Though legally blind, Paul Fisher can see what others cannot. He can see that his parents' constant praise of his brother, Erik, the football star, is to cover up something that is terribly wrong. But no one listens to Paul - until his family moves to Tangerine. In this Florida town, weird is normal: Lightning strikes at the same time every day, a sinkhole swallows a local school, and Paul the geek finds himself adopted into the toughest group around: the soccer team at his middle school. Maybe this new start in Tangerine will help Paul finally see the truth about his past - and will give him the courage to face up to his terrifying older brother. It includes a reader's guide and an afterword by the author.

About the Author

EDWARD BLOOR is the author of three acclaimed novels. A former high school teacher, he lives near Orlando, Florida.

Reviews

Gr 6-9-In this novel by Edward Bloor (Harcourt, 1997), Paul Fisher is in seventh grade when his family moves to Tangerine County, Florida, land of muck fires, koi-stealing ospreys, mosquito swarms, daily lightning strikes, and sinkholes. Paul feels like the outsider in his family. His mother quickly becomes absorbed in the homeowner's association in their housing development at Lake Windsor Downs, and his father is fully occupied with older brother Erik's football career the "Erik Fisher Football Dream," as Paul says. Paul's eyesight was damaged in a mysterious accident when he was five, and he wears "Coke-bottle" glasses, but he has clearer vision than the rest of his family and most of the people in Lake Windsor Downs. He sees through the "nice-guy" front his brother puts on and the snobbishness of his Lake Windsor Downs neighbors, especially after he transfers to the working-class Tangerine Middle School. Ramon De Ocampo skillfully narrates the story, told by Paul in journal entries. He does a particularly good job with the voices of the kids on Paul's soccer team at Tangerine Middle the bravado of Tino Cruz and the braggadocio of Victor Guzman. He effectively maintains the suspense as all the plot elements build to a dramatic conclusion. This excellent recording will bring new fans to a book that has become a YA classic.-Sarah Flowers, Santa Clara County Library, Morgan Hill, CA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

"Smart, adaptable, and anchored by a strong sense of self-worth, Paul makes a memorable protagonist . . . multiple yet taut plotlines lead to a series of gripping climaxes and revelations."--"Kirkus Reviews"
"A richly imagined read about an underdog coming into his own."--"The Bulletin"

Living in surreal Tangerine County, Fla., a legally blind boy begins to uncover the ugly truth about his football-hero brother. PW praised Bloor for "wedding athletic heroics to American gothic with a fluid touch and flair for dialogue." Ages 11-up. (Sept.)