Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker
Review by Lauren
Source: copy of the book and sponsored post from HarperCollins and Children’s Book Review; all opinions are my own
Official Summary (add to Goodreads): Ware can’t wait to spend summer “off in his own world”—dreaming of knights in the Middle Ages 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 he 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.
But when their sanctuary is threatened, Ware looks to the knights’ Code of Chivalry: Thou shalt do battle against unfairness wherever faced with it. Thou shalt be always the champion of the Right and Good—and vows to save the lot.
But what does a hero look like in real life? And what can two misfit kids do?
Review: I love the premise of Here in the Real World. Ware is an 11-year old boy who would rather spend time on his own, imagining himself a modern day knight, than pretend to enjoy what other kids his age are doing. He’s not lonely – he just likes to be alone. Unfortunately, his parents don’t understand this and they just want him to be happy. Here in the Real World takes place over a summer when Ware is supposed to go to a Rec Center everyday while his parents work double shifts so they can purchase the house they are renting.
Ware eventually stops going to Rec, without his parents knowing, and instead, he hangs out in the abandoned lot next door. It used to hold a church – and while it still does, in a way, a lot has been taken out. Ware uses the church as his castle, and he meets a girl named Jolene who is creating her own garden in the back lot. Suddenly, the Summer doesn’t sound so awful, and Ware enjoys Jolene more and more as they get to know each other.
Unfortunately, Jolene is someone who lives in the Real World. She’s dealt with a lot of pain and tragedy and she doesn’t think miracles can happen. As for Ware, he’s definitely more in Fantasy Land – or as Jolene says, “Magic Fairness Land.” Life’s not fair, and Jolene knows this, but Ware wishes it were.
I liked getting to know both Ware and Jolene, and how their minds worked. I could understand both of their point of views in terms of seeing the world, but I loved that they had the abandoned lot to just be themselves and have fun. Of course, it can’t be that easy, and there are some issues that arise that they have to face head on.
I found Here in the Real World to be a good middle grade book, but it definitely started off kind of slow for me. As the book progresses, it picked up steam, though it’s definitely not a book full of action. It has a lot more introspective and imaginative moments. I feel like this would make a good book to read with a class, as you can take it slower, and it would lead to a lot of discussion.
Enter for a chance to win a Sara Pennypacker book prize pack!
Five (5) winners receive:
A hardcover copy of Here in the Real World
A paperback copy of Pax
Giveaway begins January 21, 2019, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends February 21, 2019, at 11:59 P.M. PST.
Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are eighteen years of age or older in their state or territory of residence at the time of entry. Void where prohibited by law.
HarperCollins is responsible for prize fulfillment.
Thanks for the review. I think my kids like when books are interesting at the beginning!
This sounds really sweet! Thank you for sharing this one with us and the giveaway too!
This sounds like a wonderful read for middle grade and early teens Lauren, it’s a shame being a little slow to begin with and I hope readers persist through the quiet beginning. It sounds as though it touches on a lot of important issues as well. Honestly, what IS normal? It doesn’t exist and looking forward to seeing how the author tackles this one. Great review Lauren, really enjoyed it.
This sounds like an amazing middle grade book! I really like the sound of Ware and he already seems so relatable (as a kid – and even now – I enjoy my own company without being lonely).
This sounds like a sweet little read. I’ll have to check it out!
I would love to read this – sounds like an excellent novel. Even if I don’t win, I’ll probably add it to my list anyway!
This book sounds really good, but it’s good to know that it starts out slow and it’s more introspective than your typical MG. I tend to like introspective books, but it can be an issue for some MG readers.
This cover is so pretty. Love the review. this sounds like a heart wrenching story
Oh… I loved her book Clementine. <3 That was one of the books for a Battle of the Books battle Olivia did in fourth grade, I believe. I was one of the facilitators so I got to lead the group and all of the kids loved it, I'm sure this would be a big hit, too!
I am intrigued by the story. Lovely review!
Interesting premise. Meaningful social interaction isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Ha!! I think creating a castle in a vacant lot with an interesting, odd girl gardening beside me would be much more fun. Sounds like an entertaining read.
I have yet to read this author, but probably should give her a try some day. Great review!
It sounds like a good read, although I hate it when books start off slow as I want to get right in there with the action 🙂 Thank you for sharing your review for us xo
I haven’t heard of this author, but this sounds like it’d be a cute read! Thanks for sharing the review with us! Makes me miss the books I grew up reading!
This does sound like it would be a great book to be read aloud to your child or to a classroom. I feel like between the two main characters, it balances out really well — with imagination and with the real world.
My grand kids would love this book! Thank you for sharing!