Here in the real world novel

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

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






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”