Marcelo+in+the+Real+World

Discussion page for //Marcelo in the Real World// by Francisco Stork Marcelo in the Real World is a thoughtful story of a young man pushed out of his comfort zone by his concerned father. Seventeen year old Marcelo has high functioning autism and is happy with his special school which permits him to work with horses as a reward for doing well. Marcelo's father makes a bargain with him. If Marcelo completes the summer internship at his Dad's Boston law firm, he may return to his special school, if not, Marcelo will be enrolled in the regular high school for his senior year. Marcelo encounters the 'real world' during this summer and it is filled with so many challenging situations for Marcelo. His experiences are thought provoking, particularly because Marcelo's abilities and viewpoint are so different from most of us. I recommend this book for grades 9-12, both sexes and the final 13. gkadams

This is the most beautifully written YA novel (or quite possibly any novel) that I have read in recent years. It is not a book about a boy with autism--it is so much more. It is a suspensful engaging drama featuring a main character who has autism. Anything we can do to get this into the hands of teens, we should do. This would be my number one pick for the list. Kathy Pearce, Oyster River HS

I loved this book...a quirky main character with heart who learns hard lessons about fitting in and how to be careful in the world while not losing himself. Amy Inglis _ Barrington PL

I also loved this book. I've recommend it over and over to staff and students and friends, but unfortunately, not many people pick it up. I found the experiences and observations of the main character (who has high functioning autism) fascinating and eyeopening.

I'd love to see this on the list. I like the autism aspect and the initiation into adulthood as well. It's a wonderful story with great characters, and I don't understand why it's not getting read much. I'd love to see the Flume give it the attention it deserves. Kelly Budd Keene High School

This book is one of my favorite. I would recommend it to the list and hope it will win. I think it will appeal more girls. Yasmin- Portsmouth Library

I really liked the story of Marcelo having to leave the comfort of his special school, as well as many of the interests that made him him. I could understand where his father was coming from, and sympathize, but felt that his ultimatum was highly unfair. Yes, Marcelo learned to cope, and it might have been good for him, but it was a risky proposition, thrusting him into the "real world" without many of the crutches on which he relied. I kind of feel that Arturo had it coming to him. There were always going to be repercussions, and Marcelo would not be the only one who would have to pay the price. The Xtel thing was unexpected, but made for a more interesting, richer story. I listened to the audiobook. The narrator was good with the deliberate pacing of Marcelo's speech and thought processes, but there were many times when, due to the way the Marcelo speaks in the third person, I couldn't tell if he was thinking or speaking, until someone responded. Kirsten Rundquit Corbett, Lane Memorial Library, Hampton

This book is totally awesome - something for everyone: aspergers/autism type syndrome, family relationships, sheltered education experiences vs a more typical environment, friendship, right vs wrong, and even a love connection. I think that this should totally be on the list and have been recommending to students often. Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award, 2010 Sharon Flesher-Duffy, Nashua High South

I loved this book and it is my favorite on the list. It has great appeal to a variety of readers and hopefully will make people think both about Marcelo's unique condition but also the coming of age element in general. Sophie Smith Nashua Public Library.