Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Mysterious, Suspenseful, Empathetic, Triumphant
- Read it if
- You enjoy stories about overcoming adversity, uncovering family secrets, and finding your place in an unexpected community. Perfect for readers who like sports narratives with a deeper mystery.
- Skip it if
- You prefer lighthearted stories without themes of bullying, family dysfunction, or crime. Some readers might find the initial setting descriptions a bit slow.
Tangerine Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
A New Beginning in Tangerine County
Paul Fisher, legally blind and wearing thick glasses, moves with his family from Houston, Texas, to Lake Windsor Downs, a new development in Tangerine County, Florida. His older brother, Erik, a star football player, gets all their parents' attention, often at Paul's expense. Paul immediately notices the strange things in their new home: a constant muck fire burning underground, daily lightning storms, and the threat of sinkholes. On his first day, Paul sees smoke from the muck fire, and later, a sinkhole destroys the school's portable classrooms. He enrolls in Lake Windsor Middle School, where he feels like an outsider and is always overshadowed by Erik's reputation and mean pranks.
Lake Windsor Middle School and the War Eagles
At Lake Windsor Middle School, Paul tries out for the soccer team, the War Eagles, as goalie. Despite his skill, his IEP (Individualized Education Program), which says he is legally blind, stops him from being allowed to play by the school board. This decision upsets Paul, who suspects his mother's overprotective nature and her wish to avoid problems for Erik's football career played a part. His parents seem more worried about Erik's upcoming football season than Paul's disappointment. Paul's best friend at Lake Windsor, Joey Costello, whose brother Mike died from a lightning strike during football practice, also struggles to fit in.
Transfer to Tangerine Middle School
After a sinkhole destroys the portable classrooms, Paul's parents let him transfer to Tangerine Middle School, a poorer, mostly Hispanic school. Paul eagerly agrees, seeing a chance for a new start. At Tangerine Middle, he meets Victor Cruz, the intense captain of the Tangerine War Eagles soccer team, and Tino Cruz, Victor's younger brother. Paul is immediately accepted onto the team as a goalie, even with his glasses. He quickly earns his new teammates' respect with his skills and bravery, finding a sense of belonging he never had at Lake Windsor.
Life at Tangerine Middle and the Citrus Grove
Paul does well at Tangerine Middle, making new friends and becoming an important part of the soccer team. He learns about the difficulties faced by migrant workers and the constant fight against freezes that threaten the citrus groves, especially the Golden Dawn tangerines grown by the Cruz family. He starts spending time at the Cruz family's farm, helping Tino and Victor protect their trees from frost and pests. During this time, Paul sees the strong community ties and the hard work involved in farming, a sharp contrast to the artificiality of Lake Windsor Downs. He also observes the ongoing rivalry between the Tangerine War Eagles and the Lake Windsor Seagulls.
Erik's Cruelty and the Robbery
Erik's threatening behavior continues to get worse. Paul remembers past instances of Erik's cruelty, especially with Erik's friend Arthur Bauer, who acts as Erik's helper. Erik and Arthur are involved in a series of robberies targeting homes in Lake Windsor Downs, particularly those of football players with expensive equipment. During a school carnival, Paul brings Tino and Victor, but Erik and Arthur insult them, leading to a fight where Erik hits Tino. Later, Erik and Arthur rob Joey Costello's house, stealing his brother Mike's valuable things, and then Paul's house, stealing his new computer, which Paul sees.
The Soccer Championship and a Confrontation
The Tangerine War Eagles, with Paul as their star goalie, have a good season, ending in a championship game against the previously undefeated Lake Windsor Seagulls. In an exciting match, Paul makes important saves, and the War Eagles win the championship, bringing great pride to Tangerine Middle School. After the game, Paul, Tino, and Victor celebrate. However, the victory is clouded by the ongoing tension with Erik. Paul overhears Erik and Arthur talking about their crimes, further confirming his suspicions about their involvement in the robberies. This victory strengthens Paul's place within the Tangerine community.
