Joan Bauer's Rules of the Road receives acclaim for its engaging portrayal of a young protagonist navigating personal growth and professional challenges. Readers appreciate the strong character development and life lessons. However, some find the pacing uneven and the storyline somewhat predictable. Overall, it's a compelling read for young adults.

Fans of Joan Bauer's Rules of the Road are typically young adults who appreciate coming-of-age stories with strong, resilient female protagonists. Readers of Louis Sachar's Holes and Sharon Creech's Walk Two Moons will find similar themes of personal growth and adventure compelling.

Rules of the Road by Joan Bauer follows 16-year-old Jenna Boller, who escapes her tumultuous home life and self-consciousness by excelling as a "shoe professional" at Gladstone's Shoe Store. She embarks on a six-week road trip across the Midwest to Texas as a driver and assistant to Mrs. Gladstone, the shoe store president, confronting personal challenges and family issues while gaining confidence and strength. The novel deals with alcoholism, drunk driving, death, and Alzheimer's disease.

Inspirational / Heartwarming / Humorous / Adventurous

**Jenna Louise Boller**  
Jenna is a 16-year-old high school student with a love for selling shoes at Gladstone’s and a complicated family life, including a divorced alcoholic father and a hard-working mother.

**Murray Castlebaum**  
Murray is the patient and kind manager of Gladstone’s shoe store in Chicago and serves as an influential mentor to Jenna, helping her build self-confidence.

**Jim Boller**  
Jim is Jenna’s father, who struggles with alcoholism, causing tension and emotional strain within their family dynamic.

**Carol Boller**  
Carol is an emergency-room nurse and single mother to Jenna and Faith, working long hours to support her family while managing the challenges posed by her absent ex-husband.

**Grandma**  
Grandma is Jenna’s beloved grandmother, formerly a tailor, who now resides in a nursing home but continues to inspire and support Jenna with her wisdom and strength.

**Mrs. Madeline Gladstone**  
Mrs. Gladstone is the determined 73-year-old CEO of the Gladstone’s Shoe Stores, navigating corporate challenges and family conflicts while maintaining her compassion and integrity.

**Elden Gladstone**  
Elden is Mrs. Gladstone’s ambitious son, at odds with his mother over the direction of the shoe company, resulting in family and business tensions.

**Alice Lovett**  
Alice is a retired shoe model and a supportive, humorous friend to Mrs. Gladstone, who also helps Jenna during a pivotal trip.

**Harry Bender**  
Harry is a legendary shoe manager from Texas, known for his kindness and positive influence on those around him, with a background of overcoming personal struggles.

**Ken Woldman**  
Ken is the CEO of Shoe Warehouse who initially appears focused on profit, but reveals respect for integrity and a willingness to listen to experienced voices like Mrs. Gladstone's.

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Chapters 1-3

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