From Zero to Hero: Paul Fisher’s Incredible Journey in <em>Tangerine</em>

From Zero to Hero: Paul Fisher’s Incredible Journey in Tangerine

Edward Bloor’s Tangerine isn’t just another young adult novel; it’s a story that really gets under your skin. It’s about finding yourself, facing the truth, and having the guts to stand up for what’s right. And smack-dab in the middle of it all is Paul Fisher. You know, the kid with the seriously thick glasses? He starts out as this timid, almost invisible seventh-grader, but man, does he go through a transformation! By the end, he’s a different person entirely, having finally figured out who he is and what he’s made of.

Living in the Shadows:

Right from the start, Paul’s vision problems kind of define him. Those “Coke-bottle glasses,” as he calls them, are a constant reminder of what he can’t do, setting him apart from everyone else. And moving to Tangerine, Florida? That just makes him feel even more like an outsider. His parents, especially his dad, are completely wrapped up in the “Erik Fisher Football Dream,” which leaves Paul feeling like chopped liver. “As usual when Erik appears, the attention is switched from me to him,” he observes with a weary sigh. Add to that the weird, unspoken tension about something that happened in his past, and you’ve got a recipe for a kid who’s afraid to speak up, afraid to rock the boat. Instead, he pours all his thoughts and observations into his journal, quietly watching the world go by.

Honestly, Paul’s fear of his older brother Erik is a huge obstacle for him. He knows Erik’s got a mean streak, but he can’t quite put his finger on why he’s so scared. It’s like there’s a missing piece of the puzzle, a repressed memory that keeps him from standing up for himself.

When Things Start to Change:

But things start to shift for Paul, thankfully. Getting transferred to Tangerine Middle School is a game-changer. Unlike his old school, where his IEP just made him feel even more different, Tangerine Middle gives him a chance to really be himself. He joins the soccer team, the Tangerine War Eagles, and suddenly he’s part of something. He’s got teammates who rely on him, who have his back. He finally feels like he belongs. He digs deep and shows everyone what he’s made of.

And those friendships he makes, especially with Tino and Victor? They open his eyes to a whole new world. He sees how hard people work, how loyal they are to each other, how much they value their community. He starts to understand that there’s a big difference between the wealthy kids in Lake Windsor and the working-class folks in Tangerine. His perspective starts to broaden, and he begins to question everything he thought he knew.

Then, the unthinkable happens: Luis Cruz, a good, hardworking guy who dared to stand up to Erik, dies. And that’s it. That’s the moment when something inside Paul snaps. He realizes he can’t be afraid anymore. He has to do something. He has to find out the truth about what happened to Luis, even if it means facing his own demons.

Finding His Voice, Facing the Truth:

As Paul’s buried memories begin to surface, the truth about his past comes crashing down on him. He discovers the horrifying reason behind his bad eyesight: Erik didn’t just accidentally hurt him; he deliberately sprayed paint into his eyes! All those years, his parents had been lying to him, covering up for Erik. This revelation is a punch to the gut, but it also sets him free. It gives him the courage to confront Erik and his parents, to demand answers, to finally take control of his own life.

In the end, Paul does the right thing. He reports Erik’s involvement in Luis’s death and the robberies, finally stepping out of his brother’s shadow for good. It’s a huge moment, a testament to how far he’s come. He’s embraced honesty, he’s taken responsibility for his actions, and he’s discovered a sense of self-worth he never knew he had.

Seeing Clearly, Finally:

So, where does Paul end up? Well, he’s not the same kid we met at the beginning of the book, that’s for sure. He’s found his voice, he’s embraced who he is, and he’s learned to stand up for what he believes in. Sure, he gets expelled from Tangerine Middle School, but he’s got his sights set on St. Anthony’s, a new school where he can continue his journey. Paul’s story is a powerful reminder that even when things seem impossible, you can find the strength to overcome your fears, face the truth, and become the person you were always meant to be. He learns to see beyond his blurry vision, understanding things about himself and the world that he never could have imagined. Tangerine is a celebration of the human spirit, of the courage it takes to challenge injustice, and Paul Fisher’s transformation is nothing short of inspiring.