The Truth About Paul's Eyesight
Paul has always been told that his poor eyesight was from looking at a solar eclipse without proper protection. However, he slowly starts to remember parts of his past. During a talk with his parents, after Tino and Victor confront Erik, Paul finally asks his parents for the truth. His mother reveals that when Paul was five, Erik, driven by jealousy and anger, held Paul's head down while their friend Castor sprayed paint into his eyes with a BB gun. His parents, wanting to protect Erik and avoid scandal, made up the eclipse story and never told Paul the full truth, causing Paul's lifelong trauma and self-doubt.
Confrontation and Consequences
Knowing the truth, Paul confronts Erik directly. Erik attacks Paul in a rage, but Paul stands his ground. The police, already investigating the robberies, connect Erik and Arthur to the thefts after a tip. Arthur Bauer is found with the stolen goods and confesses, naming Erik. Erik is arrested, and the full extent of his criminal actions and violent behavior is revealed. Paul's parents must face the reality of Erik's actions and their own role in covering up Paul's injury. This confrontation is a key moment for Paul, freeing him from years of fear and confusion.
A New Chapter
With Erik's arrest and the truth out, Paul feels a deep sense of freedom. He can finally see clearly, not just physically, but emotionally. He decides to enroll full-time at Tangerine Middle School, leaving Lake Windsor behind for good. His parents, humbled by what they learned, support his decision. Paul's journey ends with him driving to Tangerine Middle with his new friends, ready to embrace who he is and the community that truly accepts him, free from his brother's shadow and the secrets of his past. He is no longer the shy, legally blind boy, but a confident young man ready for the future.
Tangerine Characters
Paul Fisher
Protagonist
Legally blind middle schooler, seeking truth and identity.
Paul is the protagonist, a legally blind seventh-grader with thick glasses who is an excellent soccer goalie. He is intelligent, observant, and possesses a strong moral compass. Paul is often overshadowed by his older brother, Erik, and struggles with self-doubt due to his parents' overprotective nature and the mystery surrounding his eyesight. He finds his voice and confidence when he transfers to Tangerine Middle School and joins their soccer team, where he is accepted for who he is. His journey is one of self-discovery, courage, and confronting long-held family secrets.
Relationships: Erik Fisher (brother, tormentor); Mr. Fisher (father, often oblivious); Mrs. Fisher (mother, overprotective, complicit in cover-up); Tino Cruz (friend, soccer teammate); Victor Cruz (friend, soccer captain); Joey Costello (friend from Lake Windsor)
Erik Fisher
Antagonist
Paul's older brother, a star football player with a violent and cruel nature.
Erik is Paul's older brother, a high school football star whose athletic prowess makes him the favored son. Beneath his charming exterior, Erik is a sociopathic bully, prone to violence, cruelty, and criminal behavior. He is responsible for Paul's eye injury and consistently torments Paul throughout the book. His actions are driven by jealousy, a desire for control, and a lack of empathy, ultimately leading to his downfall. He manipulates others, particularly Arthur Bauer, to carry out his schemes.
Relationships: Paul Fisher (brother, victim); Mr. Fisher (father, dotes on him); Mrs. Fisher (mother, enables him by protecting his reputation); Arthur Bauer (friend, accomplice)
Mr. Fisher (Dad)
Supporting
Paul and Erik's father, absorbed in Erik's football career.
Mr. Fisher is Paul and Erik's father, a civil engineer whose primary focus and pride lie in Erik's football career. He is often oblivious to Paul's struggles and Erik's cruelties, prioritizing Erik's athletic success above all else. He is ambitious for Erik and somewhat detached from Paul's emotional needs. He plays a role in perpetuating the lie about Paul's eyes, though perhaps less actively than Mrs. Fisher, due to his general preoccupation with Erik and his own career.
Relationships: Paul Fisher (son, often overlooked); Erik Fisher (son, favorite); Mrs. Fisher (wife)
Mrs. Fisher (Mom)
Supporting
Paul and Erik's mother, overprotective and complicit in family secrets.
