realistic fiction
Yours from the Tower by Sally Nichols
By Janie Cheaney |
In Yours from the Tower, three young ladies overcome obstacles and find true love in late 19th-century England. Yours from the Tower by Sally Nichols. ...
Read More Eagle Drums by Nasugraq Raney Hopson
By Janie Cheaney |
The Newbery Honor novel Eagle Drums portrays the mythical origin of a cherished tradition of the Iñupiat people. Eagle Drums by Nasugraq Raney Hopson. Roaring ...
Read More Between Two Brothers by Crystal Allen
By Janie Cheaney |
In Between Two Brothers, a boy struggles for forgiveness and reconciliation after his older brother is seriously injured in a traffic accident. Between Two Brothers ...
Read More 2024 Newbery Buzz #4: Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow
By Hayley Morell |
Simon Sort of Says was longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Could it win the Newbery? We're continuing our long-running Newbery ...
Read More Newbery Roundup 1: Jawbreaker, When Sea Becomes Sky, Duel
By Janie Cheaney |
Two weeks from now (January 22), the American Library Association will announce their Youth Media Award winners, including the Newbery and Caldecott. We’ve kept an ...
Read More Back to the Bright Before by Katherin Nolte
By Janie Cheaney |
Back to the Bright Before is a touching tale that mixes medieval imagery with a contemporary story of guilt and redemption. Back to the Bright ...
Read More Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson
By Janie Cheaney |
Remember Us is a quiet novel that ponders the conundrum of change and permanence. Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson. Nancy Paulsen Books (PRH), 2023, 192 ...
Read More A Stubborn Sweetness by Katherine Paterson
By Betsy Farquhar |
"A Stubborn Sweetness" is one of 15 short stories that celebrate the truth, beauty, and goodness of the real meaning of Christmas. A Stubborn Sweetness ...
Read More Nothing Else but Miracles by Kate Albus
By Janie Cheaney |
Nothing Else but Miracles features a spunky and imaginative protagonist making the most of hardships on the WWII home front. Nothing Else but Miracles by ...
Read More *Enemies in the Orchard by Dana VanderLugt
By Janie Cheaney |
In Enemies in the Orchard, an American girl and a German POW discover a shared humanity among the tragedy of war. *Enemies in the Orchard ...
Read More Code of Silence and Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker
By Betsy Farquhar |
A heart-pounding mystery series, with hidden twists and turns at every corner and a powerful message. Note: this is a guest review. See below for ...
Read More The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass
By Janie Cheaney |
The Lost Library is thin on theme, but warm hearted and family-friendly. The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. Feiwel and Friends, 2023, ...
Read More Dust by Dusti Bowling
By Janie Cheaney |
Dust is the story of an asthma sufferer challenged to “use her breath” to fight a wrong. Dust by Dusti Bowling. Little, Brown, 2023, 328 ...
Read More The Switch by Roland Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
A 13-year-old boy must help his large family survive an ElectroMagnetic Pulse in The Switch. The Switch by Roland Smith. Scholastic, 2022, 303 pages. Reading ...
Read More Sparrow Being Sparrow by Gail Donovan
By Janie Cheaney |
Sparrow Being Sparrow introduces a likeable heroine with some impulsive ways that are open to correction. Sparrow Being Sparrow by Gail Donovan, illustrated by Elysia ...
Read More How to Stay Invisible by Maggie C. Rudd
By Janie Cheaney |
In How to Stay Invisible, an abandoned boy attempts to make it on his own and discovers he needs other people. How to Stay Invisible ...
Read More Ginny Off the Map by Caroline Hickey
By Janie Cheaney |
In Ginny off the Map, a geography-obsessed sixth-grader learns to meet people where they are and find “true north” in her own family. Ginny Off ...
Read More In the Tunnel by Julie Lee
By Janie Cheaney |
In the Tunnel takes readers into the savagery and family upheaval of the Korean War . In the Tunnel by Julie Lee. Holiday House, 2023, ...
Read More Buffalo Flats by Martine Leavitt
By Janie Cheaney |
Buffalo Flats takes readers to the Northwest Territory of Canada, for an unforgettable story of spiritual growth and romance. Buffalo Flats by Martine Leavitt. Margaret ...
Read More The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson
By Janie Cheaney |
Noting one important consideration, The Firefly Summer is an enjoyable light read with a theme of family solidarity. The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson. Simon ...
Read More Gladys Hunt on Diversity
By Janie Cheaney |
“Teacher, do you have any books with pictures of kids that look like me?” Originally published on the Tumblon website, October 10, 2009 Probably more ...
