Realistic Fiction

Operation Do-Over by Gordon Korman

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 2, 2022

Operation Do-Over is an entertaining jaunt that asks the perennial question: What if you got a chance to correct a past mistake? Operation Do-Over by ...

2022 Schneider Family Middle-Grade Roundup: A Bird Will Soar, A Kind of Spark, Stuntboy in the Meantime

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 16, 2022

The Schneider Family Book Award is given by the American Library Association for outstanding books "that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience. Last ...

Final Season by Tim Green

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 26, 2022

Final Season is a touching look at the short- and long-term effects of football on family life, personal value, and physical health. Final Season by ...

2022 Newbery Buzz #5: Cuba in My Pocket

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 18, 2022

Cuba in My Pocket (see our review) appears on many Newbery favorites lists right alongside Fallout, the book Megan and Betsy mulled over yesterday. In ...

2022 Newbery Buzz #2: The One Thing You’d Save

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 11, 2022

We've begun our annual Newbery Buzz Series: a series we run each January in which we discuss books with "Newbery Buzz." No one knows which ...

Clues to the Universe by Christina Lee

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 5, 2022

Two fatherless middle-graders find solace by joining together on a project and a quest. Clues to the Universe by Christina Lee. Quill Tree (HarperCollins), 2021, ...

Honey for a Child’s Heart, 50th Anniversary edition

By Megan Saben | Dec 28, 2021

Honey for a Child's Heart is a beautiful guide full of book lists, a resource worth having in your home library. *Honey for a Child's ...

Birdie’s Bargain by Katherine Paterson

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 21, 2021

Birdie makes a bargain with God in this middle grades book about a girl wrestling with faith, with God's love, and with relationships. Birdie's Bargain ...

Mighty Inside by Sundee T. Frazier

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 14, 2021

An incoming freshman faces challenges of racism and stuttering in Mighty Inside. Mighty Inside by Sundee Frazier. Levine Querido (Scholastic), 2021, 230 pages Reading Level: ...

Meals From Mars by Ben Sciacca

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 9, 2021

Jim and Malik confront their own prejudices as they simultaneously experience God's providence in a dangerous, complicated situation in this modern parable for teens and ...

*The Swallow’s Flight by Hilary McKay

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 8, 2021

The Swallow’s Flight gracefully unfolds the lives of two English girls and two German boys against the backdrop of World War II. *The Swallow’s ...

Cuba in My Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 24, 2021

A 12-year-old refugee flees Cuba for a better life but can’t forget his home and people. Cuba in My Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas. Farrar Strauss ...

Across the Desert by Dusti Bowling

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 23, 2021

Across the Desert is a harrowing survival tale of determination and hope, as one girl attempts a dangerous rescue. Across the Desert by Dusti Bowling. ...

The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish by Karina Van Glaser

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 22, 2021

The lively Vanderbeeker kids deepen their family roots in the fifth volume of the popular series. The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish by Karina van Glaser. ...

Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha Farrant

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 17, 2021

In Voyage of the Sparrowhawk, two youngsters undertake a dangerous journey to find relatives missing after World War I. Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha ...

Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 10, 2021

The two central characters of Pax, a “best of” book from 2016, work their way back to each other with a more positive resolution. Pax, ...

One Kid’s Trash by Jamie Sumner

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 29, 2021

In One Kid’s Trash, an unusual talent leads to sudden popularity and unfortunate consequences. One Kid’s Trash by Jamie Sumner. Atheneum, 2021, 225 pages Reading ...

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 23, 2021

Two heavyweights of the children's book world collaborate on The Beatryce Prophecy, a quasi-medieval tale of treachery and hope. The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, ...

What about the Tuttle Twins?

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 20, 2021

Are the much-hyped Tuttle Twins books (and curriculum) profitable for Christian families? An education in economic freedom They’re talked up by talk-show hosts and Facebook ...

The Thing I’m Most Afraid Of by Kristin Levine

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 4, 2021

An American girl learns to overcome her fears against the background of the Bosnian Civil War. The Thing I’m Most Afraid Of by Kristin Levine. ...

