Paul Fisher's Story:
* Arrival at Tangerine Middle School: Paul, a new student, is apprehensive about attending a school with a reputation for being violent and different from his previous school.
* Meeting Erik Fisher: Paul is excited to meet his brother, Erik, a popular football player, and begins to see school in a more positive light.
* Erik's Secret: Paul starts to notice Erik's increasingly erratic behavior and learns that Erik is using performance-enhancing drugs.
* Football Accident: Erik suffers a serious injury during a football game, leading to a turning point in his life.
* The Truth About Erik: Paul discovers the full extent of Erik's drug use and his history of bullying, forcing him to confront the truth about his brother.
* Finding His Voice: Through his experiences, Paul learns the importance of standing up for himself and others, shedding his timid personality.
The Tangerine Middle School Story:
* The Mystery of the Tangerine Tree: Throughout the book, strange occurrences happen involving the Tangerine tree, which becomes a symbol of mystery and the interconnectedness of events.
* The Football Team's Success: The football team, led by Erik, enjoys success throughout the season, until Erik's injury disrupts the team's momentum.
* The Truth Behind the Violence: The book reveals the reasons for the school's reputation for violence, including the presence of gangs and the harsh environment created by the school's administration.
* The School's Transformation: Through the actions of Paul and other students, the school begins to change, with the emphasis shifting from athletic success to a more inclusive and supportive environment.
The Tangerine Tree Mystery:
* The Tree's Significance: The Tangerine tree is a recurring symbol throughout the book, representing the interconnectedness of events and the consequences of one's actions.
* The Clues: Paul and other students uncover clues related to the tree's history and the mysterious events surrounding it.
* The Resolution: The book ends with the mystery of the Tangerine tree being solved, revealing the true nature of the events and the importance of understanding the past.
Key Characters:
* Paul Fisher: The protagonist, a timid and sensitive boy who experiences significant growth throughout the story.
* Erik Fisher: Paul's older brother, a popular and athletic student who struggles with personal demons and the pressure of expectations.
* Arthur "Artie" Baker: Paul's friend and teammate, who is also a victim of Erik's bullying.
* Mike Costello: The school's coach, who is a complex character with his own motivations and flaws.
* Mr. Fisher: Paul and Erik's father, who is portrayed as distant and unconcerned with his sons' well-being.
Themes:
* Facing Reality: Paul is forced to confront the truth about his family and himself, which leads to personal growth and resilience.
* Brotherhood and Family: The book explores the complexities of family relationships, including the challenges of sibling rivalry and the importance of supporting each other.
* The Power of Truth: The story emphasizes the importance of uncovering the truth and the consequences of hiding it.
* The Importance of Character: The book shows that true success comes from being a good person, rather than achieving material goals or popularity.
These are just some of the main events in *Tangerine*. The book is complex and layered, and there are many other subplots and character interactions that contribute to the overall narrative.