Jennifer Richard Jacobson’s Paper Things sensitively portrays the struggles of homelessness through an eleven-year-old protagonist. Reviews praise its heartfelt realism and empathetic narrative. Critics point out slow pacing and underdeveloped secondary characters. Overall, Jacobson’s storytelling effectively raises awareness while engaging young readers.

Readers who relish heartfelt, coming-of-age stories with themes of perseverance and family relationships will enjoy Jennifer Richard Jacobson's Paper Things. Fans of Katherine Applegate's Crenshaw and Lynda Mullaly Hunt's One for the Murphys will find a similar blend of emotional depth and resilience.

Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson follows 11-year-old Ari, who, after losing her home with her 19-year-old brother Gage, navigates homelessness while striving to maintain her school performance and friendships. They move between shelters, friends' places, and adults’ homes, encountering numerous challenges, yet Ari remains determined to hold on to hope and community connections. This book contains descriptions of homelessness, stigma, discrimination, childhood bullying, bereavement, and miscarriage.

Emotional / Contemplative / Challenging / Heartwarming / Hopeful

- Paper Things is written by Jennifer Richard Jacobson, an award-winning author who has also penned the popular Andy Shane series for children.
- Jennifer Richard Jacobson's inspiration for Paper Things came from her background in education and her commitment to raising awareness about homelessness.
- The book received the Schneider Family Book Award honor in 2016, an award that recognizes books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.

Jennifer Richard Jacobson

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Paper Things and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Paper Things Summary and Study Guide

Background

Paper Things Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-8

Paper Things Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-16

Paper Things Chapters 9-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-23

Paper Things Chapters 17-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-30

Paper Things Chapters 24-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-43

Paper Things Chapters 31-43 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Paper Things Character Analysis

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Themes

Paper Things Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Paper Things Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Paper Things Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Paper Things Essay Topics

Paper Things

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Paper Things?

Reading Age

Book Details