Walls by L. M. Elliot

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 28, 2021

An American "army brat" lives the history that led up to the building of the Berlin Wall. Walls by L. M. Elliot, with photo essay ...

Linked by Gordon Korman

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 21, 2021

The 7th-graders of a small western town discover that the Holocaust is "linked" to aspects of their own history. Linked by Gordon Korman. Scholastic, 2021, ...

Dead Wednesday by Jerry Spinelli

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 10, 2021

"Dead Wednesday" is supposed to be the day middle-schoolers contemplate their own mortality, but for one 8th-grader it's a turning point in life. Dead Wednesday ...

9/11 for Middle Graders: Ground Zero and In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 7, 2021

Novelist Alan Gratz and graphic artist Don Brown offer views of 9/11 accessible to middle-grade readers. In The Shadow of the Fallen Towers: The Seconds, ...

Right Cross by Andrew Huff

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 30, 2021

John and Christine face the most nefarious villain yet in Right Cross, the conclusion to the Shepherd Suspense Trilogy. Right Cross (Shepherd Suspense #3) by ...

Franklin Endicott and the Third Key by Kate DiCamillo

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 24, 2021

Franklin Endicott learns to appreciate mystery and story instead of worrying in this delightful chapter book from Kate DiCamillo. Franklin Endicott and the Third Key: ...

Reading Afghanistan

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 18, 2021

For a country many of us can't even point to on a map, Afghanistan has held a consequential place in world history. This mountainous district ...

On the Hook by Francisco X. Stork

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 13, 2021

The protagonist of Francisco Stork’s latest novel finds himself “on the hook” when his lust for revenge can’t be satisfied. On the Hook by Francisco ...

Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 11, 2021

Chapter-book readers will enjoy meeting Aven Green, the no-armed protagonist of the "Life of a Cactus" books. Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling, with ...

Enduring Freedom by Jawad Arash and Trent Reedy

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 6, 2021

An American soldier and Afghan interpreter become life-long friends during Operation Enduring Freedom. Enduring Freedom by Jawad Arash and Trent Reedy. Algonquin, 2021, 354 pages. ...

Crossing the Stream by Elizabeth-Irene Baitie

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 5, 2021

Crossing the Stream takes us to Africa, where a young teen is facing spiritual and practical challenges. Crossing the Stream by Elizabeth-Irene Baitie. Norton, 2021, ...

*The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 27, 2021

A shy, timid girl learns that "the most perfect thing in the universe" is right under her nose. *The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe ...

Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 22, 2021

The biracial heroine of Luck of the Titanic sees dreams fulfilled just before disaster strikes, in this romantic thriller. Luck of the Titanic by Stacey ...

*Tree Street Kids: Jack vs. the Tornado and The Hunt for Fang

By Megan Saben | Jun 2, 2021

Authentic characters and classic themes shine in a God-honoring series about Jack, his sister, friendship, and a great clubhouse. Tree Street Kids series by Amanda ...

War and Millie McGonigle by Karen Cushman

By Janie Cheaney | May 18, 2021

Millie McGonigle is an appealing 12-year-old who is struggling to deal with tough things in life, like death and war. War and Millie McGonigle by ...

The House that Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold

By Janie Cheaney | May 13, 2021

In The House That Wasn't There, neighbors start off on the wrong foot, but soon discover a mysterious connection. The House That Wasn’t There by ...

The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family by Sarah Kepit

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 29, 2021

The Finkels, a close-knit but complicated Jewish family, pose mysteries for the two middle sisters. The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family by Sarah Kepit. ...

Across the Pond by Joy McCullough

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 15, 2021

A young teen who's lost her footing at home must reestablish herself in a castle "Across the Pond." Across the Pond by Joy McCullough. Atheneum, ...

Rescue by Jennifer A. Nielsen

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 5, 2021

In Rescue, a 12-year-old girl joins the French Resistance to free her father from the Nazis. Rescue by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Scholastic, 2021, 379 pages. ...

The One Thing You’d Save by Linda Sue Park

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 1, 2021

The One Thing You’d Save asks middle-graders in a fictional classroom to consider the value they give material objects. The One Thing You’d Save by ...

