TL;DR
Tangerine by Edward Bloor follows 12-year-old Paul Fisher, a visually impaired soccer player, as he uncovers the shocking truth behind his blindness and navigates his new life in Tangerine, Florida.
What is Tangerine about
Tangerine is a young adult novel that explores themes of truth, family dynamics, and personal growth. The story unfolds as Paul Fisher and his family move from Houston, Texas, to Tangerine, Florida. While his older brother, Erik, pursues a football scholarship, Paul, who is legally blind, makes a mark in his new school's soccer team. As Paul adjusts to his new environment, he begins to recall the traumatic incident that caused his blindness, leading him to uncover dark family secrets and confront the reality of his past.
Tangerine 5 Key Takeaways
Paul's Family Moves to Tangerine
The Fisher family relocates from Houston, Texas, to the fictional town of Tangerine, Florida. This move sets the stage for Paul's journey of self-discovery.
Paul Joins the Soccer Team
Despite his visual impairment, Paul becomes an adept soccer player at his new school, showcasing his determination and resilience.
Recollection of the Blinding Incident
Paul starts to piece together memories of the event that caused his blindness, revealing disturbing truths about his brother Erik's role in it.
Confrontation with Erik
Paul confronts Erik about his actions, leading to a dramatic family confrontation that brings buried secrets to light.
Resolution and Growth
Paul's journey concludes with a sense of resolution and personal growth, as he learns to accept his past and look forward to his future.
Top Tangerine Quotes
- "I can see everything. I can see things that Mom and Dad can't. Or won't."
- "You don't get handicapped parking privileges for being blind. You just get a longer cane."
Who should read Tangerine?
Tangerine is ideal for young adults and middle-grade readers who enjoy stories about personal growth, family dynamics, and overcoming adversity. Soccer enthusiasts and those interested in mystery and suspense will also find the book engaging and thought-provoking.
Tangerine Best Reviews
- "Tangerine is a compelling coming-of-age story that combines mystery and sports in a way that keeps readers engaged from start to finish." - School Library Journal
- "Edward Bloor masterfully captures the complexities of family dynamics and the struggle for personal identity in his novel Tangerine." - Publishers Weekly
People also liked these summaries
Tangerine FAQs
What is the book Tangerine about?
Tangerine follows Paul Fisher and his family as they move to Tangerine, Florida. The story centers on Paul's experiences as a visually impaired soccer player and his journey to uncover the truth about his blindness.
Why is Paul blind in Tangerine?
Paul's blindness was caused by a traumatic incident where his brother Erik and a friend pried his eyelids open and sprayed white paint into them, a truth that is gradually revealed in the story.
What is the main idea of Tangerine?
A central theme of Tangerine is that keeping the truth a secret is damaging. Paul struggles to understand the true cause of his blindness and the impact of family secrets on his life.