Read More *The Labors of Hercles Beal by Gary Schmidt
By Janie Cheaney |
The title character of The Labors of Hercules Beal works through his grief by duplicating, in contemporary terms, the 12 "labors" of his mythical namesake. ...
Read More School Trip by Jerry Craft
By Janie Cheaney |
School Trip, a companion novel to Newbery-winning New Kid, launches the Riverdale Academy students on a tour of Paris. School Trip by Jerry Craft. Quill ...
Read More Not an Easy Win by Chrystal D. Giles
By Janie Cheaney |
Not an Easy Win is the encouraging story of a displaced young man finding purpose and life lessons in the game of chess. Not an ...
Read More All My Rage by Saaba Tahir
By Janie Cheaney |
All My Rage, winner of the 2023 Printz Award, follows a pair of Pakistani-American teens from uncertainty through trauma to stability and hope. All My ...
Read More Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
By Betsy Farquhar |
Spare and sensitive, Liar & Spy is a warm-hearted middle-grades story about two lonely boys who form a deep, abiding friendship. Liar & Spy by ...
Read More *Dragonfly Eyes by Cao Wenxuan
By Janie Cheaney |
Dragonfly Eyes is a slowly-unfolding, beautiful picture of family love and loyalty during the stressful days of China’s Cultural Revolution. *Dragonfly Eyes by Cao Wenxuan, ...
Read More In the Blue by Erin Hourigan
By Hayley Morell |
In the Blue gently explores what it is like for a child to experience the depression of a loved one. In the Blue by Erin ...
Read More 2023 Newbery Winner: Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson
By Janie Cheaney |
Freewater, this year's Newbery Medal winner, is as much an adventure tale as little-known history. Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson. Little, Brown (James Patterson Presents), 2022, ...
Read More *My Brother Is Away by Sara Greenwood
By Betsy Farquhar |
My Brother Is Away offers an empathetic glimpse into what it's like, from the child's perspective, to have a brother (or sister) off in jail. ...
Read More A Place for Peter by Elizabeth Yates
By Megan Saben |
A Place for Peter is a good choice for boys who are avid readers and enjoy character-driven, literary coming-of-age stories, or families who are looking ...
Read More The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen by Isaac Blum
By Janie Cheaney |
“Hoodie Rosen” introduces teen readers to the Orthodox Jewish world and the reality of antisemitism. The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen by Isaac Blum. ...
Read More Too Small Tola and the Three Fine Girls by Atinuke
By Janie Cheaney |
"Too Small Tola" returns in a second volume of this warm-hearted series of Nigerian family life. Too Small Tola and the Three Fine Girls by ...
Read More Love and Laughter Book List
By Janie Cheaney |
A Valentine's Day list of books that celebrate family love and wholesome romance. It’s the season of hearts and flowers and chocolate. Valentine’s Day is ...
Read More Newbery Roundup #1: Freestyle, Swim Team, and Maizy Chen’s Last Chance
By Janie Cheaney |
Three novels for middle-grades that may be under consideration for this year's top prize Freestyle by Gale Galligan. Graphix; (Scholastic), 2022, 322 pages. (Ages 10-14) ...
Read More 2023 Newbery Buzz #2: The Door of No Return
By Janie Cheaney |
Back for our second buzz, Janie and Betsy talk over a troubling but moving verse novel. Out of Africa Janie: Kwame Alexander scored a gold ...
Read More The Lucky Ones by Linda Williams Jackson
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Lucky Ones, an impoverished family in the rural south takes a big step up during the Civil Rights struggles of the 1960s. The ...
Read More Out of Range by Heidi Lang
By Janie Cheaney |
Out of Range puts three warring sisters into a life-or-death situation that will destroy their bond—and perhaps their lives—or restore it. Out of Range by ...
Read More Belittled Women by Amanda Sellet
By Janie Cheaney |
Belittled Woman features a contemporary Meg, Jo, and Amy reluctantly participating in their mother’s pet project: a tourist attraction reenacting scenes from a certain 19th-century ...
Read More *Berliners by Vesper Stamper
By Janie Cheaney |
Berliners is the story of a family scarred by war, politics, and false ideology in postwar Germany. *Berliners by Vesper Stamper. Knopf, 2022, 413 pages. ...
Read More Haven: A Small Cat’s Big Adventure by Megan Wagner Lloyd
By Janie Cheaney |
Haven: A Small Cat’s Big Adventure is a realistic but heartwarming animal tale of loyalty and friendship. Haven: A Small Cat’s Big Adventure by Megan ...