Too Small Tola by Atinuke

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 25, 2021

Too Small Tola, by the creator of Anna Hibiscus, introduces a winsome little girl growing up in Lagos, Nigeria Too Small Tola by Atinuke, illustrated ...

*All He Knew by Helen Frost

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 19, 2021

All He Knew pictures grace in the midst of gloom as a deaf child learns to navigate life in an institution. *All He Knew by ...

The Ambassador of Nowhere Texas by Kimberly Willis Holt

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 17, 2021

"Nowhere Texas" is better known as Antler, the small town that Zachary Beaver visited in an earlier novel that bears his name. The Ambassador of ...

Saucy by Cynthia Kadohata

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 5, 2021

Saucy, a smart, obstreperous, and very large pig tests the patience of the parents and the coherence of a set of quadruplets. Saucy by Cynthia ...

2021 Newbery Buzz #6: Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 22, 2021

We wrap up our Newbery Buzz series for this year with a discussion of Echo Mountain a historical novel set during the Great Depression. Joining ...

2021 Newbery Roundup #2: When You Trap a Tiger, Efren Divided, Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 19, 2021

Three more possible Newbery contenders we never got around to reviewing. When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller. Random House, 2020, 302 pages Lily, ...

2021 Newbery Buzz #4: Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 15, 2021

We've been scanning the starred review lists and listening in on the chatter to tell you about the likely Newbery contenders for this year. So ...

2021 Newbery Roundup #1: Rick, Clean Getaway, A Game of Fox and Squirrels

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 12, 2021

We’re keeping an eye on children's books that have been talked up as possible contenders for the 2021 ALA Youth Media Awards (to be announced ...

2021 Newbery Buzz #2: Chirp and The List of Things That Will Not Change

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 8, 2021

We're continuing our annual "Newbery Buzz" series today with round #2 for 2021. (We discussed King and the Dragonflies earlier this month.) As a reminder, ...

Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewel Parker Rhodes

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 5, 2021

Donte, the "Black Brother" of a biracial family, must decide if his identity will be based on his color or on his character. Black Brother, ...

2021 Newbery Buzz #1: King and the Dragonflies

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 1, 2021

Betsy: Readers, we’re kicking off our annual Newbery Buzz discussion series with a book that has already garnered a major award: King and the Dragonflies, ...

*A Long Road on a Short Day by Gary Schmidt

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 4, 2020

The unspoken bond of family comes through in this gentle winter's tale by Gary Schmidt and his late wife Elizabeth Stickney. *A Long Road on ...

Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 17, 2020

The hero of Fly on the Wall hatches a daring scheme to remake his self-image. Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai. Henry Holt, 2020, ...

Sports Beat Mysteries by John Feinstein

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 12, 2020

Feinstein's Sports Beat Mysteries are great fun for teen sports lovers. Sports Beat Mystery Series by John Feinstein. Yearling. Last Shot: Mystery at the Final ...

The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found by Karina Yan Glaser

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 11, 2020

The Vanderbeekers are back, with all the humor and good-heartedness that makes their family so loveable. The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found by Karina Yan Glasser. ...

Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth Bunce

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 10, 2020

Premeditated Myrtle introduces a precocious 12-year-old Victorian detective with a trusty governess sidekick. Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth Bunce. Algonquin Young Readers, 2020, 355 pages. Reading ...

Three picture books for preschoolers: Catch That Chicken!, This, or That?, and What I Like Most

By Megan Saben | Nov 5, 2020

Three picture books that are ideal for sharing and snuggling with a little one. Catch that Chicken! by Atinuke, illustrated by Angela Brooksbank. Candlewick, 2020. ...

Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 22, 2020

Jacqueline Woodson's poignant verse novel explores the cost of professional athletics to some families. Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson. Penguin Random House (Nancy ...

The Runaways by Ulf Stark

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 22, 2020

A boy and his crotchety grandfather hatch an elaborate escape plan to enjoy one last day together. The Runaways by Ulf Stark, illustrated by Kitty ...

