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Paper Things
When forced to choose between staying with her guardian and being with her big brother, Ari chose her big brother. There’s just one problem—Gage doesn’t actually have a place to live.
When Ari’s mother died four years ago, she had two final wishes: that Ari and her older brother, Gage, would stay together always, and that Ari would go to Carter, the middle school for gifted students. So when nineteen-year-old Gage decides he can no longer live with their bossy guardian, Janna, Ari knows she has to go with him. But it’s been two months, and Gage still hasn’t found them an apartment. He and Ari have been "couch surfing," staying with Gage’s friend in a tiny apartment, crashing with Gage’s girlfriend and two roommates, and if necessary, sneaking into a juvenile shelter to escape the cold Maine nights. But all of this jumping around makes it hard for Ari to keep up with her schoolwork, never mind her friendships, and getting into Carter starts to seem impossible. Will Ari be forced to break one of her promises to Mama?
Told in an open, authentic voice, this nuanced story of hiding in plain sight may have readers thinking about homelessness in a whole new way.
When Ari’s mother died four years ago, she had two final wishes: that Ari and her older brother, Gage, would stay together always, and that Ari would go to Carter, the middle school for gifted students. So when nineteen-year-old Gage decides he can no longer live with their bossy guardian, Janna, Ari knows she has to go with him. But it’s been two months, and Gage still hasn’t found them an apartment. He and Ari have been "couch surfing," staying with Gage’s friend in a tiny apartment, crashing with Gage’s girlfriend and two roommates, and if necessary, sneaking into a juvenile shelter to escape the cold Maine nights. But all of this jumping around makes it hard for Ari to keep up with her schoolwork, never mind her friendships, and getting into Carter starts to seem impossible. Will Ari be forced to break one of her promises to Mama?
Told in an open, authentic voice, this nuanced story of hiding in plain sight may have readers thinking about homelessness in a whole new way.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2015
240 people are currently reading
6367 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Richard Jacobson
44 books184 followersJennifer has spent three decades writing award-winning fiction and nonfiction for children. Amongst her titles are picture books: THIS IS MY ROOM (NO TIGERS ALLOWED) and OH, CHICKADEE!; chapter books: Andy Shane series and Twig and Turtle series; middle grade novels: SMALL AS AN ELEPHANT, PAPER THINGS, THE DOLLAR KIDS, CRASHING IN LOVE; and young adult novels: THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF WHY I HATE HER and STAINED. Her awards and honors include ALA Best Books For Young Adults, Publishers Weekly Best Books, NYPL Best Books for Teens, Parents Choice Gold Award, IRA Young Adult’s Choice, ILA Social Justice Award, NTCE Charlotte Huck Honorable Mention, Bank Street Best Books of the Year, and Junior Library Guild Selections as well as many state awards. She lives in mid-coast Maine with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 698 reviews
August 31, 2015
(3.5)
This was all sorts of wonderful! My only complaint is that I felt it dragged a bit too much at times. Plus I didn't like some of the petty drama that went on with the main character and her friends. Other than that this was a fantastic story!
This was all sorts of wonderful! My only complaint is that I felt it dragged a bit too much at times. Plus I didn't like some of the petty drama that went on with the main character and her friends. Other than that this was a fantastic story!
January 20, 2018
Mom handed this book to me at the library, saying she thought it looked like a “Kate book”. Apparently, art + adoption/foster care + middle grade = Kate book. I really enjoyed it, though I’m not sure “enjoy” is the right word for a book about a homeless child. Even though I didn’t prefer the reason Gage and Ari were homeless, I sympathized with them. I didn’t sympathize with them because the author told me too; instead, she simply presented what it’s like to have problems you can’t share with other people, uncertainty about the future, and an inexplicable loneliness. It was really quite powerful.
One of my favorite things about the story was the rich cast of characters. Ari was just a regular kid. Seriously, quite normal which was nice to read about. Gage… oh, Gage. He made some bad decisions, but when he fell asleep at the bus station, it reminded me that he’s pretty much still a kid. (And after the ending, I feel like there’s some hope for him to fix his relationships and grow into a good guy.) Reggie melted me with his generosity even in his great need. Daniel was super, and Miss Finch surprised me. (Confession: I cried.) I also ended up liking Janna a lot. The daycare babies melted me! <3
The title is one of those that just grows in dimension as you begin to understand the book. There were many paper things throughout, which was really beautiful because it reminded me of the desire God has placed in us all to imagine, remember, and create.
Just a note that, since this is a secular book, there are some modern lifestyle issues (). There were also three blasphemies and one crude word used with a couple other expletives implied.
