Here in the Real World

By: Sara Pennypacker

Narrated by: Noah Galvin

From the author of the highly acclaimed, New York Times bestselling novel Pax comes a gorgeous and moving middle grade novel that is an ode to introverts, dreamers, and misfits everywhere.

Ware can’t wait to spend summer “off in his own world”—dreaming of knights in the Middle Ages and generally being left alone. But then his parents sign him up for dreaded Rec camp, where he must endure Meaningful Social Interaction and whatever activities so-called “normal” kids do.

On his first day Ware meets Jolene, a tough, secretive girl planting a garden in the rubble of an abandoned church next to the camp. Soon he starts skipping Rec, creating a castle-like space of his own in the church lot.

Jolene scoffs, calling him a dreamer—he doesn’t live in the “real world” like she does. As different as Ware and Jolene are, though, they have one thing in common: for them, the lot is a refuge.

But when their sanctuary is threatened, Ware looks to the knights’ Code of Chivalry: Thou shalt do battle against unfairness wherever faced with it. Thou shalt be always the champion of the Right and Good—and vows to save the lot.

But what does a hero look like in real life? And what can two misfit kids do?

Struggles with good ending

I loved the whole wonderful story. A real feel good and happy ending. Seeet coming of age and triumph

A Wonderful and Sensitive Audiobook

I bought this audiobook to see if it is something my 13 year old grandson would enjoy. I enjoyed it thoroughly. As someone who feels "other" to this day, I was pleased to hear this condition addressed in a sensitive and positive way. The book is perfectly narrated and skillfully conceived. Thank you!

Wonderful coming of age story

Ware does not know. What to do about his life. A. Loner who likes to spend time by himself, his parents try rec camp to hopefully get him to interact with more kids his age. He dreads rec camp. What and who he discovers instead make up the center of the story, and it does not disappoint. I shed tears of joy near the end. An excellent narrator brings the story magically to life. A must-listen that anyone ages 10-infinity will cherish.

Awesome book!

I loved the book! The characters had there own personality and they were all unique. I also liked the story. The story was really good! I just don't know how the narrator read 78 chapters without stopping! (review from an eight year old)

I love it and I totally recommend

I’m am 11 years old and I find this book really good. There’s not really any sad parts so don’t worry about that.