The Vast Fields of Ordinary
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
STARS Citation
Burd, Nick, "The Vast Fields of Ordinary" (2009). Diverse Families. 1519.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/diversefamilies/1519