Tangerine, written by Edward Bloor, is a captivating novel about Paul Fisher, a legally blind boy navigating life in the extraordinary town of Tangerine County, Florida.
Overview of the Book
Tangerine by Edward Bloor is a thought-provoking novel that follows Paul Fisher, a legally blind boy navigating life in the eccentric town of Tangerine County, Florida. The story delves into themes of sibling rivalry, perseverance, and self-discovery as Paul confronts personal and environmental challenges. With its unique setting and relatable characters, Tangerine offers a compelling exploration of family dynamics and social issues, making it a memorable read for young adults. The book has been praised for its inspiring portrayal of overcoming adversity and its relevance to contemporary issues.
Author Background: Edward Bloor
Edward Bloor, born in 1950, is an American author known for his young adult novels. His writing often explores complex themes such as family dynamics, social issues, and personal growth. Bloor’s background in teaching and his experience as a writer have shaped his ability to craft relatable characters and engaging stories. His novel Tangerine has received critical acclaim for its vivid portrayal of a unique setting and its exploration of human values. Bloor’s work continues to resonate with readers, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of adolescence and beyond.
Plot Summary
Tangerine follows Paul Fisher, a legally blind boy, as he moves to Tangerine County, Florida, a town filled with bizarre events like sinkholes and underground fires. Determined to play soccer despite his vision, Paul uncovers secrets about his past and navigates family dynamics, including rivalry with his football-star brother, Erik. The story explores themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and the challenges of growing up in a unique and often mysterious environment.
Main Characters: Paul Fisher and His Family
Paul Fisher is the protagonist, a legally blind boy whose thick glasses give him a unique appearance. He struggles to find his place in the world, particularly in the shadow of his older brother, Erik, a charismatic football star. Paul’s family, including his parents, is central to the story, as they navigate their own complexities and secrets. Erik’s dominance and Paul’s desire for recognition create tension, while their parents’ dynamics add depth to the family’s challenges. The Fishers’ move to Tangerine County forces them to confront their past and present, revealing layers of sibling rivalry, parental expectations, and personal growth.
Setting: Tangerine County, Florida
Tangerine County, Florida, is a unique and eccentric setting where strange occurrences are normal. The town is characterized by sinkholes, underground fires, and muck fires that create an eerie and unstable environment. This peculiar backdrop influences the lives of its residents, including Paul Fisher and his family, who must adapt to the challenges posed by their surroundings. The constant presence of natural and environmental anomalies adds a layer of tension and mystery to the story, making Tangerine County not just a location but a character in itself. The setting plays a crucial role in shaping the plot and the experiences of the characters, highlighting themes of resilience and adaptation.
Key Events and Conflicts
Central to the story are Paul’s struggles with his visual impairment and his determination to play soccer. A significant event is the mysterious incident that damaged his eyesight, which he gradually recalls. The sinkhole that swallows his school and the underground fires in Tangerine County add layers of conflict. Paul’s journey is marked by his fight for acceptance and his efforts to uncover the truth about his past. These events intertwine with the challenges of living in a town prone to natural disasters, creating a narrative rich in suspense and personal growth.
Themes and Messages
Tangerine explores themes of sibling rivalry, perseverance, and self-discovery, set against a backdrop of environmental and social challenges. It highlights human values and family dynamics, offering an uplifting narrative of growth and resilience.
Sibling Rivalry and Family Dynamics
In Tangerine, sibling rivalry is a central theme, particularly through the complex relationship between Paul and his older brother Erik, a football hero. Paul, who is legally blind, struggles to escape Erik’s shadow, while Erik’s menacing behavior adds tension. Their parents’ favoritism and overprotectiveness further complicate family dynamics. Paul’s determination to play soccer and uncover the truth about his past clashes with Erik’s dominance. The novel portrays how sibling rivalry can fuel both conflict and growth, offering a poignant exploration of jealousy, competition, and the challenges of family relationships. Through their interactions, Bloor highlights the resilience needed to navigate these struggles and find one’s identity. The Fisher family’s dynamics are both relatable and intense, making this theme a compelling aspect of the story.
Perseverance and Self-Discovery
Paul Fisher’s journey in Tangerine is a testament to perseverance and self-discovery. Despite his legal blindness and thick glasses, Paul remains determined to play soccer and uncover the truth about his past. His resilience shines as he navigates the challenges of Tangerine County, a town filled with mysterious events. Paul’s struggle to remember the incident that damaged his eyesight adds depth to his character, showcasing his courage in confronting his fears. Through his experiences, Paul learns to embrace his uniqueness and find his place in the world. His determination to play soccer and his loyalty to friends like Tino and Theresa highlight his growth and the importance of perseverance in overcoming adversity. This theme is central to the novel, inspiring readers to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery.
Environmental and Social Challenges
Tangerine County, Florida, is a town plagued by extraordinary environmental challenges, such as sinkholes swallowing schools and underground fires. These events create a chaotic backdrop for Paul Fisher’s journey. The novel also explores social challenges, including racial tensions, competitive sports dynamics, and family conflicts. Paul’s legally blind condition and his brother Erik’s football stardom highlight the pressures of societal expectations. The community’s struggles with environmental disasters and social inequalities underscore the book’s themes of resilience and adaptability. Through these challenges, the characters navigate their relationships and personal growth, making Tangerine a compelling exploration of overcoming adversity in a flawed world. The interplay of environmental and social struggles adds depth to the story.