Best quote: “What should I…? If someone asks…?” “Tell them a friend gave them to you,” Ms. Finch says. “It’s the truth.”
Altogether, I was moved by this simple but real to life book. ;) And I love paper things.
One of my favorite things about the story was the rich cast of characters. Ari was just a regular kid. Seriously, quite normal which was nice to read about. Gage… oh, Gage. He made some bad decisions, but when he fell asleep at the bus station, it reminded me that he’s pretty much still a kid. (And after the ending, I feel like there’s some hope for him to fix his relationships and grow into a good guy.) Reggie melted me with his generosity even in his great need. Daniel was super, and Miss Finch surprised me. (Confession: I cried.) I also ended up liking Janna a lot. The daycare babies melted me! <3
The title is one of those that just grows in dimension as you begin to understand the book. There were many paper things throughout, which was really beautiful because it reminded me of the desire God has placed in us all to imagine, remember, and create.
Just a note that, since this is a secular book, there are some modern lifestyle issues (). There were also three blasphemies and one crude word used with a couple other expletives implied.
Best quote: “What should I…? If someone asks…?” “Tell them a friend gave them to you,” Ms. Finch says. “It’s the truth.”
Altogether, I was moved by this simple but real to life book. ;) And I love paper things.
March 15, 2015
I will hand this book to students who have read HOW TO STEAL A DOG (and/or HOLD FAST). Jennifer Jacobson doesn't shy away from all the tough situations that arise when Ari and her brother Gage leave their guardian's home and try to make it on their own.
This book grabbed me and wouldn't let me put it down. It is beautifully crafted with several plot lines that weave together without ever feeling forced. I especially like the role Louisa May Alcott and LITTLE WOMEN plays.
This book grabbed me and wouldn't let me put it down. It is beautifully crafted with several plot lines that weave together without ever feeling forced. I especially like the role Louisa May Alcott and LITTLE WOMEN plays.
March 4, 2015
I love that PAPER THINGS dealt with a difficult, it-could-never-happen-to-us, look-the-other-way topic of homelessness told from the perspective of 11-year-old Ari. She's a bright gifted kid who leaves her guardian's house to be with her older brother (who promises an apartment that never materializes). Ari's life then becomes more about survival--eating. staying warm, a place to sleep, clean clothes. I enjoyed the character Ari (although at times, she seemed to speak more from an adult's perspective). Her willingness to publicly admit her homelessness secret at the end of the story is truly satisfying.
The story dragged at times (I wondered if a shorter, tighter story would have had more impact). The novel seemed to juggle too many components which slowed things down--it was strongest when Ari was in her "homeless" world. Plus the story's resolution when Ari, her brother, and her guardian all seemed to magically have their eyes open at the same time as to what's best for Ari and how they can suddenly get along (when they haven't) felt too contrived and unbelievable.
Love that Jacobson tackled a difficult topic--every kid needs to see themselves in a book. And PAPER THINGS can spark some interesting discussions in schools as students realize some of their classmates are homeless and better understand what their world is like.
The story dragged at times (I wondered if a shorter, tighter story would have had more impact). The novel seemed to juggle too many components which slowed things down--it was strongest when Ari was in her "homeless" world. Plus the story's resolution when Ari, her brother, and her guardian all seemed to magically have their eyes open at the same time as to what's best for Ari and how they can suddenly get along (when they haven't) felt too contrived and unbelievable.
Love that Jacobson tackled a difficult topic--every kid needs to see themselves in a book. And PAPER THINGS can spark some interesting discussions in schools as students realize some of their classmates are homeless and better understand what their world is like.
December 31, 2015
Unconvincing. This is a book that attempts to deal with the all-too important subject of homelessness, how it affects children, and how it doesn’t always align with the stereotypical ideal of “living on the streets”. Yet, ultimately, it felt far too much like an adult writing in a “teaching voice” toward younger readers. What 11-year-old thinks to herself “You know what I need in my life? Structure and routine!” (legitimately what protagonist Ari thinks)? Also not buying the magical family reconciliation at the end. Jacobson was at once both oversimplifying real-life issues and interpersonal dynamics, and presenting her narrator through the lens of adult psychologizing. It doesn’t work. Also it’s boring.
November 4, 2014
This book had a big story and got held back by the simpleness of the main character. The character was written appropriately but telling the story from an 11 year old's perspective made a lot of the plot seem a bit like fluff. I didn't really care for all of the scenes in the Head Start daycare, nor the drama between the main character and her best friend. The best part of this story was the struggle that the main character and her brother faced as they moved from home to home. Those scenes were the most poignant and the ones who kept me hooked. This was a quick read but not one of the best.