Read More The Rat Queen by Pete Hautman
By Janie Cheaney |
Though not for every reader, The Rat Queen effectively exposes the harm caused to individual souls by hiding or excusing their own sins. The Rat ...
Read More A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga
By Janie Cheaney |
A Rover's Story employs an unusual protagonist to celebrate science, space exploration, and humanity. A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga. Balzer+Bray, 2022, 294 pages. Reading ...
Read More The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander
By Janie Cheaney |
The Door of No Return uses beautifully modulated verse to communicate the humanity of the Ashanti people and the horrors of the African slave trade. ...
Read More Wildoak by C. C. Harrington
By Janie Cheaney |
Wildoak is a gentle story about a girl finding a voice and a cause in the natural world. Wildoak by C. C. Harrigan. Scholastic, 2022, ...
Read More Violet and Jobie in the Wild by Lynne Rae Perkins
By Janie Cheaney |
Mouse siblings Violet and Jobie must suddenly fend for themselves in a world both terrifying and lovely. Violet & Jobie in the Wild by Lynn ...
Read More The Vanderbeekers on the Road by Karina Yan Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
The Vanderbeekrs, one of our favorite families, is on the road to discovery, opportunity, and possibly romance. The Vanderbeekers on the Road by Karina Yan ...
Read More Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks
By Janie Cheaney |
Ride On is an equestrian graphic novel that horse aficionados will devour. Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks. First Second, 2022, 218 pages. Reading Level: ...
Read More Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd
By Janie Cheaney |
Hummingbird features a plucky protagonist with a debilitating bone disease—who doesn’t see herself as debilitated. Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd. Scholastic, 2022, 348 pages. Reading Level: ...
Read More Yonder by Ali Standish
By Janie Cheaney |
Yonder is a thoughtful and moving historical novel about the nature of heroism. Yonder by Ali Standish. Harper, 2022, 348 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
Read More Lines of Courage by Jennifer A. Nielsen
By Janie Cheaney |
Lines of Courage follows five young protagonists through the epoch-making carnage of World War I. Lines of Courage by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Scholastic Press, 2022, ...
Read More Brand New Kid by David Almond
By Janie Cheaney |
Brand New Boy explores the "humanity" of manufactured humans through the eyes of curious middle-school students. Brand New Boy by David Almond, with pictures by ...
Read More Quick Summer Reads: Treasure Tracks, High Score, and Wretched Waterpark
By Janie Cheaney |
Three entertaining novels for the adventure-seeker, the heist-lover, and the doom-aficionado. Treasure Tracks by S. A. Rodriguez. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2022, 214 pages. Reading Level: ...
Read More *Tree Street Kids: Lions to the Rescue! and Mystery in Crooked Creek Woods
By Megan Saben |
The Tree Street Kids series continues as Jack, Ellison, Roger, Ruthie and Midge develop new and better friendships, and also solve a mystery. Tree Street ...
Read More The Islanders: Search for Treasure by Mary Alice Monroe
By Janie Cheaney |
The Islanders Series features three friends spending enlightening and adventure-filled summers on an island off the coast of South Carolina. The Islanders: Search for Treasure ...
Read More *Love and Other Great Expectations by Becky Dean
By Janie Cheaney |
*Love and Other Great Expectations puts romance in its place as part of life’s great adventure (but not all of it). Love and Other Great ...
Read More Cookies & Milk by Shawn Amos
By Janie Cheaney |
Cookies & Milk is an enjoyable fictionalized account of the world’s first chocolate-chip cookie store and the launch of a “famous” business. Cookies & Milk ...
Read More Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatramen
By Betsy Farquhar |
When Kabir leaves jail at age nine, he enters a world unknown to him: the free world. A delicate and sensitive novel for middle grades. ...
Read More My Own Lightning by Lauren Wolk
By Janie Cheaney |
My Own Lightning follows the author’s previous Newbery-honored novel, Wolf Hollow, with a more hopeful conclusion. My Own Lightning by Lauren Wolk. Dutton, 2022, 307 ...
Read More Each of Us a Universe by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo
By Janie Cheaney |
Two girls with big problems draw resilience from each other and the "Magic" of the Universe. Each of Us a Universe by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo ...
Read More Polly and the Screen Time Overload by Betsy Childs Howard
By Janie Cheaney |
Polly and the Screen Time Overload gently points young children away from electronic fascinations to the quieter joys of real life. Polly and the Screen ...