Reception and Awards
Tangerine received the American Library Association’s Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults in 1998 and an Edgar Award nomination. It was also an American Booksellers Association Pick of the List in 1997, praised for its thought-provoking themes and engaging storytelling.
Awards and Nominations
Tangerine by Edward Bloor has garnered significant recognition in the literary world. It was named one of the American Library Association’s Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults in 1998, highlighting its appeal to adolescent readers. Additionally, the novel received an Edgar Award nomination for Best Young Adult Novel in 1998, further cementing its reputation as a compelling and thought-provoking story. The book also earned a spot as an American Booksellers Association Pick of the List in 1997, showcasing its critical acclaim and popularity among readers. These accolades underscore Bloor’s ability to craft a narrative that resonates with both young audiences and literary critics, making Tangerine a standout work in young adult fiction.
Reader and Critical Reviews
Tangerine by Edward Bloor has received widespread acclaim from both readers and critics. Reviewers praise the novel for its engaging storyline and well-developed characters, particularly Paul Fisher’s journey of self-discovery and resilience. The book’s ability to address complex themes such as sibling rivalry, environmental challenges, and social issues has resonated deeply with audiences. Many readers appreciate how Bloor balances serious topics with a sense of humor and hope, making the story both entertaining and thought-provoking. Critics highlight the novel’s unique setting in Tangerine County, Florida, and its vivid portrayal of extraordinary events, which add to the book’s charm. Overall, Tangerine is celebrated for its relatable characters, compelling plot, and meaningful themes.
PDF Availability and Formats
Tangerine by Edward Bloor is widely available in PDF format. Readers can download the book from platforms like FlipBuilder, Litres, and other digital libraries.
Where to Download “Tangerine” PDF
The Tangerine PDF is easily accessible online through various platforms. FlipBuilder offers a free download option, allowing users to create flipbooks for interactive reading. Additionally, digital libraries like Litres provide the book in multiple formats, including PDF, for convenient access. Scribd also hosts the PDF version, enabling readers to download or read online. For those seeking a direct download, platforms like Archive.org and Google Books may have scanned copies available. Ensure to use reputable sources to download the PDF legally and support the author and publishers.
Flip PDFs and Interactive Versions
Interactive versions of Tangerine are available through platforms like FlipBuilder, enabling users to create engaging flip PDFs; These versions offer features like zoom, fullscreen viewing, and auto-flip for a dynamic reading experience. Readers can highlight text, navigate via table of contents, and access sound settings for enhanced accessibility. Flip PDFs are ideal for educational purposes, book clubs, or personal reading, providing a modern twist to the traditional book format. Platforms like Scribd and Archive.org also host interactive PDFs, making Tangerine accessible in versatile digital formats that cater to diverse reader preferences and needs.
Reading and Discussion Guides
Reading and discussion guides for Tangerine are available, supporting book clubs and classrooms. These resources include AR points and reading level information, aiding educators and readers alike.
Book Clubs and Educational Resources
Tangerine is a popular choice for book clubs and classrooms, offering rich discussion topics. Educational resources include teaching guides, AR points (13 pts), and a reading level of 4.3. These tools help educators create engaging lessons, focusing on themes like sibling rivalry, perseverance, and social challenges. The novel’s relatable characters and vivid setting make it ideal for fostering critical thinking and empathy. Discussion questions often explore Paul’s journey of self-discovery and the book’s portrayal of real-world issues. Teachers can adapt these resources to suit various learning needs, making Tangerine a valuable addition to any curriculum.
AR Points and Reading Level
Tangerine by Edward Bloor is categorized with an Accelerated Reader (AR) point value of 13.0, making it suitable for advanced middle-grade readers. The book’s reading level is 4.3, indicating it is accessible to fourth graders with average reading skills. This classification helps educators and parents select appropriate literature for students, ensuring the content aligns with their reading abilities. The novel’s themes of perseverance and family dynamics, combined with its engaging plot, make it a great choice for fostering a love of reading in young learners. The AR points also serve as a motivational tool for students to track their reading progress and achievements.
Additional Resources
Explore related books like Tangerine and discover author interviews for deeper insights. Utilize study guides and interactive PDFs to enhance your reading experience and understanding of the novel.
Related Books and Recommendations
For fans of Tangerine, consider exploring books that blend coming-of-age themes with unique settings and family dynamics. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros and The Giver by Lois Lowry offer similar explorations of identity and societal challenges. Wonder by R.J. Palacio and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon also delve into personal struggles and self-discovery. These stories, like Tangerine, provide thought-provoking narratives that resonate with young readers. Additionally, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee share themes of sibling rivalry and social justice, making them excellent recommendations for those who enjoyed Bloor’s work.
Author Interviews and Insights
Edward Bloor, the acclaimed author of Tangerine, has shared insights into his creative process and the inspiration behind the novel. In interviews, Bloor reveals how his own experiences growing up in Florida influenced the vivid setting of Tangerine County. He emphasizes the importance of exploring themes like sibling rivalry, perseverance, and social challenges, which resonate deeply with young readers. Bloor’s unique writing style blends humor with poignant realism, making Tangerine both entertaining and thought-provoking. His work has been praised for its ability to address complex issues while maintaining an engaging narrative, earning him multiple awards and nominations, including the American Library Association Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults.