The Real Question

When Fisher tries to escape from the responsibilities of his overachieving life, he gains a new understanding of the dangers of neglecting his connections and commitments to others.
  • ISBN: 9781561453832
  • Publication date: 10/01/2006
  • Page Count: 256
  • Size: 5-1/4" x 8"
  • Age Range: 12-16
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  • ISBN: 9781561453832
  • Publication date: 10/01/2006
  • Page Count: 256
  • Size: 5-1/4" x 8"
  • Age Range: 12-16
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  • ISBN: 9781561455010
  • Publication date: 09/01/2009
  • Page Count: 256
  • Size: 5-1/4" x 8"
  • Age Range: 12-16
  • Price:
  • Age Range: 12-16
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  • ISBN: 9781561456765
  • Publication date: 03/01/2012
  • Page Count: N/A
  • Age Range: 12-16
  • Price:
  • Age Range: 12-16
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Description

When Fisher tries to escape from the responsibilities of his overachieving life, he gains a new understanding of the dangers of neglecting his connections and commitments to others.

For Fisher Brown, bearing responsibility for the well-being and happiness of the people around him is a heavy burden. Not long after his mother’s sudden departure, Fisher lost interest in school. But now—under the strict supervision of his high school counselor father—he is jockeying for position at the top of his high school class. It’s a challenging role, but as long as Fisher single-mindedly prepares for college and practices for the SATs, he can keep his father happy.

\When Fisher meets Lonnie Traynor, whose rootless, carefree existence is so markedly different from his own, he is drawn to his take-life-as-it-comes attitude. But Lonnie’s footloose ways come with a long history of letting down the people he loves. As Fisher becomes an unwitting participant in Lonnie’s hapless adventures, he begins to rethink what it means to be responsible for other people.

Award-winning author Adrian Fogelin once again offers readers an emotionally charged story featuring a sympathetic adolescent trying to make sense of the people and world around him.

Author/Illustrator

Adrian Fogelin

Author

Adrian Fogelin is the author of several novels for middle readers and young adults, including Crossing Jordan and The Real Question. She lives in Florida.

Reviews

“Readers will empathize with the engaging young man who, without a guidebook, sorts through life’s real questions.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“A short, satisfying lesson in caring.” ―School Library Journal

“Fogelin delivers another smart tale… Fisher’s delightfully telegraphed epiphanies, the funny, harrowing road trip, and a satisfying showdown with Dad yield a novel that may well appeal to teens of both sexes.” ―Publishers Weekly

“This amazing title is a perfect ‘guy book’, and should be required reading for every teen, male or female, who feels the weight of a parent’s expectations but cannot quite figure out what to do about it.” ―VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)

“Tugs at the heartstrings with an introspective look into Fisher’s thoughts through the use of first-person narrative. The wry humor helps lighten the mood. A Recommended+ young adult novel, especially for those overachievers that need to be reminded of the truly important things in life.” ―Boys to Books

Awards

Florida Book Awards (Gold Medal, Young Adult Category) ―Florida State University Program in American and Florida Studies, 2006

Volunteer State Book Awards (Master List, Young Adult) ―Tennessee Association of School Librarians, 2009-2010

Just Read, Florida! Summer Recommended Reading List ―Florida Department of Education, 2009-2011

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Senior High) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2007

Heartland Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature (Nominee) ―The Writing Conference, Inc. (in connection with University of Kansas), 2008

KSRA Young Adult Book Award (Nominee) ―Keystone State Reading Association, 2007-2008

More Details

AR Level: 4.1
Gr 7th & up
Lexile: HL610L
Themes: Family, Friendship, School, Responsibility
BISAC 1: YAF058000 YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / General
BISAC 2:  YAF011000 YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Coming of Age
BISAC 3: YAF007000 YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Boys & Men