June 27, 2015
This book. This book! It stole my heart from the first page. It's the kind of book writers want to write. Ari is such a wonderfully written character. I loved everything about her. Homeless and hiding in plain sight. Heartbreaking and encouraging at the same time, this book covers all the feels. Even if you don't usually read middle grade, you must read this one. Immediately.
February 28, 2017
*This Review Contains Spoilers*
Have you ever wanted to leave your house? Well let me tell you that leaving your house isn't how you expect it or want it to be like . If you knew how it really is like , you wouldn't even think of leaving your house. The genre of this book is Realistic Fiction .This book contains friendship, solving life problems and so much more.
Ari's brother has been telling her they're leaving their guardian , Ari is forced to pack her stuff so its ready for the day they leave, but the day they are supposed to leave her guardian Jana asks her "Who do you want to live with?" Ari is about to speak when she is interrupted by Gage he starts screaming at Jana .They argue until Gage says "Come on Ari , we are leaving" Ari looks at Jana begging with her eyes to apologize to Gage and beg him to stay but she doesn't Ari then follow's Gage . Gage is supposed to take them to their new home , One that he has been talking about for days , but when she comes out the door Gage tells her that he hasn't exactly bought a apartment yet. Ari and her brother then start a journey trying to find a new home.
The title relates to the book because Ari the main character has a few paper dolls and houses and more that she's cut out of magazines . Ari plays with them and call's them her "Paper Things" which is the tittle of the book. It also relates because "Paper Things" teaches Ari a few lessons that impact the whole book.
I was really surprised when Janna went and visited Ari and Gage at "their" apartment because after the way she responded with Ari and Gage leaving you would expect too her to have a grudge on them and probably lose contact with them. I was also surprised how she asked if they were okay because yet again after them leaving it looked like she didn't care about them at all and was fine with them leaving.
I would rate this book 5 stars because it was really interesting and overall i really enjoyed reading it. I would recommend this book to people who like Drama and Realistic Fiction books. Reading this book will make you value your parents more because if you actually think about it leaving the house is far more worse than staying.
Have you ever wanted to leave your house? Well let me tell you that leaving your house isn't how you expect it or want it to be like . If you knew how it really is like , you wouldn't even think of leaving your house. The genre of this book is Realistic Fiction .This book contains friendship, solving life problems and so much more.
Ari's brother has been telling her they're leaving their guardian , Ari is forced to pack her stuff so its ready for the day they leave, but the day they are supposed to leave her guardian Jana asks her "Who do you want to live with?" Ari is about to speak when she is interrupted by Gage he starts screaming at Jana .They argue until Gage says "Come on Ari , we are leaving" Ari looks at Jana begging with her eyes to apologize to Gage and beg him to stay but she doesn't Ari then follow's Gage . Gage is supposed to take them to their new home , One that he has been talking about for days , but when she comes out the door Gage tells her that he hasn't exactly bought a apartment yet. Ari and her brother then start a journey trying to find a new home.
The title relates to the book because Ari the main character has a few paper dolls and houses and more that she's cut out of magazines . Ari plays with them and call's them her "Paper Things" which is the tittle of the book. It also relates because "Paper Things" teaches Ari a few lessons that impact the whole book.
I was really surprised when Janna went and visited Ari and Gage at "their" apartment because after the way she responded with Ari and Gage leaving you would expect too her to have a grudge on them and probably lose contact with them. I was also surprised how she asked if they were okay because yet again after them leaving it looked like she didn't care about them at all and was fine with them leaving.
I would rate this book 5 stars because it was really interesting and overall i really enjoyed reading it. I would recommend this book to people who like Drama and Realistic Fiction books. Reading this book will make you value your parents more because if you actually think about it leaving the house is far more worse than staying.
August 10, 2015
I was pulled into this book and thankful I had the time to not put it down. I agree with ML it had similarities to How to Steal a Dog. The big brother watching and caring for his younger sister was inspiring and knowing he was doing the best he could. This book will stay with me as I continue to think about similar children in today's world. I wonder if our eyes are open wide enough as educators?
