His classmates are reluctant to accept this white boy from the rich side of town, but eventually they do. It is Paul's interest in and respect for the lives of his Hispanic peers that permits friendship to develop. These characters and their complex relationships help make this novel entertaining and compelling. Paul is ultimately able to learn from the events he is involved in, and the reader can learn from these as well. The reader can learn about interracial relationships and the life of the citrus grower.
Tangerine is definitely a novel worth reading.