and his relationship with Jolene grows into one of friendship and trust Ware suddenly realises that he has changed or at least his perception of himself has and he can finally accept who he is and know that there’s a place for him. The characters of Ware and Jolene are so different and I love how they are portrayed and how they eventually come together and support one another. The development of Ware through the story and how he comes to accept and love himself for who he is, rather than what others may want him to be, is heart-warming and powerful.
SarahC39
Star Reviewer
I already loved Pax so was so excited to read another Pennypacker novel and it didn't disappoint. Beautifully crafted, authentic and just lovely to read.
blondie161
I found this book fairly difficult to get into and therefore it took me longer to read. The two main characters Ware and Jolene were interesting. They both look at the world in a different way. I thought the ending was lovely but still that doesn't really happen to most people. I do think the book is worth reading as everyone takes something different from what they read.
DawnMH
Ware is a unique, introvert who likes his own company and wants to be "normal" for his parents. This is a charming wee story about his journey to accept and love himself for who he is. I LOVED the relationship between Ware and Jolene. Loved it growing from annoyance to acceptance to a friendship. She was my favourite character. I personally loved this book and looked forward to picking it back up each night, but unsure if there is enough 'story' to keep young teens going with it?
Mrs 😊wens
I bought this for my daughter after having read Pax by the same author. This has a different tone - it is very urban but still has the protagonist alone and unsupervised most of the time but I liked how it showed the children having agency and the vision to change their environment as they work to bring wildlife to a derelict church in their city. Ware and Jolene don't fit the 'normal' mould of children so find their own path with each other.
dandelion123
Loved it
Sara138
I had seen this book recommended so many times on Twitter that I thought I should read it. The first page didn't grab me as I expected, however by the end of the first few pages I was completely hooked and finished the book the same day. The main character is a child who just wishes to be 'normal' as he feels that is what the world would prefer him to be. The narrative takes us through a summer of new discoveries, new friendships and big events in his life which you see through his eyes, constantly hoping that good things will come his way and that he will realise that he is doesn't need to aspire to be anything other than himself. As a teacher, it helped me understand the struggles that some children go through every day in a world that suggests there is a 'normal' and that they need to change to fit in. A delightful, heart-warming book that left me feeling more aware of how I need to approach the many individuals in my class.
bcameron
A gently moving story exploring how the destruction of a place can lead to creation. Loved the character of spiky Jolene and never-doing-the-right-thing Wade and the development of their friendship. Very special
KirstenF