February 18, 2020
Ari and her nineteen year old brother, Gage, have been living with Janna since their mother died a few years ago. One of her mother’s final wishes was that Gage and Ari would always stay together. But, things are different with Janna and a lot of days are a struggle for Gage. One day he loses his temper and decides to leave. Ari knows she has to go with him, even though her life with Janna is stable. Plus, Janna helps her with her homework at the school for the gifted that she attends (her mother’s other final wish) and she takes care of her. They have to stick together, so she goes with him. Janna thinks they are living in an apartment, but Gage hasn’t been able to find anything. Instead they have been staying with different friends and sleeping on couches. Other days they sleep in the car and occasionally the shelter. Ari doesn’t have a lot with her and she has to try her best to clean her school uniform, so no one will know she isn’t living with Janna anymore. Her favorite thing to do is to lay out her paper families. She cuts them out of catalogs and makes up stories about them. She knows them and they comfort her. Keeping track of your belongings isn’t easy when you are coming and going all the time, sometimes in a hurry. Can Ari and Gage continue trying to make it on their own? How will Ari continue at school with her ever changing living arrangements? Will Janna find out what is happening? Your heart will go out to Ari as you navigate her new life with her.
Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson was a book a library assistant told me I had to read because it was her favorite book. I took a picture of it with my cell phone, so I wouldn’t forget. Imagine my surprise a month later when I am at the Connecticut Children’s Book Fair and I see the cover of the book that’s on my phone. It was a delight to meet Jennifer Richard Jacobson and her presentation was so interesting. I was excited to start reading Paper Things and I was not disappointed. Ari tugged at my heart strings, and I kept thinking about the challenges in her life. Kids who are going through a tough time will find a character that they can relate to and be inspired by. I can understand how Ari’s paper families comforted her. I would recommend this book to anybody in fifth grade and up who likes a book that makes your heart ache for the main character, and you can’t help but hope it will have a happy ending.
Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson was a book a library assistant told me I had to read because it was her favorite book. I took a picture of it with my cell phone, so I wouldn’t forget. Imagine my surprise a month later when I am at the Connecticut Children’s Book Fair and I see the cover of the book that’s on my phone. It was a delight to meet Jennifer Richard Jacobson and her presentation was so interesting. I was excited to start reading Paper Things and I was not disappointed. Ari tugged at my heart strings, and I kept thinking about the challenges in her life. Kids who are going through a tough time will find a character that they can relate to and be inspired by. I can understand how Ari’s paper families comforted her. I would recommend this book to anybody in fifth grade and up who likes a book that makes your heart ache for the main character, and you can’t help but hope it will have a happy ending.
May 30, 2018
Wow, this was actually a really good book!!! I wasn't expecting it to be that good.
I loved that Ari could really figure everything out. She definitely matures throughout the book and I think she is a lot more positive now then she was before.
Gage was also a nice character. I liked that he also tried his best to do everything that he needed to when he took so much responsibility upon himself.
I actually loved Janna because she was caring in her own way. She was strict but for a good reason and I'm glad that she could also figure out her differences.
Overall, this book was really good and I think everyone should read it whether you aspire to read all the caudills or not.
I loved that Ari could really figure everything out. She definitely matures throughout the book and I think she is a lot more positive now then she was before.
Gage was also a nice character. I liked that he also tried his best to do everything that he needed to when he took so much responsibility upon himself.
I actually loved Janna because she was caring in her own way. She was strict but for a good reason and I'm glad that she could also figure out her differences.
Overall, this book was really good and I think everyone should read it whether you aspire to read all the caudills or not.
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February 4, 2019Ari battles between staying loyal to her older brother and to her mother's memory when he decides he can no longer stay with his "bossy" guardian. This poignant tale explores homelessness in a voice that rings true. Like How to Steal a Dog (Barbara O'Connor) and One for the Murphy's (Lynda Mullaly Hunt), this moving plot reveals the multifaceted problems faced by children who find themselves being forced to move from one house to another as they search for home and self.
July 17, 2015
An 11 year old MC in a YA novel just doesn't work. 11 year olds annoy me. I have an 11 year old sister- not even 11 year olds like 11 year olds. Primary schools are zoos.
That just ruined the book for me, to be honest
That just ruined the book for me, to be honest
September 15, 2015
Beautifully written, but a heartbreaking story. The highs and lows of Ari and her brother, Gage, take you on a ride where you have a hard time closing the book.
April 12, 2023
(3.5, rounded up)
I feel like I saw this book hundreds of times as a kid at my tiny local library but for some reason never picked it up. Which is sad because after finally reading it I think my younger-self would have loved it a lot, especially the paper things since I wen't through a paper doll faze myself :D Overall, it was a sweet and well paced story with grounded and realistic conflict about siblings, homelessness, friendship, and not being afraid to be honest.