Brother’s Keeper by Julie Lee

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 20, 2020

Tense and dramatic, this story of escape from North Korea in the early days of the Korean War is based on actual characters and true ...

Raising Lumie by Joan Bauer

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 29, 2020

In Raising Lumie, a grieving girl gets a new family and a dog-owning dream fulfilled. Raising Lumie by Joan Bauer. Viking, 2020, 267 pages Reading ...

The Nerviest Girl in the World by Melissa Wiley

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 24, 2020

Ranch girl Pearl discovers the brand-new technology of moving pictures in this fun read for early middle-graders. The Nerviest Girl in the World by Melissa ...

Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley: a Discussion

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 22, 2020

Fighting Words takes on a difficult topic with a feisty, flawed, brave protagonist. Sometimes a novel appears that seems to require more than a simple ...

*The View from Saturday by e. l. konigsburg (Book Club Edition)

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 21, 2020

*The View From Saturday by e. l. konigsburg. Atheneum, 1995. 176 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades and up, ages ...

Pippa Park Raises Her Game by Erin Yun

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 18, 2020

In this middle-grade retelling of Great Expectations, Pippa Park tries to "raise her game" at an exclusive private school. Pippa Park Raises Her Game by ...

Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero by Kelly J. Baptist

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 15, 2020

Isaiah Dunn's life has been trending downward, but the power of words and the discipline of work may pull him back up. Isaiah Dunn Is ...

The Turnover by Mike Lupica

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 3, 2020

The Turnover uses basketball as the background for a boy's crisis of faith in his grandfather. The Turnover by Mike Lupica. Simon & Shuster, 2020, ...

Beast by Watt Key

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 1, 2020

Beast: Face-to-Face with the Florida Bigfoot is a chilling, gripping tale of survival in the unknown. Beast: Face-to-Face with the Florida Bigfoot by Watt Key. ...

Orphan Eleven by Gennifer Choldenko

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 25, 2020

Orphan Eleven combines historical events and a timeless theme to craft an engrossing story of orphans running away to join the circus! Orphan Eleven by ...

Is The Kite Runner OK for 10th Graders?

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 10, 2020

Is The Kite Runner OK for 10th Graders? "My 10th grader has to read The Kite Runner for school. Do you know anything about it? ...

A Ceiling Made of Eggshells by Gail Carson Levine

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 5, 2020

A Ceiling Made of Eggshells is popular author Gail Carson Levine’s tribute to her own Sephardic-Jewish heritage. A Ceiling Made of Eggshells by Gail Carson ...

Wink by Rob Harrell

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 21, 2020

Wink, a highly-praised novel for middle-graders, offers a realistic yet engaging look at coping with cancer. Wink by Rob Harrell. Dial, 2020, 314 pages Reading ...

The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 15, 2020

The One and Only Bob stars the cynical, lovable mutt from Katherine Applegate's 2012 Newbery-award-winning novel. The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate. Harper, ...

Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 10, 2020

Yumi Chung faces the classic teen dilemma: honor your parents or follow your dream? Stand Up, Yumi Chung! By Jessica Kim. Penguin Random House, 2020, ...

The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 3, 2020

The Blackbird Girls takes readers to the shadow of Chernobyl and the world's worst nuclear disaster. The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman. Viking, 2020, 334 ...

Gold Rush Girl by Avi

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 30, 2020

An independent-minded young teen seeks adventure and finds maturity in Gold Rush Girl. Gold Rush Girl by Avi. Candlewick, 2020, 306 pages Reading Level: Middle ...

We Could Be Heroes by Margaret Finnegan

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 24, 2020

We Could Be Heroes puts together two "neurodiverse" youngsters in a misguided quest that results in real friendship. We Could Be Heroes by Margaret Finnegan. ...

Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 12, 2020

Ghetto Cowboy tells a heartwarming story of family, hard work, and horses in the midst of urban Philly. Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri and illustrated ...

Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 8, 2020

Ryan Hart, a next-generation Ramona Quimby, makes sunshine out of challenges in this warm-hearted series opener. Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson. Bloomsbury, 2020, ...