Mrs. Fisher is Paul and Erik's mother. She is initially presented as well-meaning but overprotective of Paul, often making decisions for him, such as preventing him from playing soccer at Lake Windsor. She is deeply complicit in covering up the truth about Paul's eye injury, driven by a desire to protect Erik's future and avoid scandal. She is meticulous about organization and keeping up appearances, but her actions often betray a deeper emotional turmoil and guilt. She struggles with the consequences of her choices.
Relationships: Paul Fisher (son, overprotective of, lied to); Erik Fisher (son, protected from consequences); Mr. Fisher (husband)
Tino Cruz
Supporting
Paul's friend and soccer teammate from Tangerine Middle School.
Tino is a fiery and loyal member of the Tangerine Middle School soccer team and a key friend to Paul. He is Victor's younger brother and works diligently in his family's citrus grove. Tino is passionate about soccer and his family, and he is quick to defend his friends and family against perceived injustices, especially from the Lake Windsor kids. He initially teases Paul but quickly accepts him, becoming a steadfast ally and helping Paul integrate into the Tangerine community. He is one of the first to challenge Erik's authority.
Relationships: Paul Fisher (friend, soccer teammate); Victor Cruz (brother, soccer teammate); Theresa Cruz (sister); Luis Cruz (older brother, mentor)
Victor Cruz
Supporting
Captain of the Tangerine Middle School soccer team.
Victor is the charismatic and tough captain of the Tangerine Middle School soccer team. He is hot-headed and fiercely protective of his teammates and community. He initially views Paul with suspicion but quickly recognizes Paul's skill and courage, becoming a strong supporter and friend. Victor embodies the resilience and pride of the Tangerine community, standing up against the snobbery and prejudice from Lake Windsor. His leadership helps Paul feel accepted and valued.
Relationships: Paul Fisher (friend, soccer teammate); Tino Cruz (brother, soccer teammate); Luis Cruz (older brother)
Arthur Bauer
Supporting
Erik Fisher's best friend and accomplice in his crimes.
Arthur Bauer is Erik Fisher's friend and accomplice. He is a large, imposing figure who acts as Erik's enforcer, carrying out Erik's violent and criminal schemes, including the robberies. Arthur is less intelligent and more easily manipulated than Erik, often doing Erik's bidding out of a misguided sense of loyalty or fear. He is a key figure in the escalation of Erik's crimes and ultimately provides the confession that leads to Erik's arrest.
Relationships: Erik Fisher (friend, criminal accomplice)
Luis Cruz
Supporting
Tino and Victor's older brother, a kind and innovative citrus farmer.
Luis is Tino and Victor's older brother, a kind, intelligent, and hardworking young man who runs the family's citrus grove. He is passionate about developing a new, freeze-resistant tangerine variety, the Golden Dawn. Luis is a mentor figure to Paul, teaching him about the challenges of farming and the importance of community. He is a victim of Erik's cruelty when he confronts Erik about Tino's assault, leading to his tragic death from an aneurysm caused by Arthur striking him with a blackjack on Erik's command. His death deeply impacts Paul and fuels the desire for justice.
Relationships: Tino Cruz (brother); Victor Cruz (brother); Paul Fisher (friend, mentor figure)
Joey Costello
Supporting
Paul's initial friend at Lake Windsor Middle School.
Joey Costello is Paul's friend from Lake Windsor Middle School. He is still grieving the tragic death of his older brother, Mike, who was struck by lightning during football practice. Joey struggles to adapt to Tangerine Middle School after transferring and ultimately finds it difficult to fit in with the more tight-knit, diverse community there. He represents the superficiality and prejudice of Lake Windsor, eventually returning to his old school after feeling alienated by Tangerine.
Relationships: Paul Fisher (friend); Mike Costello (deceased brother)
Tangerine Themes
Identity and Self-Discovery
Paul's journey is about finding his true identity, separate from his family's expectations and the lies about his past. His move to Tangerine Middle School lets him drop the label of 'legally blind kid' and use his talent as a goalie. He finds a community that values him for his skills and character, not his perceived disabilities or his brother's shadow. The truth about his eyesight is central to him understanding himself, as facing this trauma helps him see himself, and his family, clearly for the first time.
