realistic fiction

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 ...

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? ...

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 ...

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 ...

Newbery Roundup #1: The Line Tender, Tristan Strong, and 1919

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 6, 2020

Newbery season is upon us, culminating in the American Library Association Youth Media Awards on January 27. We've been keeping an eye on books that ...

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), ...

Skyjacked by Paul Griffin

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 14, 2019

Five high school students and one air-traffic intern will be severely tested as their private plane is Skyjacked. Skyjacked by Paul Griffin. Scholastic, 2019, 227 ...

The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 12, 2019

The Downstairs Girl explores the social mores and prejudices of late-19th-century Atlanta through the eyes of a resourceful and gifted Chinese teen. The Downstairs Girl ...

*Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 8, 2019

The “insignificant events” befalling a girl without arms throw the rough transitions of middle school into sharp, yet humorous, relief. *Insignificant Events in the Life ...

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 8, 2019

The “momentous event" of transitioning to high school presents Aven Green, the armless girl-wonder, with new challenges. Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus ...

White Bird by R. J. Palacio

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 30, 2019

In White Bird, a graphic novel, the best-selling author of Wonder traces the holocaust history of a Wonder character's grandmother. White Bird (a Wonder Story) ...

Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 30, 2019

Words on Fire explores a little-known chapter of European history to make a case for the necessity of words, literature, and language to a culture. ...

Beverly, Right Here by Kate DiCamillo

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 22, 2019

Beverly Tapinski, the sharp-edged friend of Raymie Nightingale, overcomes a rough upbringing in the final volume of DiCamillo's series. Beverly, Right Here by Kate DiCamillo. ...

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 22, 2019

A displaced Muslim girl adjusts to America as a second, "Other Home" in this well-written verse novel. Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga. Balzer ...

Fenway and Hattie by Victoria Coe

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 16, 2019

The Fenway and Hattie series pits an excitable Jack Russell terrier against delivery men and treacherous flooring. Fenway and Hattie by Victoria J. Coe. Putnam, ...

A Wolf Called Wander by Roseanne Parry

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 16, 2019

A Wolf Called Wander sensitively traces the journey of a young wolf in his quest for a new home and pack. A Wolf Called Wander ...

Butterfly Yellow by Thanhha Lai

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 4, 2019

An unlikely romance tinged by tragedy makes Butterfly Yellow a winning read for mature teens. Butterfly Yellow by Thanhha Lai. Harper, 2019, 284 pages. Reading ...

Some Places More than Others by Renee Watson

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 26, 2019

In Some Places More than Others, a pre-teen girl tries to fill the gaps in her sense of place and family. Some Places More than ...

For Black Girls Like Me

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 26, 2019

A black girl adopted into a white family struggles with her own disability and her mother's instability. For Black Girls like Me by Mariama J. ...

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA by Brenda Woods

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 24, 2019

This engaging historical novel reflects on the plight of Unsung Heroes—black service men in the years immediately following World War II. The Unsung Hero of ...

The Friendship War by Andrew Clements

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 13, 2019

The Friendship War puts a unique spin on a timeless theme for middle-grade fiction. The Friendship War by Andrew Clements. Random House, 2019, 208 pages ...

Stay by Bobbie Pyron

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 10, 2019

Stay, a heart-tugging dog story. also introduces young readers (in a limited way) to the plight of the homeless. Stay by Bobbie Pyron, Katherine Tegan/Harper ...

Last in a Long Line of Rebels by Lisa Lewis Tyre

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 3, 2019

In this light-hearted middle-grade novel, a southern "Rebel" digs into her heritage with surprising and enlightening results. Last in a Long Line of Rebels by ...

When We Were Lost by Kevin Wignall

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 20, 2019

This tense survival tale illustrates contrasting forms of leadership as teens struggle to find their way out of the Brazilian jungle. When We Were Lost ...

The Mysterious Benedict Society Series by Trenton Lee Stewart

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 12, 2019

The Mysterious Benedict Society is a clever middle grades mystery series perfect for puzzle-loving tween and young teen readers. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton ...

*Super Jake and the King of Chaos by Naomi Milliner

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 9, 2019

An aspiring magician discovers the real magic in "Super Jake," his special-needs little brother. *Super Jake and the King of Chaos by Naomi Milliner. Running ...

Finding Orion by John David Anderson

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 26, 2019

Beneath its crazy premise, Finding Orion is a touching look at family reconciliation. Finding Orion by John David Anderson. HarperCollins (Walden Pond), 2019, 352 pages. ...

Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 23, 2019

With humor and heart, Pie in the Sky explores the experience of a young Asian immigrant with much more than assimilation on his mind. Pie ...

Wild Bird by Wendelin Van Draanen

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 22, 2019

Wren Clemmons learns much about herself, the desert, and true friendship during wilderness therapy camp in this engaging teen read about drug use. Wild Bird ...

Swing and Solo by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 22, 2019

Swing and Solo: two novels-in-verse for teens that grapple with music (jazz and rock and roll), baseball, young love, and what's really important in life. ...

Me and Sam-Sam Handle the Apocalypse by Susan Vaught

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 19, 2019

An autistic girl and socially-awkward boy team up to solve a crime and absolve an innocent man. Me and Sam-Sam Handle the Apocalypse by Susan ...

Last of the Name by Rosanne Parry

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 5, 2019

The New York City draft riots of 1863 form a dramatic background to this engaging tale of two young Irish immigrants. Last of the Name ...