Open Mic: Riffs on Life Between Cultures in Ten Voices, edited by Mitali Perkins

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 4, 2020

In Open Mic, ten writers of color team up to offer their experiences (or stories based on their experiences) in this frank, humorous collection for ...

Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 3, 2020

Prairie Lotus, by Newbery author Linda Sue Park, offers a hopeful look at overcoming racism in the 19th-century American west. Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue ...

Lois Lenski Books: A Sampling

By Megan Saben | May 8, 2020

Lois Lenski books continue to be enjoyable and insightful reading for all ages. Lois Lenski Books Yesterday I shared a long-overdue introduction to an author ...

Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan

By Janie Cheaney | May 6, 2020

Mañanaland presents a dreamlike Latin-American landscape and a young boy taking a giant step toward adulthood. Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan. Scholastic, 2020, 247 pages. ...

Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 30, 2020

"The Real World" poses a creative challenge to a pair of enterprising middle-graders with conflicting motives. Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker. HarperCollins, ...

The Unteachables by Gordon Korman

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 17, 2020

The Unteachables rounds up a class full of misfits and molds them into a prize-winning team. The Unteachables by Gordon Korman. Balzer + Bray (HarperColins), ...

Sunnyside Plaza by Scott Simon

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 12, 2020

The mentally-challenged adults of Sunnyside Plaza step out of their comfort zone to solve a mystery. Sunnyside Plaza by Scott Simon. Little, Brown, 2020, 192 ...

Leaving Lymon by Lesa Cline-Ransome

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 4, 2020

Leaving Lymon is the heartfelt story of a child who feels abandoned by irresponsible parents. Leaving Lymon by Lesa Cline-Ransome. Holiday House, 2020, 193 pages ...

All the Impossible Things by Lindsay Lackey

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 11, 2020

A foster child with a troubled past dares to hope for "Impossible Things" to change her course. All the Impossible Things by Lindsay Lackey. Roaring ...

Allies by Alan Gratz

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 7, 2020

Allies is a fast, riveting read that communicates the urgency, complexity, and drama of D-Day, the turning point of World War II. Allies by Alan ...

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 6, 2020

Genesis, a black girl, struggles with self-image, much of which is fostered by her own family. Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams. Caitlyn Dlough ...

Someplace to Call Home by Sandra Dallas

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 5, 2020

Three motherless siblings seek "someplace to call home" in Depression-era Kansas. Someplace to Call Home by Sandra Dallas. Sleeping Bear Press, 2019, 222 pages Reading ...

2020 Newbery Buzz #5: Look Both Ways

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 22, 2020

Since his first novel was published in 2014, Jason Reynolds has been on an upward trajectory—deservedly so, for the most part. He was just named ...

2020 Newbery Buzz #4: My Jasper June and Pay Attention, Carter Jones

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 21, 2020

The American Library Association Youth Media awards will be announced in two weeks, and you can be sure the conversation is hot and heavy among ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 16, 2020

Continuing our roundup of possible contender for the 2020 Newbery Medal All the Greys on Greene Street by Laura Tucker. Viking, 320 pages. Olympia’s artist ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 9, 2020

Every year at this time, children's book websites brim with speculation about what books will win or place in the American Library Association's Youth Media ...

Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 2, 2020

Song for a Whale takes us into the world of a Deaf girl on a life-defining mission. Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly. Delacorte, ...

More to the Story by Hena Khan

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 20, 2019

More to the Story closely follows Little Women, but with contemporary Muslim-American girls. More to the Story by Hena Khan. Simon and Shuster (Salaam Reads), ...

Between Us and Abuela by Mitali Perkins

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 17, 2019

Mitali Pekins offers a touching tribute to generational attachment across years and borders. Between Us and Abuela: a Family Story from the Border by Mitali ...

*Nya's Long Walk: A Step at a Time

By Megan Saben | Dec 4, 2019

Nya faces tough choices when her little sister falls ill near the remote water hole. Nya's Long Walk: A Step at a Time by Linda ...

Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 14, 2019

Wildfire is a fast read that will take even reluctant readers into the heart of a fast-moving catastrophe. Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick. Blue Sky (Scholastic), ...