“I had always been afraid of Erik. And I had always been afraid of the truth. But now I wasn't. Now I just wanted to know.”
Truth vs. Deception
The novel shows how damaging deception is, especially within the Fisher family. Paul's parents keep a lie about his eyesight to protect Erik, building a foundation of untruths that affects Paul's whole life. This main deception is reflected by smaller deceptions and cover-ups throughout the book, such as the muck fire, the sinkhole, and the robberies. The story's peak involves Paul finding the truth, which, though painful, frees him and reveals the moral decay under Lake Windsor Downs.
“It was amazing. I could see. I could see everything. And it was all true.”
Community and Belonging
The sharp difference between the two communities, Lake Windsor Downs and Tangerine, highlights the theme of belonging. Lake Windsor is marked by shallow behavior, social climbing, and a lack of real connection, where Paul feels like an outsider. Tangerine, despite being poorer, offers Paul a sense of real community, acceptance, and unity among the citrus workers and soccer team. Paul finds his place and a sense of family among the Cruz family and his teammates, where he is valued for his contributions and character.
“I was a Tangerine. I belonged here. I was home.”
The Nature of Evil and Bullying
The novel clearly shows the destructive nature of bullying and evil through Erik Fisher. Erik's actions, from blinding Paul initially to constant verbal abuse, physical attacks, and organizing robberies, show a deep lack of empathy and a cruel desire for power. The book explores how such evil can be allowed by parents who neglect their children and focus on superficial success. Erik's character is a clear warning about what happens when malice goes unchecked and the importance of opposing it.
“Erik Fisher was a psychopath. He was a monster. And I had been living with him my whole life.”
Environmental Decay and Neglect
The setting of Tangerine County contains a sense of environmental decay and neglect, mirroring the moral decay within the community. The constant muck fire, frequent lightning strikes, and recurring sinkholes symbolize the unstable and dangerous base on which Lake Windsor Downs is built. Residents and authorities often ignore or downplay these environmental dangers, reflecting their denial of social and moral problems. The citrus farmers' fight against nature contrasts with the artificial, controlled environment of the new development.
“Something was always burning in Tangerine County. Something was always falling apart.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
First-Person Narration (Paul's Diary/Journal)
Provides intimate access to Paul's thoughts and observations.
The entire novel is told from Paul Fisher's first-person perspective, often framed as entries in his journal or diary. This device allows readers to experience Paul's internal struggles, fears, and gradual revelations directly. It emphasizes his acute observational skills, despite his impaired vision, and builds suspense as he slowly pieces together the truth about his past. This narrative voice makes Paul a highly sympathetic and relatable character, inviting readers to share in his journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
The Muck Fire and Sinkholes
Symbolic representations of underlying corruption and instability.
The persistent muck fire burning underground and the frequent sinkholes are not just environmental quirks of Tangerine County; they serve as powerful symbols. The muck fire represents the festering, unacknowledged problems and corruption beneath the surface of the seemingly perfect Lake Windsor Downs community, particularly the Fisher family's hidden truths. The sinkholes symbolize the sudden, unavoidable collapse of facades and the exposure of underlying instability, mirroring the eventual unraveling of the lies surrounding Paul's past and Erik's criminal activities.
Paul's Glasses and Eyesight
A literal and metaphorical symbol of perception and truth.
Paul's thick glasses and his 'legal blindness' are central to his character and the novel's themes. Initially, they represent his physical vulnerability and the limitations imposed upon him by his family's lie. However, as the story progresses, his physical vision becomes a metaphor for his ability to 'see' the truth. The revelation of how his eyes were damaged is the climax of his journey, allowing him to perceive his family, Erik, and himself with newfound clarity, transcending his physical impairment to gain moral and emotional insight.
The Tangerine vs. Lake Windsor Divide
A social and economic contrast highlighting class, prejudice, and community values.
The stark geographical and social divide between the affluent, artificial Lake Windsor Downs and the hardworking, diverse community of Tangerine Middle School is a crucial plot device. This contrast highlights themes of class prejudice, authenticity, and community values. Lake Windsor represents superficiality, denial, and a focus on appearances, while Tangerine embodies resilience, genuine connection, and hard work. Paul's journey across this divide is central to his personal growth and his discovery of where he truly belongs.
