Rules of the Road By Joan Bauer

Bauer, J. (2005) Rules of the road. New York: Speak. ISBN: 014240425X

Plot Summary: Jenna Boller has one true passion- selling shoes. For the last year and a half, she has been one of the top employees at Gladstone’s Shoes. Although things are going well at her job, her alcoholic father has come back into her life and is causing a mess. Mrs. Gladstone, the owner of the company, demands Jenna to drive her across the country. However, Jenna is hesitant due to her limited driving experience. After being convinced by money and the opportunity to see new places, Jenna soon becomes Mrs. Gladstone’s driver and assistant. Spending weeks upon weeks together, Jenna is becoming aware of the challenges Mrs. Gladstone’s company faces. She soon becomes aware of Elden, Mrs. Gladstone’s son, who plans on taking over the business. His plans to make a larger profit by selling lesser quality shoes drives Jenna and Mrs. Gladstone to test their strength and patience. Throughout the trip, Jenna grows into a strong female who doesn’t take no for an answer, just as her mentor Mrs. Gladstone.

Critical Evaluation: The plot was definitely different from any other story I have ever read. The author did a great job at developing Jenna’s character. Readers were able to get an idea of how she was motivated and passionate about selling shoes. Although the book summary seemed a bit bland, the plot was a lot more exciting than I had expected. Traveling with an old crabby lady doesn’t seem like the most exciting road trip, but Jenna was able to learn a wealth of information about the shoe business and about herself. Readers grow to understand the reasoning for Mrs. Gladstone’s frustration and eventually will be supportive of her desires. The other storyline regarding her alcoholic father was very sad, and yet touching. Anyone who has ever had to deal with a loved one with drug abuse problems will definitely appreciate Jenna and her story. The love, frustration, and anger Jenna feels for her dad is quite powerful.

Information about the Author: Joan Bauer has written several books for young adults. Many of her books have won awards such as the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Delacorte Press Prize for First Young Adult Novel, and several more. She currently lives in New York with her family.

Annotation: In hopes of avoiding her alcoholic father, Jenna drives her boss across the country and learns more than she could ever imagine about business, friendship, and life.

Genre: travel and realistic-fiction

Curriculum Ties: business

Booktalking Ideas: : Have teens imagine what it must be like to take an amazing road trip from Illinois to Texas with everything being paid for, as well as some spending cash. Now have them imagine that trip take place with a 73-year-old rich, grumpy woman. Would the experience still be worth it?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 9th-12th grade

Challenge Issues: alcoholism

Reason for Inclusion: Joan Bauer’s Rules of the Road is the winner of the Los Angeles Times Book prize, an ALA Notable Book, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, an ALA Quick Pick, and an SLJ Best Book of the Year.