Paper Things

Title:   Paper Things

Author:  Jennifer Richard Jacobson

Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Age Level: 10 and up

Grade Level:  Fifth Grade and up

Lexile Measure:  830






Summary:  Ari Hazard's mother died four years ago, and Ari and her brother Gage have been living with their guardian Janna ever since. Gage and Janna have a falling out, and he leaves, taking Ari with him. Gage had lied about having gotten an apartment, and Ari and Gage become homeless, sleeping on friends' floors and couches, sneaking into shelters, and even sleeping in a car. Ari struggles to keep their living arrangements a secret, while working hard to maintain her grades and to apply to a prestigious middle school.

Review:  I appreciated that Jacobson tackled a subject that is often not discussed in middle school literature, and she approached the idea of being homeless with sensitivity and realism. As an 11-year old, Ari faces challenges that no one should have to deal with, much less a fifth grader. The struggles to have clean clothes for school, getting homework completed, and hiding her situation from friends are realistic and well-told.

I found the rest of the story less compelling; the relationships Ari has with her friends, Janna, and Gage are more unrealistic and the writing often feels that it is just touching the surface and not delving deeper. The characters' personalities often conflict with their actions in ways that are perplexing to the reader.

Overall, I think this is an interesting read that students would enjoy. The unusual and important subject matter would hold the attention of readers while giving them a glimpse into a world that most students know little about.