I feel like I saw this book hundreds of times as a kid at my tiny local library but for some reason never picked it up. Which is sad because after finally reading it I think my younger-self would have loved it a lot, especially the paper things since I wen't through a paper doll faze myself :D Overall, it was a sweet and well paced story with grounded and realistic conflict about siblings, homelessness, friendship, and not being afraid to be honest.
March 29, 2015
I was so excited when I found out that the author of Small As An Elephant had a new book out. I loved Small As an Elephant and I expected to love her new book as well. I wasn't disappointed. Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson is a quiet story, full of hope. I knew I wanted to write a full review when I read the following sentences in the book:
"Twenty-six cents won't get you much, but a library card will. A library card can let you borrow books, an MP3 player, and movies, or download materials on a computer but you need to have an address to get a library card, and homeless people don't have addresses."
Ari, the main character, and her brother Gabe live with a guardian, Janna. Their parents are both dead. Gabe is 18, but Ari is only eleven. Their mother's dying wish was that they stay together. When Gabe has had enough of living with Janna and her rules he decides to move out, and Ari chooses to go with him. But Gabe misleads Janna and Ari about having an apartment to move into, so they bounce between friends' houses for six weeks.
Ari, who has always been a bright student, begins to struggle in school. She can't finish homework because they spend most nights looking for a place to stay. Other nights she needs the library that is on the opposite side of town. Gabe knows school is important and tries to make sure she is getting it all done, but Ari hides that she is struggling to finish her work. Ari is also trying earn a leadership role at school, but her poor performance in school prevents that from happening. Her friendship with Sasha begins to fall apart, too, because she doesn't want anyone know they don't have a place to stay. They won't consider returning to Janna's.
Ari has a collection of paper things that she began when her mother was sick. She cuts out people and furniture from catalogs to create a family. It became her favorite activity as she collected more and more people and items over the years. The paper things go with her everywhere, keeping them in her backpack. At eleven she still plays with them even though her friends think it's weird. While staying at the shelter for the first time, other girls take her dolls and play with them, ruining the dolls in Ari's eyes. That is a turning point for Ari. She no longer cares about anything. She leaves the shelter with Gabe and for the first time since they left Janna's they have no place to sleep.
Ari never thinks of herself as homeless; homeless people live on the streets, begging for change, sleeping on benches. She always has a place to crash with friends, until the night they stay in a shelter and Gabe is forced out to make room for a younger boy. That is when the truth hits her.
"Homeless people are people who don't have homes," I say slowly. "Right," says Gabe. Like us, I realize.
Ari is a resilient character who wants nothing more than to stay with her brother. She is also hopeful but recognizes that hope is tentative.
"Hopes are as delicate as butterfly wings: say too much, want something too much, and they'll crumble."
This story delicately shares the struggles that children can face when their family is without a place to live. It can be hard to focus on school when you are not sure when your next meal will be, where you will sleep at night, when you can take a shower, where to store your belongings. The empathy for Ari and other characters is present at the beginning of the story and lasts right through to the last page. I recommend this book to all who work with children and also to anyone who enjoys a story about the hand that life deals you.
"Twenty-six cents won't get you much, but a library card will. A library card can let you borrow books, an MP3 player, and movies, or download materials on a computer but you need to have an address to get a library card, and homeless people don't have addresses."
Ari, the main character, and her brother Gabe live with a guardian, Janna. Their parents are both dead. Gabe is 18, but Ari is only eleven. Their mother's dying wish was that they stay together. When Gabe has had enough of living with Janna and her rules he decides to move out, and Ari chooses to go with him. But Gabe misleads Janna and Ari about having an apartment to move into, so they bounce between friends' houses for six weeks.
Ari, who has always been a bright student, begins to struggle in school. She can't finish homework because they spend most nights looking for a place to stay. Other nights she needs the library that is on the opposite side of town. Gabe knows school is important and tries to make sure she is getting it all done, but Ari hides that she is struggling to finish her work. Ari is also trying earn a leadership role at school, but her poor performance in school prevents that from happening. Her friendship with Sasha begins to fall apart, too, because she doesn't want anyone know they don't have a place to stay. They won't consider returning to Janna's.
Ari has a collection of paper things that she began when her mother was sick. She cuts out people and furniture from catalogs to create a family. It became her favorite activity as she collected more and more people and items over the years. The paper things go with her everywhere, keeping them in her backpack. At eleven she still plays with them even though her friends think it's weird. While staying at the shelter for the first time, other girls take her dolls and play with them, ruining the dolls in Ari's eyes. That is a turning point for Ari. She no longer cares about anything. She leaves the shelter with Gabe and for the first time since they left Janna's they have no place to sleep.
