Realistic Fiction
Storm Horse by Nick Garlick
By Janie Cheaney |
Storm Horse pits a boy and a horse against a greedy land developer in the modern-day Netherlands. Storm Horse by Nick Garlick. Scholastic, 2017, 242 ...
Read More The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
By Betsy Farquhar |
Winner takes all in a bet between siblings Jessie and Evan Treski as they battle it out lemonade-stand style in this realistic fiction novel for ...
Read More The Sweetest Sound by Sherri Winston
By Janie Cheaney |
A shy ten-year-old comes to recognize that both talents and personality are gifts of God and not to be disparaged. The Sweetest Sound, by Sherri ...
Read More Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel by Kimberly Willis Holt
By Janie Cheaney |
In this likeable middle-grade novel, a grieving 13-year-old builds a new life in a new place with extended family. Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel ...
Read More Kentucky Derby Book List: A Bakers Dozen
By Betsy Farquhar |
Calling all horse lovers! The Kentucky Derby runs this Saturday like it does every first Saturday of May. Will there be another Triple Crown winner ...
Read More Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
By Janie Cheaney |
The movie version of Before I Fall has revived interest in this novel of a teen girl’s opportunity to relive her last day six times ...
Read More The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez by Robin Yardi
By Janie Cheaney |
A new best friend, a pushy little sister and two thieving skunks cause no end of trouble for Mateo in this quirky tale. The Midnight ...
Read More American Ace by Marilyn Nelson
By Hayley Morell |
Engaging and short, one teenager's search for answers will leave readers wanting to learn more about the Tuskegee Airmen. American Ace by Marilyn Nelson. Dial ...
Read More Every Single Second by Tricia Springstubb
By Janie Cheaney |
This thoughtful novel about growth, change, and community sensitively explores a girl’s relationship to her Italian-American family and Catholic faith. Every Single Second by Tricia ...
Read More 2017 Newbery Buzz: Ghost and Booked
By Janie Cheaney |
Janie: Last Friday, we discussed two middle grade novels that were filled with sadness. Today we turn to a couple of sports-related novels by authors ...
Read More *Tiger Boy by Mitali Perkins
By Janie Cheaney |
Tiger Boy, set in the Sundarban Islands, is a satisfying tale of courage and responsibility for younger middle-graders. a review from our archives! (originally published June ...
Read More A Shiloh Christmas by Phillis Reynolds Naylor
By Janie Cheaney |
The long-running Shiloh series wraps up with appropriate Christmas cheer but not too much theological clarity. A Shiloh Christmas by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Atheneum, 2015, ...
Read More *Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan
By Janie Cheaney |
Likeable characters and a gently-humorous style introduces early-elementary readers to the rewards of hard work and free enterprise. *Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan ...
Read More *Ghost by Jason Reynolds
By Janie Cheaney |
A kid from “the projects” learns to put speed in service of character building and achievement. *Ghost by Jason Reynold. Atheneum, 2016, 180 pages Reading ...
Read More Hundred Percent by Karen Romano Young
By Janie Cheaney |
This insightful novel about the awkward years between 11 and 14 could make a useful discussion starter for mothers and daughters. Hundred Percent by Karen ...
Read More Kid Owner by Tim Green
By Janie Cheaney |
A 12-year-old inherits the Dallas Cowboys, leading to a unique set of challenges and opportunities for character growth. Kid Owner, by Tim Green. Harper, 2015, ...
Read More The Candymakers by Wendy Mass
By Betsy Farquhar |
Four children simultaneously solve a mystery and learn about teamwork in this sweet, chocolate-y mystery. The Candymakers by Wendy Mass. Little, Brown, 2010. 480 pages. ...
Read More Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes
By Betsy Farquhar |
A tender exploration of the aftermath of 9/11 as one girl begins to understand her father's connection to the events. Towers Falling by Jewell Parker ...
Read More Spirit Week Showdown by Crystal Allen
By Janie Cheaney |
Mya Tibbs is the perky, enthusiastic narrator of this family- and school-based series for advanced chapter-book readers. Spirit Week Showdown (Magnificent Myra Tibbs #1) by ...