Tangerine Quotes
“I can see. I can see everything. I can see the truth.”
“Sometimes you have to look hard to see the truth.”
“We are all afraid of something. What is important is how we act when we are afraid.”
“Your eyes are not glasses, Leo. They are a window.”
“The truth is like a Tangerine. You have to peel it to get to the good stuff inside.”
“Some people are just born bad, and there's nothing you can do about it.”
“Being blind doesn't stop you from seeing. It just makes you see differently.”
“You can't outrun your past, no matter how fast you are.”
“There are two kinds of people in the world: those who run from the storm, and those who run into it.”
“It's funny how you can live in a place for years and never really see it.”
“Sometimes the biggest monsters are the ones you can't see.”
“The truth always comes out, eventually.”
“You can pretend all you want, but the truth doesn't care about your pretending.”
“It's a strange thing, to be afraid of the light.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What natural disaster causes Paul's first middle school, Lake Windsor Middle, to be closed down?
- A hurricane
- A massive flood
- A sinkhole
- A wildfire
Show answer
C. A sinkhole Lake Windsor Middle School is swallowed by a large sinkhole, leading to its closure and Paul's transfer to Tangerine Middle.
Question 2
What sport does Paul Fisher play and excel at in Tangerine?
- Football
- Baseball
- Soccer
- Basketball
Show answer
C. Soccer Paul joins the soccer team at Tangerine Middle School, where he finds acceptance and proves his skill as a goalie.
Question 3
What is the primary reason Paul's vision is so poor, according to the secret his family kept?
- He was born with a genetic condition.
- He stared at a solar eclipse as a child.
- His brother, Erik, sprayed paint in his eyes.
- He had a severe eye infection that went untreated.
Show answer
C. His brother, Erik, sprayed paint in his eyes. Paul eventually remembers that his brother, Erik, and Erik's friend, Castor, held him down and sprayed paint into his eyes when he was five years old, causing his permanent vision damage.
Question 4
Who is Erik Fisher?
- Paul's best friend at Tangerine Middle.
- Paul's older brother and a star football player.
- The coach of the Lake Windsor High football team.
- A rival soccer player from another school.
Show answer
B. Paul's older brother and a star football player. Erik Fisher is Paul's older brother, a talented but cruel football kicker who frequently bullies Paul and others.
Question 5
What unique environmental phenomenon is described as occurring 'at the same time every day' in Tangerine County?
- A specific bird migration
- A small tremor or earthquake
- A lightning strike
- A sudden downpour of rain
Show answer
C. A lightning strike The narrative mentions that lightning strikes 'at the same time every day' in Tangerine County, highlighting the unusual and unpredictable nature of the area.
Question 6
What is the 'Golden Dawn' that Tino and Luis Cruz are involved with?
- A local soccer club.
- A type of tangerine they grow.
- A youth gang in the area.
- The name of their family's fishing boat.
Show answer
B. A type of tangerine they grow. The 'Golden Dawn' is a specific, highly prized variety of tangerine that the Cruz family cultivates and is trying to market.
Question 7
How does Luis Cruz die?
- He is struck by lightning.
- He falls into a sinkhole.
- He is hit on the head with a blackjack by Erik.
- He gets into a car accident.
Show answer
C. He is hit on the head with a blackjack by Erik. Erik Fisher hits Luis Cruz in the head with a blackjack after Luis confronts him about Tino. Luis later dies from an aneurysm caused by the blow.
Question 8
What does Paul's mother discover in Erik's football bag that reveals his criminal activity?
- A stolen trophy.
- Expensive stolen jewelry.
- A large sum of cash.
- Illegal fireworks.
Show answer
B. Expensive stolen jewelry. Paul's mother finds a collection of stolen jewelry, including items taken from the houses of victims of Erik's and Arthur's burglaries, hidden in Erik's football bag.
Question 9
What is the significance of the Koi Ambush incident?
- It's a metaphor for Paul overcoming his fears.
