The Vast Fields of Ordinary

The Vast Fields of Ordinary

Authors

Nick Burd

Publisher

Dial Books

Publication Year

2009

ISBN

9780142418208

Pages

309 pages

Genre

realism

Format

novel

Item Type

Fiction

Annotation

It's Dade's last summer at home, and things are pretty hopeless. He has a crappy job, a "boyfriend" who treats him like dirt, and his parents' marriage is falling apart. So when he meets and falls in love with the mysterious Alex Kincaid, Dade feels like he's finally experiencing true happiness. But when a tragedy shatters the final days of summer, he realizes he must face his future and learn how to move forward from his past.

Grade Level

9-12

Lexile Measure

HL730L

Diversity Topics

Family Relationships; LGBTQ (Gender and Sexuality);; Divorce; Separation; Gay/Lesbian; divorced parents; co-parenting; two homes; separated parents; gay; gay teenager; lesbian; lesbian teenager; same-sex relationship

Main Character

male teenager

Race/Ethnicities

Black / White

Family Formation

mother and father

LGBTQ+

gay male; lesbian female

Awards

Children's and Young Adult Literature Award, 2010, Winner, Children's (Young Adult Literature)
Lambda Literary Award, 2010, Finalist
Best of the Best Books, 2009 Fiction
Booklist Book Review Stars, 2009
Booklist Top 10 First Novels for Youth, 2009
Booklist Top 10 Romance Fiction for Youth, 2009
Booklist Top 10 Youth Romances, 2009
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 2009
New York Times Notable Children's Books, 2009
Rainbow List, 2010 Fiction
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, 2009
Stuff for the Teen Age, 2010 Bad Romance

Keywords

coming of age; summer; summer before college; college; parties; self-acceptance; realization; adventure; rock music; bands; high school; part time job

Diversity Impact

direct

The Vast Fields of Ordinary

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