Read More Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan
By Betsy Farquhar |
"Don't judge a book--or a 5th grader--by its cover" is the message that comes through loud and clear in this heart-warming middle grades title. Save ...
Read More *Calvin by Martine Leavitt
By Janie Cheaney |
A schizophrenic teen embarks on a quest for self-discovery and truth that becomes a struggle for survival. Calvin by Martine Leavitt. Farrar Strauss and Giroux, ...
Read More Katie Friedman Gives up Texting by Tommy Greenwald
By Janie Cheaney |
Middle-graders who swear of texting for one week have to discover other means of communication, with mixed results. Katie Friedman Gives up Texting by Tommy ...
Read More Josh Baxter Levels Up by Gavin Brown
By Janie Cheaney |
A 12-year-old video gamer learns to “level up” his academic and social skills to meet real-life challenges. Josh Baxter Levels Up by Gavin Brown. Scholastic, ...
Read More It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel by Firoozah Dumas
By Janie Cheaney |
An Iranian girl in a California middle school struggles to bridge cultures in this compelling, semi-autobiographical narrative. It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel by Firoozah Dumas. ...
Read More *Frank and Lucky Get Schooled by Lynn Rae Perkins
By Janie Cheaney |
Frank and Lucky’s close friendship leads them into countless adventures in learning, where “school subjects” never see the inside of a classroom. *Frank and Lucky ...
Read More Mayday by Karen Harrington
By Janie Cheaney |
In Mayday, 13-year-old Wayne discovers that even a plane crash can have a silver lining, and treasures may hide under life’s hard knocks. Mayday by ...
Read More Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
By Janie Cheaney |
The rough, tough world of girls' roller derby is the setting for this surprisingly sweet depiction of friendship, breakup, and change. Roller Girl by Victoria ...
Read More What Elephants Know by Erick Dinerstein
By Janie Cheaney |
Lowland Tibet is the exotic setting for this coming-of-age story featuring an 11-year-old boy and the elephants he loves. What Elephants Know by Erick Dinerstein. ...
Read More Talking about Books That Talk about Race
By Janie Cheaney |
Not a "Newbery Buzz" post because these titles were published before 2016 and are already award winners! But, for similar posts in which Janie and Betsy ...
Read More When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds
By Janie Cheaney |
A black teen in the 'hood struggles to maintain his focus when his best friend takes a wrong turn with potentially serious consequences. When I ...
Read More All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
By Betsy Farquhar |
Rashad (a black guy) and Quinn (a white guy) take turns narrating this timely and moving young adult realistic fiction story about police brutality and ...
Read More The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick
By Janie Cheaney |
In this series opener, four sixth-grade girls discover that reading the classics can change contemporary attitudes. The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick. Simon ...
Read More The Mother-Daughter Book Camp by Heather Vogel Frederick
By Janie Cheaney |
The Mother-Daughter Book Club series wraps up with all five members of the club serving as camp counselors together before launching their adult lives. The ...
Read More The Big Dark by Rodman Philbrick
By Janie Cheaney |
A small England Community fights for survival when a solar flare wipes out all sources of power, in this taut thriller with a 12-year-old hero. ...
Read More Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key
By Janie Cheaney |
In a fast, thrilling read, a 13-year-old boy must display courage, ingenuity, and persistence in extremely dangerous circumstances. Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key. ...
Read More Soar by Joan Bauer
By Janie Cheaney |
In this cozy sports story, Jeremiah has learned through difficulty, but may not be able to pass the lessons on to his teammates. Soar by ...
Read More Sunny Side Up by Jennifer Holm
By Janie Cheaney |
In this graphic novel with a bittersweet twist, Sunny's disappointing “vacation” in her grandfather’s retirement community conceals some family secrets. Sunny Side Up by Jennifer ...
Read More My Life in Pictures by Deborah Zemke
By Janie Cheaney |
Bea Garcia learns to deal with disappointment and make the most of her artistic gifts in this first cartoon-illustrated installment of a series. My Life ...
Read More Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo
By Janie Cheaney |
Three 10-year-old girls cope with life’s ups and downs by learning to rely on each other, in a story with "magical" elements. Raymie Nightingale by ...
Read More Good Reading for Teens–Except for One Thing . . .