- It reveals the corruption of the local police force.
- It's an example of the unusual wildlife in Tangerine.
- It highlights the neglect and decay of the Lake Windsor development.
Show answer
D. It highlights the neglect and decay of the Lake Windsor development. The Koi Ambush, where ospreys easily prey on the expensive Koi fish in the community's retention ponds, symbolizes the neglect and ecological imbalance of the Lake Windsor development, a consequence of poor planning.
Question 10
What action does Paul take that ultimately leads to him leaving Tangerine Middle School and enrolling elsewhere?
- He gets into a fight with his soccer coach.
- He confesses to a crime he didn't commit.
- He attacks Coach Warner with a weapon after Luis's death.
- He physically attacks Coach Warner after Tino and Victor are arrested.
Show answer
D. He physically attacks Coach Warner after Tino and Victor are arrested. After Tino and Victor are arrested for attacking Erik and Arthur, Paul, in a fit of rage and loyalty, attacks Coach Warner, striking him with a wrench. This act leads to his expulsion from Tangerine Middle and enrollment in St. Anthony's.
Tangerine FAQ
What is 'Tangerine' about?
'Tangerine' follows Paul Fisher, a legally blind middle schooler, as his family moves to Tangerine County, Florida. He navigates a new school, joins the soccer team, and uncovers long-held family secrets, particularly concerning his older brother Erik and the true nature of his own vision impairment.
Why should I read 'Tangerine'?
You should read 'Tangerine' for its compelling mystery, strong character development, and exploration of themes like family secrets, natural disasters, and the courage to confront the truth. Paul's journey from a passive observer to an active participant in his own life is both inspiring and thought-provoking.
What is the background/setting of 'Tangerine'?
The story is set in Tangerine County, Florida, a place characterized by bizarre natural phenomena like daily lightning strikes, underground fires, and sinkholes. This chaotic environment mirrors the hidden turbulence within the Fisher family, creating a vivid and unique backdrop for Paul's experiences.
What are the most memorable quotes?
One memorable quote is, "I was afraid of Erik. And I was afraid of his friends. And I was afraid of the truth." This encapsulates Paul's struggle with fear and his eventual resolve. Another is, "You can't change what you did, but you can change what you do." This reflects the theme of moving forward and taking responsibility.
What writing style does the author use?
Edward Bloor uses a first-person narrative, told from Paul Fisher's perspective, often in a diary-like format. The language is accessible and descriptive, blending Paul's internal thoughts and observations with vivid descriptions of the strange environment and dramatic events, making it engaging for young adult readers.
What minor details add significant meaning?
The koi disappearing from the pond and the constant threat of lightning strikes are minor details that symbolize the instability and danger lurking beneath the surface of the Fisher family's seemingly perfect life. The buried mementoes in the backyard also hint at suppressed memories and secrets.
What are some subtle foreshadowing moments?
Subtle foreshadowing includes Paul's vague, terrifying 'splinter' memory from his childhood, Erik's consistent cruelty towards others (like Tino and Luis), and the repeated references to Erik's involvement in mysterious incidents. These hints build tension, suggesting a darker truth about Erik's past actions.
What unexpected character connections exist?
An unexpected connection is between Erik Fisher and Arthur Bauer, who becomes Erik's accomplice in various crimes, including the assault on Luis Cruz. Another is the bond Paul forms with the Tangerine Middle School soccer team, especially Tino and Victor, who become his loyal friends and help him confront his fears.
What are unspoken character motivations?
Erik's unspoken motivation for tormenting Paul and others seems to stem from a deep-seated insecurity and a desire for control and dominance, perhaps fueled by his parents' favoritism and lack of discipline. Paul's parents' unspoken motivation for shielding Paul from the truth about his eyes is likely guilt and a misguided attempt to protect him from a painful reality.
What psychological complexities do characters exhibit?
Paul exhibits complex psychological growth, moving from a timid, self-doubting boy who blames himself for his vision, to a courageous individual who confronts his family's lies. Erik, on the other hand, displays sociopathic tendencies, lacking empathy and engaging in calculated cruelty without remorse, highlighting the psychological impact of unchecked privilege.