Read More Bestselling YA: A Look at the 2022 Market
By Janie Cheaney |
Aside from one graphic-novel romance series, novels about death and murder dominate the current YA scene. Where's hope? What are kids reading these days? As ...
Read More Polo Cowboy by G. Neri
By Betsy Farquhar |
Cole learns to be a polo cowboy despite bullying and prejudice in this interesting follow-up to Ghetto Cowboy. Polo Cowboy by G. Neri and illustrated ...
Read More The School for Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix
By Janie Cheaney |
In The School for Whatnots, popular children's author Margaret Peterson Haddix explores how good intentions go awry. The School for Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix. ...
Read More New Picture Books: Knight Owl, Hello Puddle!, All from a Walnut, Hundred Years of Happiness
By Janie Cheaney |
Four new picture books take a humorous look at knighthood, explore backyard science, and appreciate grandparents. Knight Owl by Christopher Denise. Little, Brown, 2022,40 pages ...
Read More Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire
By Janie Cheaney |
Cress Watercress, a young rabbit suddenly fatherless, finds strength and purpose in this beautifully written tale. Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire, illustrated by David Litchfield. ...
Read More Wake Up Missing by Kate Messner
By Betsy Farquhar |
Wake Up Missing mixes science with science fiction: DNA manipulation, nefarious plots, and excitement. Wake Up Missing by Kate Messner. Walker Childrens, 2013. 272 pages. ...
Read More Itch: the Explosive Adventures of an Element Hunter by Simon Mayo
By Janie Cheaney |
Solid science adds heft to Itch, a present-day sci-fi novel with elements of an international spy thriller. Itch: the Explosive Adventures of an Element Hunter, ...
Read More Troublemaker by John Cho
By Janie Cheaney |
Troublemaker honestly pictures generational, cultural, and racial conflict against the background of the Los Angeles riots of 1992. Troublemaker by John Cho. Little, Brown, 2022, ...
Read More *A Duet for Home by Karina Yan Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
A Duet for Home portrays the plight of the homeless as far from hopeless—or helpless. *A Duet for Home by Karina Yan Glaser. Clarion Books, ...
Read More *Out of My Mind and Out of My Heart by Sharon Draper
By Janie Cheaney |
Out of My Mind and its sequel, Out of My Heart, welcome readers into the rich inner life of Melody Brooks, a bright pre-teen with ...
Read More A Cloud of Outrageous Blue by Vesper Stamper
By Janie Cheaney |
A peasant girl in pre-Plague England holds the key to key to healing and "outrageous blue" hope. *A Cloud of Outrageous Blue by Vesper Stamper. ...
Read More Northwind by Gary Paulsen
By Janie Cheaney |
Northwind follows a boy into the northern wilderness to be reborn in the harsh cradle of nature. Northwind by Gary Paulsen. Farrar Strauss Giroux, 2022, ...
Read More Printz Honor Books Roundup: Last Night at the Telegraph Club, Concrete Rose, Revolution in Our Time, Starfish
By Janie Cheaney |
The Michael L. Printz Award is given by the American Library Association for “Excellence in literature written for young adults.” Last year’s winner was Everything ...
Read More Operation Do-Over by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 2022 Schneider Family Middle-Grade Roundup: A Bird Will Soar, A Kind of Spark, Stuntboy in the Meantime
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Final Season by Tim Green
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 2022 Newbery Buzz #5: Cuba in My Pocket
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 2022 Newbery Buzz #2: The One Thing You’d Save
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Clues to the Universe by Christina Lee
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More Honey for a Child’s Heart, 50th Anniversary edition
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More Birdie’s Bargain by Katherine Paterson
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Mighty Inside by Sundee T. Frazier
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
Read More Meals From Mars by Ben Sciacca
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More *The Swallow’s Flight by Hilary McKay
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Cuba in My Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Across the Desert by Dusti Bowling
By Janie Cheaney |
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. ...
Read More The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish by Karina Van Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
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. ...
Read More Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha Farrant
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More One Kid’s Trash by Jamie Sumner
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More What about the Tuttle Twins?
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More The Thing I’m Most Afraid Of by Kristin Levine
By Janie Cheaney |
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. ...
Read More Walls by L. M. Elliot
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Linked by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More Dead Wednesday by Jerry Spinelli
By Janie Cheaney |
"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 ...
Read More 9/11 for Middle Graders: Ground Zero and In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More Right Cross by Andrew Huff
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Franklin Endicott and the Third Key by Kate DiCamillo
By Betsy Farquhar |
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: ...
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