Ari never thinks of herself as homeless; homeless people live on the streets, begging for change, sleeping on benches. She always has a place to crash with friends, until the night they stay in a shelter and Gabe is forced out to make room for a younger boy. That is when the truth hits her.
"Homeless people are people who don't have homes," I say slowly. "Right," says Gabe. Like us, I realize.
Ari is a resilient character who wants nothing more than to stay with her brother. She is also hopeful but recognizes that hope is tentative.
"Hopes are as delicate as butterfly wings: say too much, want something too much, and they'll crumble."
This story delicately shares the struggles that children can face when their family is without a place to live. It can be hard to focus on school when you are not sure when your next meal will be, where you will sleep at night, when you can take a shower, where to store your belongings. The empathy for Ari and other characters is present at the beginning of the story and lasts right through to the last page. I recommend this book to all who work with children and also to anyone who enjoys a story about the hand that life deals you.
October 28, 2016
I am reading Paper Things. The title relates to the book because one of the main characters (Ari) plays and collects paper things they are like dolls made out of paper and she says shes to old to play but her paper dolls give her comfort.The setting of the story is more important than the theme because the setting is always changing they are always moving around trying to find somewhere to sleep.SPOILER ALERT ... she goes to the school she and her mom always wanted her to go... .
When i started reading this book i thought it would be boring but it got interesting really
fast.What surprised me was that at the beginning Gage (Ari's brother) and Janna (their guardian) got in a fight and Janna wants to keep Ari like she is a object .The setting adds to the conflict because every time they move they go into a new setting or place that add to the conflicts of the story.The tone of the story is struggle and harsh because they go trough a lot of problems also don't know where to go because Gage hasn't found an apartment to stay at with Ari.
The first year that her mother passed was in 2nd grade she didn't cry a lot but then the up coming year she cried even more because she held it in.I think the theme of this story is that you should spill the beans because if you wait to long the whole bucket of beans will fall and make it even worse.I think this is the theme because she waited to long to let go of her mother that the up coming year.I think this was a good book i really recommended it .
When i started reading this book i thought it would be boring but it got interesting really
fast.What surprised me was that at the beginning Gage (Ari's brother) and Janna (their guardian) got in a fight and Janna wants to keep Ari like she is a object .The setting adds to the conflict because every time they move they go into a new setting or place that add to the conflicts of the story.The tone of the story is struggle and harsh because they go trough a lot of problems also don't know where to go because Gage hasn't found an apartment to stay at with Ari.
The first year that her mother passed was in 2nd grade she didn't cry a lot but then the up coming year she cried even more because she held it in.I think the theme of this story is that you should spill the beans because if you wait to long the whole bucket of beans will fall and make it even worse.I think this is the theme because she waited to long to let go of her mother that the up coming year.I think this was a good book i really recommended it .
May 12, 2015
What did you worry about in fifth grade? Boys, homework, or what clothes to wear? Arianna Hazard worries about where she'll sleep at night. Along with her older brother Gage, Ari moves from couch to couch, sometimes sleeping in shelters or even storage units. With all the time she spends walking the city of Portland and worrying about where her next meal will come from, she hardly has time to keep up with her academic responsibilities. Without having her basic survival needs met, how will she maintain her grades and get Carter, the middle school for gifted students? It was her mother's dying wish that Ari go to the school that her other family members attended. With the help of her brother and a special friend, Ari does her best to overcome the tall hurdles set in front of her.
Ari is not a character to be pitied. She is strong, resourceful, and thoughtful, which may surprise you when you read about Ari's struggles. This would be a fantastic book for students and teachers learning about character traits, setting, and voice. I especially enjoyed the way Jacobson made connections between Ari and Louisa May Alcott, the focus of Ari's research paper. "Paper Things" would be a good fit for middle grade readers, though I think it might make for a good read aloud for fourth graders.
4 1/2 stars.
Ari is not a character to be pitied. She is strong, resourceful, and thoughtful, which may surprise you when you read about Ari's struggles. This would be a fantastic book for students and teachers learning about character traits, setting, and voice. I especially enjoyed the way Jacobson made connections between Ari and Louisa May Alcott, the focus of Ari's research paper. "Paper Things" would be a good fit for middle grade readers, though I think it might make for a good read aloud for fourth graders.
4 1/2 stars.
March 20, 2017
A wonderfully written and important story. A great reminder for educators that every child has a story and deserves to be cared for. This story will help students empathize with homelessness and see those around them in more complex and caring ways.
