YA Realism and Romance: RULES OF THE ROAD by Joan Bauer

Rules of the Road by Joan Bauer

Bauer, Joan. 1999. RULES OF THE ROAD. New York: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 0-439-13737-3

Jenna is a crack shoe salesman with a knowledge and passion that exceeds her age. When offered a job driving the company owner, the elderly and feisty Mrs. Gladstone, on a six week road trip from Chicago to Dallas, she jumps at the chance to escape her family problems caused by her alcoholic father. Along the way she uses her expertise to help save the company from a bad business deal, while forming special bonds with adults who come to Mrs. Gladstone’s defense who have a profound impact in her life.

This story is distinct in how the main character, Jenna, is confident, outgoing, ambitious, and caring despite the obvious trials in her life. “It's downright wonderful these days to find a teenage protagonist who is smart, moral, funny, confident (mostly), and open-minded about grown-ups. Not that hulking Jenna Boller doesn't have her share of problems” (Stephanie Zvirin, Booklist, February 1, 1998). The characters are slightly exaggerated, but strongly characterized, especially the supporting characters like Mrs. Gladstone.  The intense focus on her job and job related experiences in the unusual work environment of a shoe store is also unique, especially in how much it influences the character.  There is detailed description with the various shoe stores, but other aspects of setting less so. The end destination of the road trip, Texas, impacts the characters, their personalities and actions. The plot is different and unpredictable, though a bit of a stretch with some situations. Though it is slow moving at times, especially in the middle, it has a strong ending. The themes of being strong in adversity, dealing with alcoholism and disease in families, sibling relationships, and divorce, are universally appealing to most teens, as they likely have dealt with more one or more of these issues. Although some conclusions are drawn for the reader, they still inspire personal reflection. “I always wondered why I had a father who was an alcoholic. Now I knew. It made me strong. It made me different. It showed how to say no to the darkness” (Bauer 200). Bauer’s subtle humor and smooth style lead readers along, while the observational perspective given to Jenna and her headline-like quips add interest. “Sharp dialogue and caustic commentary from Jenna mark the journey” (Kirkus, Kirkus Reviews, 1998).

Classroom Connections

-        Use Google Maps to collaboratively plot Jenna’s journey. Information for each destination could be entered, such as something she learned in each place

-        Reflective writing about a job or something you would like to be skilled in or passionate about

-        Create a sales pitch  using a web 2.0 tool

Best Books Lists:

Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for PreK-Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Best of the Best Revisited (100 Best Books for Teens), 2001 ; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
Books in the Middle: Outstanding Books, 1998 ; Voice of Youth Advocates; United States
Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 1998 ; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
Children's Book Sense 76 Picks, Spring/Summer 2001 ; Book Sense 76; United States
Children's Literature Choice List, 1999 ; Children's Literature; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Children's Books, 1999 ; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002 ; California Department of Education; California
School Library Journal Best Books, 1998 ; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, March 1998 ; Cahners; United States
Senior High Core Collection, Seventeenth Edition, 2007 ; The H. W. Wilson Co.; United States
Senior High School Library Catalog, Sixteenth Edition, 2002 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Senior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Fifteenth Edition, 1999 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 1999 ; American Library Association; United States
YALSA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults, 2001 ; American Library Association; United States
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 1999 ; American Library Association-YALSA; United States

Awards, Honors, Prizes:

Golden Kite Award, 1999 Award Book Fiction United States
Los Angeles Times Book Prize, 1998 Winner Young Adult Fiction United States
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards, 1998 Honor Language Arts - Novels, Grades 7 - 12 United States
Thumbs Up! Award, 1999 Honor Book Michigan United States