By Janie Cheaney |
Lately I read two books for teens, one fiction and one nonfiction, that conformed to time-honored, even classic, storylines. The novel, A Step toward Falling, ...
Read More The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
By Janie Cheaney |
Though probably the most honored children's writer of her generation, Katherine Paterson hasn't seen many of her books translated to film. This weekend will be ...
Read More Newberry Buzz: Orbiting Jupiter by Gary Schmidt
By Janie Cheaney |
Today wraps up our discussion of middle-grade novels being touted as possible contenders for the 2016 Newbery Award. The awards will be announced early this ...
Read More Newbery Buzz: The Thing about Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
By Janie Cheaney |
Betsy and Janie are continuing their discussion of possible 2016 Newbery Award winners. On deck today is a novel by a debut author which has ...
Read More Flying Ponies and Dump Trucks
By Janie Cheaney |
Do little kids love fantasy? NPR recently reported on a study done by three academic psychologists on the subject of children and fiction. They asked ...
Read More Matthew Muddles Through by Glenda Mathes
By Janie Cheaney |
Matthew Muddles Through (Matthew in the Middle #1) by Glenda Mathes. CreateSpace, 2014, 220 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-12 ...
Read More 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
By Janie Cheaney |
Since its publication in 2006, 13 Reasons Why has become the go-to novel on the subject of teen suicide, but it’s more sensational than useful. ...
Read More Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead
By Betsy Farquhar |
Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead. Wendy Lamb Books, 2015. 304 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12Recommended For: Ages 12-15 Bottom Line: Three best friends attempt ...
Read More Fort by Cynthia DeFelice
By Janie Cheaney |
Fort by Cynthia DeFelice. Farrar Strauss Giroux, 2015. 200 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 10-12 (especially boys and reluctant readers) ...
Read More A+ Attitude (Morgan Love Series) by Stephanie Perry Moore
By Betsy Farquhar |
A+ Attitude (Morgan Love Series #1) by Stephanie Perry Moore. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2011. 144 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...
Read More Just Jump! (Double Dutch Series #1) by Mabel Elizabeth Singletary
By Betsy Farquhar |
Just Jump! (Double Dutch Series #1) by Mabel Elizabeth Singletary. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2007. 160 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...
Read More Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore
By Betsy Farquhar |
Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore. Alec London Series. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2011. 160 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...
Read More *Mikis and the Donkey by Bibi Dumon Tak
By Janie Cheaney |
*Mikis and the Donkey by Bibi Dumon Tak, illustrated by Philip Hopman. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2014. 89 pages Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...
Read More Ling and Ting books by Grace Lin
By Betsy Farquhar |
A delightful early reader series about Asian American twins, Ling and Ting. Ling and Ting books by Grace Lin. LB Kids, 2011 (and to the ...
Read More *Red Butterfly by A. L. Sonnischen
By Janie Cheaney |
*Red Butterfly by A. L. Sonnischen. Simon & Shuster, 2015, 392 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-15 Bottom line: In ...
Read More Paper Things by Jennifer Jacobson
By Janie Cheaney |
Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson. Candlewick, 2015, 376 pages Reading Level: Middle grades ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 (especially girls) Bottom Line: The ...
Read More The Only Game by Mike Lupica
By Janie Cheaney |
The Only Game by Mike Lupica (Home Team series, #1). Simon & Shuster, 2015. 321 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages ...
Read More Jasper John Dooley: You’re in Trouble! by Caroline Adderson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Jasper John Dooley: You're in Trouble! by Caroline Adderson and illustrated by Ben Clanton. Kids Can Press, 2015. 124 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...
Read More Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind by Caroline Adderson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind by Caroline Adderson and illustrated by Ben Clanton. Kids Can Press, 2011. 132 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 4-8 Recommended ...
Read More The Penderwicks in Spring by Jeanne Birdsall
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Penderwicks in Spring by Jeanne Birdsall. Knopf, 2015. 352 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 Recommended for: Ages 8-12 Bottom Line: The best ...
Read More The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall. Yearling, 2012 (originally 2011). 320 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 Recommended for: Ages 8-12 Bottom ...
Read More The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall
By Janie Cheaney |
The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall. Knopf, 2008. 302 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 Recommended For: ages 8-10 and up Bottom ...
