Tangerine‚ a captivating young adult novel by Edward Bloor‚ explores themes of sibling rivalry‚ self-discovery‚ and overcoming challenges in the quirky town of Tangerine County‚ Florida.
Background of the Novel
Tangerine‚ written by Edward Bloor and published in 1997‚ is a young adult novel set in the peculiar town of Tangerine County‚ Florida. The story revolves around Paul Fisher‚ a visually impaired boy who navigates a world of unique challenges‚ including mysterious sinkholes‚ underground fires‚ and a complex family history. The novel‚ published by Harcourt Books‚ spans 294 pages and is written at a 4.3 reading level‚ making it accessible to middle-grade readers. It has received critical acclaim‚ earning the American Library Association’s Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults award in 1998 and an Edgar Award nomination for Best Young Adult Novel. The book’s blend of soccer‚ sibling rivalry‚ and environmental themes‚ combined with its exploration of social issues like race relations and disability‚ has made it a standout in young adult literature.
Setting: Tangerine County‚ Florida
Tangerine County‚ Florida‚ is the unique and mysterious setting of Edward Bloor’s novel. This fictional town is characterized by its eerie landscapes and recurring natural phenomena‚ such as sinkholes swallowing schools and underground fires. The environment plays a significant role in shaping the story‚ creating an atmosphere of intrigue and danger. The setting influences the characters’ lives‚ with the strange occurrences reflecting the underlying tensions and secrets within the community. The vivid descriptions of Tangerine County’s unusual features make it a central element of the narrative‚ blending realism with a touch of the surreal. This backdrop not only challenges the protagonist‚ Paul Fisher‚ but also serves as a metaphor for the hidden truths and complexities of his family’s past.
Plot Summary
Tangerine follows Paul Fisher‚ a visually impaired boy‚ as he navigates his new life in Tangerine County‚ Florida. The story unfolds with Paul’s family moving to this peculiar town‚ where he faces challenges at school and discovers hidden family secrets. His journey includes joining the soccer team‚ which becomes a catalyst for his personal growth and understanding of his past. The plot intertwines themes of disability‚ sibling rivalry‚ and environmental mysteries‚ creating a compelling narrative of self-discovery and resilience.
The Fisher Family’s Move to Tangerine
The Fisher family relocates to Tangerine County‚ Florida‚ seeking a fresh start. Paul‚ the protagonist‚ is initially hesitant about leaving his familiar life behind. The move is motivated by his brother Erik’s football scholarship and the family’s hope for a better future. Upon arrival‚ they are struck by the town’s eccentricities‚ such as frequent sinkholes and underground fires. Paul’s mother is anxious about their safety‚ while his father is optimistic about the opportunities Tangerine offers. The family’s dynamics are further complicated by Paul’s visual impairment and the unspoken tensions between him and Erik. This transition sets the stage for Paul’s journey of self-discovery and his efforts to uncover the secrets surrounding their new home.
Paul’s Journey on the Soccer Team
Paul’s decision to join the Tangerine Middle School soccer team marks a turning point in his life. Despite his near-blindness‚ he demonstrates remarkable determination and skill‚ earning the respect of his teammates. The team becomes a source of support and camaraderie for Paul‚ helping him navigate the challenges of his new environment. Through soccer‚ Paul gains confidence and begins to assert his individuality‚ stepping out of the shadow of his brother Erik. His journey on the team is not just about sports but also about self-discovery‚ as he learns to confront his past and the family secrets that have haunted him. The soccer team becomes a symbol of Paul’s resilience and his ability to thrive in the face of adversity‚ both on and off the field.
Main Characters
Paul Fisher‚ the protagonist‚ is a determined and resilient boy navigating life with visual impairment. His brother Erik is a football star with a complex‚ often adversarial relationship with Paul‚ adding depth to the story.
