53 pages • 1 hour read
Tangerine
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Book Brief
312
Novel • Fiction
Florida • 1990s
1997
YA
10-14 years
680L
Super Short Summary
In Edward Bloor’s 1997 debut novel, Tangerine, Paul Fisher navigates a new life in Lake Windsor Downs, Florida, where he contends with his visual impairment, mysterious past injury, and violent older brother Erik. He transfers to Tangerine Middle, joining its inclusive soccer team and confronting various social and personal challenges, ultimately discovering unsettling truths about his family and himself. Themes of bullying and sibling violence appear in this book.
Mysterious
Dark
Challenging
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
35,687 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Edward Bloor's Tangerine is praised for its compelling character development and the vivid portrayal of Florida's unique setting. Readers appreciate the novel's handling of serious themes like family dynamics and environmental issues, though some criticize its pacing and occasional predictability. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read for young adults.
Who Should Read Tangerine?
Readers who enjoy Tangerine by Edward Bloor typically appreciate coming-of-age stories with strong themes of family, sports, and overcoming adversity. Fans of S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders or Louis Sachar's Holes will find similar intrigue in Bloor's exploration of resilience and self-discovery.
35,687 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Erik Fisher
Erik Fisher
Paul’s brother, known for his athletic prowess and intimidating personality. His behavior and actions create tension within the family dynamic.
Mom and Dad Fisher
Mom and Dad Fisher
Paul and Erik’s parents, who primarily focus on supporting Erik’s football aspirations. Their differing perspectives lead to frequent disagreements regarding how to manage the family's priorities.
The Cruz Family (Tino, Theresa, and Luis)
The Cruz Family (Tino, Theresa, and Luis)
A hardworking and close-knit family involved in tangerine farming, who demonstrate strong bonds and authenticity. Luis, despite a physical disability, is passionate about his work with the tangerine groves.
312
Novel • Fiction
Florida • 1990s
1997
YA
10-14 years
680L
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