Read More The Distance Between Lost and Found by Kathryn Holmes
By Janie Cheaney |
The Distance Between Lost and Found by Kathryn Holmes. HarperTeen, 2015. 306 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 15-18 Bottom Line: ...
Read More Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff
By Janie Cheaney |
Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff. Penguin, 2014, 305 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Bottom Line: Absolutely Almost is a reassuring tale for middle ...
Read More Absolutely Truly by Heather Vogel
By Janie Cheaney |
Absolutely Truly by Heather Vogel Frederick. Simon & Shuster, cheap 2014. 354 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ed ages 10-12 Recommended For: ages 10-12 and ...
Read More George Washington’s Breakfast by Jean Fritz
By Megan Saben |
George Washington’s Breakfast by Jean Fritz, illustrated by Paul Galdone (cover image by Tomie DePaola). Putnam & Grosset, 1969. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ...
Read More Running Lean By Diana Sharples
By Janie Cheaney |
Running Lean by Diana Sharples. Zondervan/Blink, 2013. 400 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 15-18 Recommended For: ages 16 and up Bottom Line: Running Lean ...
Read More All the Answers by Kate Messner
By Betsy Farquhar |
All the Answers by Kate Messner. Bloomsbury, 2015. 256 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12Recommended For: ages 10-12, especially girls Bottom Line: In this middle-grades ...
Read More First Date by Melody Carlson
By Janie Cheaney |
First Date (Dating Games #1) by Melody Carlson. Revell, 2013. 212 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) Bottom Line: ...
Read More Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin
By Janie Cheaney |
Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin. Feiwel & Friends, 2014. 223 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, age 8-10 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 10-12) and up ...
Read More The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney
By Janie Cheaney |
The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Shane Evans. Little, Brown, 2014. 319 pages, including notes and glossary. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...
Read More Skies Like These by Tess Hilmo
By Janie Cheaney |
Skies Like These by Tess Hilmo. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2014. 231 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 10-12) One-line ...
Read More Pack of Dorks by Beth Vrabel
By Janie Cheaney |
Pack of Dorks by Beth Vrabel. Sky Pony Press, 2014. 213 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Maturity Level: 3 (ages 8-10) One-line Summary: ...
Read More Threatened by Eliot Schrefer
By Janie Cheaney |
Threatened by Eliot Schrefer. Scholastic, 2014. 278 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 15-18 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) One-line Summary: Threatened, one of this year’s ...
Read More If You’re Reading This by Trent Reedy
By Janie Cheaney |
If You’re Reading This, by Trent Reedy. Scholastic, 2014. 296 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) One-line Summary: If ...
Read More We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
By Janie Cheaney |
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. Delacorte, 2014. 242 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, Ages 12-14 Maturity Level: 7 (Ages 16-up) Then he pulled out ...
Read More *Somebody on This Bus is Going to Be Famous by (our very own) J. B. Cheaney
By Betsy Farquhar |
*Somebody on This Bus Is Going to Be Famous by J. B. Cheaney. Sourcebooks, 2014. 304 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades (8-12)Recommended For: Ages 10-12 Bottom ...
Read More Vigilante Poets
By Hayley Morell |
The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer. Alfred A. Knopf, 2014, 323 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, Ages 15 - 18 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15 ...
Read More I Kill the Mockingbird
By Janie Cheaney |
I Kill the Mockingbird, by Paul Acampora. Roaring Brook Press, 2014, 177 pages. Reading level: Middle grades, ages 11-12 Maturity level: 4 (ages 11-12) and ...
Read More Grandmaster
By Janie Cheaney |
Grandmaster, by David Klass. Farrar Strauss and Giroux, 2014, 226 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, Ages 15-18 Maturity Level: 6 (15-18) What if you discovered ...
Read More *The Desperate Adventures of Zeno and Alya by Jane Kelley
By Janie Cheaney |
*The Desperate Adventures of Zeno and Alya, by Jane Kelley. Feiwel & Friends, 2013, 201 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-10 Maturity Level: 3 ...
Read More Shakespeare Bats Cleanup by Ron Koertge
By Janie Cheaney |
Shakespeare Bats Cleanup by Ron Koertge. Candlewick, 2003, 116 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 10-12 Maturity Level: 5 (Ages 12-15) One-line Summary: Kevin, age 15, ...