Paul Fisher: The Protagonist
Paul Fisher is the heart of Tangerine‚ a novel by Edward Bloor. Despite his visual impairment‚ Paul’s resilience and determination drive the story. He moves to Tangerine County‚ Florida‚ with his family‚ where he faces unusual challenges. Paul’s journey is marked by his struggle to uncover the truth about his past and his family’s secrets. His thick glasses symbolize both his physical and emotional barriers. Through his experiences on the soccer team‚ Paul gains confidence and begins to confront the mysteries surrounding his new home. His character represents growth‚ courage‚ and the pursuit of identity‚ making him a relatable and inspiring protagonist for readers of all ages.
Erik Fisher: The Brother and Rival
Erik Fisher‚ Paul’s older brother‚ is a central figure in Tangerine‚ embodying both charm and menace. As a football star‚ Erik’s athletic prowess and popularity contrast sharply with Paul’s struggles‚ fostering a complex sibling rivalry. Erik’s shadow looms large over Paul‚ who feels overshadowed by his brother’s achievements. Their relationship is fraught with tension‚ as Erik often displays a darker‚ more manipulative side. Despite his outward confidence‚ Erik harbors secrets that gradually surface‚ revealing a troubled character. The dynamic between the brothers adds depth to the story‚ exploring themes of jealousy‚ competition‚ and the challenges of brotherly bonds. Erik’s influence shapes Paul’s journey‚ pushing him to confront both his family’s past and his own identity.
Themes in “Tangerine”
Tangerine delves into themes of race relations‚ disability‚ and environmental challenges‚ while exploring personal growth‚ family secrets‚ and the struggle to uncover truth in a flawed world.
Social Issues: Race Relations and Disability
Tangerine by Edward Bloor addresses significant social issues‚ including race relations and disability. The novel portrays a town where racial tensions simmer beneath the surface‚ reflecting the broader societal struggles of the time. Paul Fisher‚ the protagonist‚ navigates his world with visual impairment‚ highlighting the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. His journey emphasizes resilience and the importance of inclusivity. Through Paul’s experiences‚ Bloor sheds light on the marginalization of those with disabilities and the need for understanding and acceptance. The interplay between race and disability creates a layered narrative that encourages readers to reflect on social inequalities and the power of individual perseverance in overcoming them.
Personal Growth and Family Secrets
Tangerine delves into Paul Fisher’s journey of self-discovery and the uncovering of family secrets. Paul‚ navigating his visual impairment and a new town‚ learns to assert his identity beyond his disability. His family’s move to Tangerine forces him to confront unresolved issues‚ including the mysterious incident that damaged his eyesight. As Paul gains confidence through soccer and friendships‚ he begins to challenge the silence surrounding his past. The novel explores how family secrets can both protect and isolate‚ ultimately showing Paul’s empowerment as he uncovers the truth. Through his growth‚ Bloor highlights the importance of confronting the past to embrace one’s true self‚ blending personal development with the complexities of family dynamics.
Book Reception
Tangerine by Edward Bloor has received critical acclaim‚ earning awards like the American Library Association’s Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults in 1998 and an Edgar Award nomination. Readers praise its inspiring themes of self-discovery and family secrets‚ resonating for its relevance to race relations and disability.
Literary Awards and Nominations
Tangerine by Edward Bloor has garnered significant recognition in the literary world. It was nominated for the Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Novel in 1998‚ highlighting its compelling narrative and deep exploration of themes such as sibling rivalry and personal growth. Additionally‚ the novel was selected as one of the American Library Association’s Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults in 1998. This honor underscores its impact on young readers and its ability to address complex social issues with sensitivity and insight. The book’s reception further solidifies its place as a notable work in young adult literature‚ praised for its engaging storytelling and thought-provoking content.
Reader and Critical Reviews
Tangerine has received widespread acclaim from both readers and critics for its engaging storytelling and thought-provoking themes. Many readers praise the novel for its ability to address complex issues such as race relations‚ sibling rivalry‚ and personal growth with sensitivity and humor. The character of Paul Fisher‚ a visually impaired protagonist‚ resonates deeply with readers‚ offering a unique perspective on resilience and self-discovery. Critics have lauded the book for its well-developed characters and its ability to balance lighthearted moments with serious subject matter. The novel’s exploration of family secrets and environmental challenges in Tangerine County further enhances its appeal. Overall‚ Tangerine is celebrated as a compelling and emotionally resonant read that leaves a lasting impact on its audience.