What are the major emotional turning points?
A major emotional turning point is when Paul finally remembers the true circumstances of his eye injury – that Erik and his friend sprayed paint into his eyes. Another is when Luis Cruz dies after being struck by Arthur Bauer at Erik's command, which catalyzes Paul's decision to expose Erik's crimes.
How do relationship dynamics evolve?
Paul's relationship with his parents evolves from one of naive trust to a more complex understanding, tinged with disappointment as he learns of their deception. His relationship with Erik shifts from fear and submission to one of confrontation and eventual detachment. Crucially, his bond with his new soccer teammates transforms him, giving him confidence and a sense of belonging.
Which parts remain ambiguous or open-ended?
While the main mystery is resolved, the long-term consequences for Erik and Arthur, beyond their initial arrest, are left somewhat open-ended. The full extent of Mr. and Mrs. Fisher's emotional reckoning with their past actions and their relationship with Paul after the revelations is also left for the reader to ponder.
What are controversial scenes or decisions?
The scene where Erik and Arthur physically assault Luis Cruz, leading to his eventual death, is a controversial and shocking moment due to its brutality. The parents' decision to lie to Paul for years about the cause of his blindness is also a controversial choice, raising ethical questions about protection versus honesty.
'Tangerine' ending explained: how it ends & what it means
The book ends with Paul revealing Erik and Arthur's crimes to the police, leading to Erik's arrest and the truth about Paul's eyes finally coming out. Paul transfers to a new school, feeling liberated and no longer defined by his past or his family's secrets. It signifies Paul's journey to self-acceptance and his courage to forge his own identity, free from the shadows of his brother's cruelty and his parents' deception.
About the author
Edward Bloor is an American author known for his works of fiction, particularly aimed at young readers. His notable books include "Tangerine," which explores themes of family and identity through the lens of a young boy's experiences in Florida, and "Story Time," a narrative that intertwines storytelling with real-life challenges.
Similar books
- Holes
Louis Sachar
4.0 (970k) average on GoodreadsChildren'sFeatures a unique setting, a protagonist uncovering secrets, and themes of destiny and friendship.
- Maniac Magee
Jerry Spinelli
3.9 (117k) average on GoodreadsChildren'sExplores themes of belonging, prejudice, and a young protagonist finding his way in a new town.
- Stargirl
Jerry Spinelli
3.8 (296k) average on GoodreadsChildren'sTangerine and Stargirl (2000) both explore themes of individuality, fitting in, and the challenges of being different in a middle school setting. However, Tangerine focuses on the protagonist's internal struggle with family secrets and a physical disability, leading to a dramatic revelation of abuse and self-discovery. Stargirl, conversely, centers on an eccentric new student whose unique personality challenges the conformity of her peers, exploring themes of acceptance and the courage to be oneself. While both books feature strong character arcs and explore social dynamics, Tangerine carries a darker, more suspenseful tone due to its mystery elements and the severity of its underlying themes, contrasting with Stargirl's more whimsical yet poignant exploration of nonconformity.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J.K. Rowling
4.5 (7M) average on GoodreadsFantasyRescued from a miserable life under the stairs, an orphaned boy discovers he's a wizard destined for a magical school, where he uncovers a dangerous secret tied to the dark wizard who murdered his parents.
- The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
J.R.R. Tolkien
4.3 (2.9M) average on GoodreadsFantasyA comfort-loving hobbit named Bilbo Baggins is whisked away by a mischievous wizard and a band of dwarves on an unexpected journey to reclaim stolen treasure from a fearsome dragon, discovering courage and a magical ring along the way.
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
J.K. Rowling
4.6 (2.6M) average on GoodreadsFantasyA bewildered Harry Potter, underage and thrust into a deadly Triwizard Tournament, must brave dragons, mermaids, and a resurgent dark magic to survive a year that will forever alter the wizarding world.
Enjoyed the summary?
A summary gives you the shape of the book. The book itself has the detail, the examples and the voice.
Find Tangerine on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, BookBrief earns from qualifying purchases. How we're funded