Eleanor and Park

Eleanor is an oddball who doesn’t fit in. She comes from a very rough home and struggles to make it from day to day. She meets Park on the bus, and it is anything but love at first sight. They are awkward, strained, and cold towards each other, until Park catches Eleanor reading his comics over his shoulder. They slowly develop a friendship that evolves into something more. Park is then catapulted into the intense and stressful family and home-life that Eleanor must live with. Things go from bad to worse with Eleanor, and Park makes it his mission to protect her and keep her safe.

Eleanor & Park is perfect for middle and high school students. It’s won many literary awards including the Printz Honor in 2014. The unique family and home life portrayed by Rainbow Rowell will certainly strike a chord with many YA readers. Children and adults who have come from difficult backgrounds will find similarities as they read Eleanor’s story, and rejoice as Eleanor escapes the horrendous things that she has been subjected to.

Chapter 5 What Makes a Book “Good”?

Usually, when you are stuck, and looking for your next read, head towards the awards lists. The Michael Printz Award is presented for achievement in YA literature. This is exactly what happened to me. I heard rumblings of this novel online, and when I heard that I was a Printz Honor, I pulled the trigger and gave it a shot. I am so glad that I did.

Rowell, R. (2013). Eleanor & Park. St. Martin's Press.