Read More *The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
By Janie Cheaney |
*The Crossover by Kwame Alexander. Harcourt Mifflin Harcourt, 2014. 237 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grade, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 10-12) and up Bottom ...
Read More Rounding Up Some Good YA Reads
By Janie Cheaney |
As Hayley noted earlier this week, the much-heralded final volume of Veronica Roth's Divergent trilogy was a disappointment. Much-heralded final volumes often disappoint, but what's ...
Read More *Jane, the Fox, and Me by Fanny Britt
By Janie Cheaney |
Jane, the Fox, and Me by Fanny Britt and Isobelle Arsenault (translated from the original French). Groundwood, 2014, 101 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
Read More One Dog and His Boy by Eva Ibbotson
By Betsy Farquhar |
A lonely boy and a lonely girl team up to rescue their dog friends and end up each finding a true home in this feel-good ...
Read More White Fur Flying by Patricia MacLachlan
By Betsy Farquhar |
A gentle chapter book that explores family emotional issues with a big dose of furry love on the side. White Fur Flying by Patricia MacLachlan. ...
Read More Boy + Dog = Good Read
By Betsy Farquhar |
Boy + dog is a solid formula that's been in play in the literary world for decades. How many of you read Old Yeller in ...
Read More Christian Romance: part of a well-balanced “book diet”?
By Betsy Farquhar |
A Balanced "Book Diet" Reading is like eating: you need a variety of wholesome ingredients, a little sugar, and a little moderation across the board. ...
Read More No Battlefield Like Home
By Janie Cheaney |
Chasing Jupiter, by Rachel Coker. Zondervan, 2012, 221 pages. Age/interest level: 12-up. Our story begins in small-town Georgia, 1969—but 16-year-old Scarlett’s world seems even smaller ...
Read More Destiny, Rewritten by Kathryn Fitzmaurice
By Janie Cheaney |
Destiny, Rewritten, by Kathryn Fitzmaurice. HarperCollins, 2013, 335 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-12 (especially girls) Bottom Line: Destiny, Rewritten ...
Read More Love in the Age of Roe
By Janie Cheaney |
In our posts over the last two weeks, Emily and I have suggested that Roe v. Wade has changed America profoundly in the ways we ...
Read More Unstoppable by Tim Green
By Janie Cheaney |
A middle-grade boy's football ambitions crash against a cancer diagnosis in this frank tale by NFL star Tim Green. Unstoppable, by Tim Green. HarperCollins, 2012, ...
Read More Kids–Try This at Home
By Janie Cheaney |
Got a novel idea? It’s easier than ever to get published, but if the imprint on the spine of your masterwork is Xlibris or iUniverse, ...
Read More Bad Trips
By Janie Cheaney |
Summer is the traditional time for road trips, and road-trip novels traditionally roll out in the spring. A title from this year and one from ...
Read More Wonder
By Janie Cheaney |
Wonder, by R. J. Palacio. Knopf, 2012, 320 pages. Ages 8-up August (Augie) Pullman obviously doesn’t remember the day he was born, but in the ...
Read More The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
By Janie Cheaney |
As Jesus takes us to the cross this week, I’d like to spend some time looking at recent and classic children’s literature that addresses the ...
Read More Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
By Janie Cheaney |
Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George. Harper Collins, 1972 (paperback reissue 2003). 208 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, 10-12 Recommended for: Young adult, ...
Read More Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
By Janie Cheaney |
Gary Paulsen's classic survival novel Hatchet offers a realistic--as opposed to romantic-- view of nature and what it takes to survive in the wild. Hatchet ...
Read More Autism: Fiction and Fact
By Janie Cheaney |
Marcelo in the Real World, by Francisco X Stork. Scholastic, 2009, 312 pages. Age/interest level: 14-up. Dancing With Max, by Emily Colson. Zondervan, 2010, 200 ...
Read More The Meaning of Life
By Janie Cheaney |
Where Things Come Back, by John Corey Whaley. Atheneum, 2011, 240 pages. Age-interest level: 16-up. UPDATE: Where Things Come Back has won a gold medal ...
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