Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker is a story about a young introvert forced to go to camp. Is this a strong contender for the Newbery?

Did anyone else think this story peterred out towards the end? I thought the character development was great. I enjoyed reading the story as the plot unfolded , but it seemed to lose its spark after his mom finds out Ware’s secret?

Czechgirl wrote:Did anyone else think this story peterred out towards the end?”
Yes I did. I kept thinking I had come to the end, but there were still more chapters.

We are on a roll! Two great books in a row! I cried nonstop from page 295 and page 307! Oh my goodness! What a touching story! It is all about accepting yourself, your life circumstances, yet never giving up on hopes and dreams, even if they seem unrealistic. It had a slow start. Then I was glad that I am a person who has a hard time abandoning books (accepting myself!). It is the best $0.99 that I ever spent. I think I am going to have my children’s literature students buy their own copy.

I like Pennypacker a LOT, but this was too slow for me. And too insightful and introspective to be coming from a kid. There is some beautiful writing, no doubt. But the story was slow and dreary.

HERE IN THE REAL WORLD by Sara Pennypacker tells a story about summer activities of three middle school students. Their plans revolve around reclaiming an abandoned lot to create a nature preserve. Themes of the book include repurposing discarded materials, protecting the natural world and accepting your self.
Interesting explorations of medieval chivalry, the biology of papayas and film making are embedded in the narrative.
Like ZOE WASHINGTON, which we read last month, the main character lies about his activities to his parents while an adult (uncle) also keeps his secret. Is justifiable lying a new theme in books this year?

I agree that this was a slow start but I ended up loving the book. The story was right the way it ended. Finished just right. I would recommend this to my grandkids.. middle school.

Where did you get the book for 99 cents?

Kate wrote: "HERE IN THE REAL WORLD by Sara Pennypacker tells a story about summer activities of three middle school students. Their plans revolve around reclaiming an abandoned lot to create a nature preserve...."

I didn't participate in the Zoe Washington thread, but your comments about it were spot on. Had a lot of difficulty with that one. Very unbelievable plot and Zoe made a lot of decisions that made her an unlikable protagonist. I hated how she just waltzed into an "internship" at a bakery as a 12-year old and on Day 1 assumed she was going to be promoted to Top Chef. Didn't like the message that was sent. Lots of other similar examples about her lack of character too.

I enjoyed the story, but I agree with some of the other comments about the characters being too introspective for their age. And also, I’m not sure if kids would enjoy the story as much as adults. 🤷‍♀️

Amazon. Kindle, only.

I bought the book for 99 cents through Apple Books to read on my iPad.

Your public library may well have it available through Hoopla or Overdrive's Libby. I listened to the audio on Hoopla.

Thought this might be of interest to many in this group.. IMLS, CDC Offer Guidance for Disinfecting Returned Library Books

https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=IMLS...

Study shows the novel coronavirus can only survive on paper for a few hours. An IMLS webinar with CDC officials called the material "a low concern." About returning library books.. or exchanging books

I have been reading a lot of novels for this age group lately, and this was the first in a long time to make me close the book at the end and say, “that was such a good book!” I loved the contrast between the two characters, Ware and Jolene, and all they are fighting to protect. My only disappointment is, in the real world I would have gone into school the next day and found just the right student to drop it on their desk with a note that said, “i thought you might like this story. I hope you will love it as much as I did!” But, unfortunately, that’s not the real world right now.

I typically love this author, yet really struggled to “get into” this book. Listening on audio during our library shutdown could’ve contributed.... it simply moved WAY TOO SLOWLY. Sigh. I could not finish it, which is a rarity for me.

Maybe because I am a Pennypacker fan, I immediately jumped into “Here in the Real World”, and, due to the predictable high quality writing, I stubbornly persisted through the more sluggish parts. The themes of belonging and self-acceptance were strong and clear to me; and the plot was well-developed. As for character development, I felt Pennypacker took the reader closely along on Ware’s journey to self-acceptance and self-confidence, delivering clear understanding of his decisions and realizations along the way. Ware’s quirky, sensitive, yet not angst-full demeanor elicits the reader’s empathy and interest, of as many Pennypacker’s characters consistently do. However, working with 11 year olds, even the most self-aware and/or sensitive in my midst don’t demonstrate Ware’s level of self-reflection. The notion of seeking rebirth to achieve, in large part, parental acceptance feels especially sophisticated, if not unusual, for this young age. Although popularity is certainly not a Newbery criterion, I struggle to think of middle grade students who would choose this story let alone have the enthusiastic endurance to finish. Is this journey too long for a child audience? It’s not the page count but the pace. Is there enough connection to the characters and/or affinity for the mostly bleak but sometimes naively hopeful mood to keep the reader engaged? Also, what if a sensitive reader similarly seeking validation to be “normal” through this book is disappointed they don’t slot easily into the artist label? Speaking of characters, it’s impressive how the church lot is a character itself and how its transformation parallels Ware’s own. I appreciate how the ending was in fact reflective of the real world’s imperfect yet satisfactory endings. I do not regret seeing this one through to the end; I enjoyed the writing style very much. However, the relatability of this 11 year old protagonist leaves me reluctant to recommend it.
I listened to this story on audiobook.

I read 30% of the book and decided I was done with this one.

Josephine wrote: "I read 30% of the book and decided I was done with this one."

It is slow as molasses. I am hoping it reels me in soon.

What I loved about the book- the kids taking on a project and making it their own. As I kid, I read the Secret Garden, and i dreamed of making my own. Is wonder how many other kids dream of making a garden in their own or modifying a building into a castle of their own. Ware and Jolene are living the dream. So in a way, Here in the Real World is kind of a fantasy. I totally see the point that going behind adults’ backs is dangerous and shifty, and Ware’s introspection may be beyond his years. Yet, I really liked the book- who knows what my younger self would have thought of it? I do think this would be a contender.

I agree with others that it was a slow start, but I loved the ending. I’ll definitely recommend this when the library reopens.

The short chapters might keep readers going if they find the beginning slow. So many MG books attempt to impart life's wisdom on their 12 year old protagonists/readers, but this one gets it done beautifully. With birds and papayas and broken glass and Big Deal grandmas. Strong Newbery vibes here.

Was able to finally check this one out. It was a slow start for me and then petered out at end as well. As I began the reading it reminded me a lot of Bridge to Terabithia. I do agree this may be more appealing to adults than MG readers.

I liked

I liked Here in the Real World. In a book that has no action, the book becomes good when you connect to the main character. At around page 60 that happened to me. From that point on I read it pretty much through. I am not sure if kids will like the book. Sorry for the first post that sent with only the first two words.

I really like Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker!

The writing style is beautiful, and the story includes good themes throughout.

As an adult reader, I loved it! I'm just not sure if I would have appreciated it as much when I was a younger reader...