Availability as a PDF
Tangerine is available as a PDF for free download from various online platforms‚ including archive.org and FlipBuilder‚ offering convenient access to the full novel digitally.
Download Options and Sources
Readers can access Tangerine as a PDF through various platforms. Archive.org offers a free download with a scan date of 2021‚ ensuring easy access to the novel. FlipBuilder also provides an option to download and create a flipbook version of Tangerine for interactive reading. Additionally‚ platforms like Litres allow users to download the PDF directly‚ supporting formats such as EPUB and FB2. These sources ensure compatibility with multiple devices‚ including smartphones‚ tablets‚ and e-readers. The PDF is approximately 1.0G in size‚ making it a convenient option for offline reading. These platforms are reliable and user-friendly‚ catering to a wide audience interested in Edward Bloor’s work.
Compatible Reading Platforms
The PDF version of Tangerine is compatible with various reading platforms‚ ensuring accessibility for all users. It can be read on popular e-readers like Amazon Kindle‚ Kobo‚ and Barnes & Noble Nook. Additionally‚ the PDF format supports reading on smartphones and tablets through apps like Adobe Acrobat‚ Google Play Books‚ and Apple Books. For desktop users‚ the PDF can be accessed using PDF viewers like Adobe Acrobat Reader or web browsers with PDF extensions. This versatility ensures that readers can enjoy Tangerine seamlessly across different devices‚ promoting a flexible and convenient reading experience.
Additional Resources
Additional resources for Tangerine include study guides‚ book reviews‚ and analysis available on platforms like LitRes‚ Internet Archive‚ and educational websites offering PDF downloads.
Book Reviews and Analysis
Tangerine by Edward Bloor has received widespread acclaim for its engaging storytelling and thought-provoking themes. Reviewers praise the novel for its vivid portrayal of Paul Fisher’s journey‚ highlighting his resilience and growth. The book’s unique setting in Tangerine County‚ Florida‚ and its exploration of issues like race relations‚ sibling rivalry‚ and environmental challenges resonate deeply with readers. Many analysts note how Bloor seamlessly blends humor with serious topics‚ making the story both entertaining and impactful. The character development‚ particularly the complex relationship between Paul and his brother Erik‚ has been singled out for praise. Overall‚ Tangerine is celebrated as a compelling and insightful read for young adults and beyond.
Study Guides and Educational Materials
Study guides for Tangerine offer valuable resources for understanding the novel’s themes‚ characters‚ and plot. These materials provide insights into Edward Bloor’s use of symbolism‚ such as the recurring motif of light and darkness‚ which reflects Paul’s internal journey. Teachers and students can benefit from analysis of key scenes‚ including Paul’s experiences on the soccer team and his family dynamics. Discussion questions and essay prompts encourage deeper exploration of themes like identity and perseverance. Additionally‚ educational materials highlight the novel’s relevance to real-world issues‚ making it a rich text for classroom discussions. These resources are essential for educators seeking to enhance students’ comprehension and appreciation of Tangerine.
Online Discussions and Forums
Online discussions and forums about Tangerine provide a space for readers to share insights and engage with the novel. Platforms like Reddit and Goodreads feature threads where fans analyze themes‚ characters‚ and plot twists. Educators often post lesson plans and teaching strategies‚ while students share essays and reviews. These forums also highlight the book’s relevance to contemporary issues‚ such as disability representation and environmental concerns. Readers can explore fan theories‚ discuss favorite quotes‚ and connect with others who appreciate Edward Bloor’s storytelling. Additionally‚ some forums offer Q&A sessions with educators‚ fostering a deeper understanding of the novel’s complexities. These online communities are invaluable for both casual readers and scholars seeking to explore Tangerine in greater depth.