This book tells the powerful and moving story of Ari and her brother Gage as they attempt to keep the promise they made to their mother when she died, “Stay together always.” When 18-year-old Gage decides to move out from Janna’s house, 11-year-old Ari follows excited to start a new life with her brother in a new apartment, but she soon learns that there never was an apartment and she and her brother will be crashing at a different place every night while they search for a permanent address. As they bounce from home to home Ari begins to lose her possessions and more and more of herself, but the two things she always keeps with her are her paper things and dreams of a better future.
This book tells the powerful and moving story of Ari and her brother Gage as they attempt to keep the promise they made to their mother when she died, “Stay together always.” When 18-year-old Gage decides to move out from Janna’s house, 11-year-old Ari follows excited to start a new life with her brother in a new apartment, but she soon learns that there never was an apartment and she and her brother will be crashing at a different place every night while they search for a permanent address. As they bounce from home to home Ari begins to lose her possessions and more and more of herself, but the two things she always keeps with her are her paper things and dreams of a better future.
April 27, 2017
What a powerful book. While Ari is a little bit of a Pollyanna, she is not unrealistic; actually, her personality reminds me of several students I've had. What is also painfully true-to-life is Ari's homelessness, and that's what makes this novel incredibly important. The weight of this message doesn't reduce the book to Very Special Episode territory; Jacobson powerfully and honestly portrays life as a twenty-first century homeless girl. I have to say, though, that it was an oversight on the publisher's part to not put resources or contact numbers for readers who may be going through a similar situation in the back of the book -- maybe for the paperback?
March 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this middle grade novel. I found the characters to be deep and believable, and the situations that we found them in to be real and convincing. I was moved to tears with what Ari endured. I love that this book normalizes a lot of things that 5th graders may be going through as well as represents the difficulties that some of us or some of our friends may face. I highly recommend this book!
May 28, 2020
Really good book. I know I say that for like all the books I read (I guess I just have good book taste) but this was really good.
April 2, 2018
This was so sweet!!
I loved how even though the characters went through some really hard things, they pushed through and found a better way.
I loved how even though the characters went through some really hard things, they pushed through and found a better way.
January 12, 2019
kinda lame, but it was something to read at least...
February 16, 2019
This month's MoDa pick, and I loved it. Reese did, too!
August 31, 2018
I recently finished the book Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson. I loved this complex but relatable story written perfectly for middle school kids. The theme that really describes this realistic fiction novel, is every bad situation has a good way out and if you believe in the people you love nothing can really break you. This story is based off of one bad situation where the main character makes the most of what she had and realizes that the smaller things in life are the good ones.
Arianna is a loving and genuine girl who has a lot of passion. So when she was left by her mother and father she feels alone with only her brother to connect to. Ari’s mothers dying wish was for her and her older brother Gage to “stick together no matter what” so when Ari has to choose between her older brother and their guardian Janna, she chooses family. Her and Gage embark on an unknown journey alone with no one but each other, in a small town USA present day. They house hop from place to place but living from a suitcase and changing apartments everyday is starting to affect not only Ari but her grades as well. While Ari is losing herself trying to get into the middle school her mother wanted her in and keeping her best friends Gage is searching for a job anywhere he can get one. Throughout scenes in the story Ari realizes how lucky she really is even though it may not seem that way. She also realizes that her and her family will be together forever no matter what challenges stand in front of them.
Personally I believe this is one of the most understandable novels I have ever read. The author does a wonderful job of connecting such a genuine character to people so unlike her. No matter the situation relating to this character was key to enjoying the story. Even though Ari’s life experience was so much different, it was her emotions that helped me connect. I really admired it when Ari chose family over desire or over her own benefit. But that wasn't the only character that was entertaining to follow, Gage her older brother had an interesting story too. He worked so hard to keep Ari stable and to keep himself going, so when Ari started falling behind in obvious areas he tried even harder than before. But to watch Gage finally realize he bit of more than he could chew taking Arias as full responsibility, I was heartbroken. The entire time I not only read this story, but walked the main characters every step with them, I thought of myself in their position. Would I have been able to survive what Ari did and still be able to learn such important life lessons? But she stayed true to herself and to her loved ones which was one of the most gratifying things to follow.
The novel Paper Things is one I would recommend to any family, friend, or reader looking for an emotional roller coaster all built in the flips and turns of 300 pages. I think following the emotional journey of two relatable teens would be perfect or any middle school kid particularly or any reader who loves a good aww moment. Mostly because of the connections you get to make to such normal but also far fetched characters trying to reach the same goals as you or me, but in different ways. But overall the theme of believing in who you love, really stayed strong as I savored every word of Jacobson’s amazing novel, Paper things.
Arianna is a loving and genuine girl who has a lot of passion. So when she was left by her mother and father she feels alone with only her brother to connect to. Ari’s mothers dying wish was for her and her older brother Gage to “stick together no matter what” so when Ari has to choose between her older brother and their guardian Janna, she chooses family. Her and Gage embark on an unknown journey alone with no one but each other, in a small town USA present day. They house hop from place to place but living from a suitcase and changing apartments everyday is starting to affect not only Ari but her grades as well. While Ari is losing herself trying to get into the middle school her mother wanted her in and keeping her best friends Gage is searching for a job anywhere he can get one. Throughout scenes in the story Ari realizes how lucky she really is even though it may not seem that way. She also realizes that her and her family will be together forever no matter what challenges stand in front of them.
Personally I believe this is one of the most understandable novels I have ever read. The author does a wonderful job of connecting such a genuine character to people so unlike her. No matter the situation relating to this character was key to enjoying the story. Even though Ari’s life experience was so much different, it was her emotions that helped me connect. I really admired it when Ari chose family over desire or over her own benefit. But that wasn't the only character that was entertaining to follow, Gage her older brother had an interesting story too. He worked so hard to keep Ari stable and to keep himself going, so when Ari started falling behind in obvious areas he tried even harder than before. But to watch Gage finally realize he bit of more than he could chew taking Arias as full responsibility, I was heartbroken. The entire time I not only read this story, but walked the main characters every step with them, I thought of myself in their position. Would I have been able to survive what Ari did and still be able to learn such important life lessons? But she stayed true to herself and to her loved ones which was one of the most gratifying things to follow.
The novel Paper Things is one I would recommend to any family, friend, or reader looking for an emotional roller coaster all built in the flips and turns of 300 pages. I think following the emotional journey of two relatable teens would be perfect or any middle school kid particularly or any reader who loves a good aww moment. Mostly because of the connections you get to make to such normal but also far fetched characters trying to reach the same goals as you or me, but in different ways. But overall the theme of believing in who you love, really stayed strong as I savored every word of Jacobson’s amazing novel, Paper things.
March 7, 2018
Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson was such a sweet book, and I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. Going into this book I expected another run of the mill story with some kind of positive message, that’s a good read but ultimately not very well written. But I got nothing like that!
Though the writing of this book wasn’t anything amazing, it was still very good. The plotline was put together very well and skillfully. The message of this book was clear without being obvious or cliche, and it sent a strong theme about the idea of homelessness. It was written from an 11-year-old’s perspective, and from that standpoint it was done quite well. The themes are very clear and positive, deep enough for older readers but yet simple enough that younger kids can understand.
Overall, to put it simply, this was a captivating and yet sweet read. The themes were positive, the characters memorable, and just a good read. Nothing amazing but a good read all the same. 4.0 stars.
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http://jcbuchanan.com
Though the writing of this book wasn’t anything amazing, it was still very good. The plotline was put together very well and skillfully. The message of this book was clear without being obvious or cliche, and it sent a strong theme about the idea of homelessness. It was written from an 11-year-old’s perspective, and from that standpoint it was done quite well. The themes are very clear and positive, deep enough for older readers but yet simple enough that younger kids can understand.
Overall, to put it simply, this was a captivating and yet sweet read. The themes were positive, the characters memorable, and just a good read. Nothing amazing but a good read all the same. 4.0 stars.
Like my reviews? Follow my blog:
http://jcbuchanan.com
April 28, 2015
Paper Things is a fantastic book about family, the loss of a loved one and finding the strength to stand up for what you believe in. Ari (Arianna) lives with her brother Gage and their guardian Janna after their mother passes away. Gage and Janna do not get along and he decides to move out. Ari goes with him because they promised their mother that they would always stay together. Ari soon finds that 5th grade is hard enough without the fear of not knowing where she and Gage will sleep each night...
December 26, 2017
I am sobbing. This story needed to be told. It needed to be told in the brutal way it was. It needed to be as heart wrenching it was. It needed to be everything that it was. To say I loved this book is an understatement. I will forever respect Ms. Jacobson for telling this story. I loved Ari and Gage's relationship. This book will impact me forever. This book will always be on my mind. I am forever grateful that I read this book.
September 20, 2015
I really, really liked this book. I put it on my grandkids to read list. It is about an 11 yr old but we all can relate to her feelings. She is put into a situation I wish no other children ever have to be in.
You learns so much about people and judging and kindness by reading this book. I hope all of my grandchildren and YW read it.
You learns so much about people and judging and kindness by reading this book. I hope all of my grandchildren and YW read it.
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