J Realistic Fiction
Ghost: Book 1
By: Jason Reynolds
This was marvelous book! It was one of those books where it was so good that you would totally read it again. It is one of the best in the Track Series. It is about a kid who has had a difficult past and he reveals a hidden talent he didn't even know he had, running track! This book has positive messages, great role models, and it was so inspiring. I would recommend this book to anyone 10+ who likes realistic fiction. Warning: there is some violence and there is some minor, minor name calling and alcohol, but this is one of the best books I have ever read and you get so invested in the characters and you come to love and feel for the main character. 5 out of 5 stars all the way!-Anonymous
Breathless
By: Lurlene McDaniel
This is a really good book. It's about a boy who loves to dive, but one day he gets cancer. If you like great realistic books, this book is for you!
-Michelle
Spin With Me
By: Ami Polonsky
This was a sweet, relevant book great for fans of Alex Gino's Melissa (previously titled George). The book alternates between two 13 year olds, Essie, and Ollie. Essie recently moved to town but as a temporary thing. Ollie is nonbinary and trying to balance their passion for queer advocacy with being a kid. I think this is an amazing book to use for teaching kids about gender spectrum and being accepting. The book is a little slow but over all a very nice read.-Norah
The Prettiest
By: Brigit Young
The Prettiest is is a beautiful book and a must-read for all young feminist. These three girls brought together because of what others said, and they will show you that they are more than a number. This book is all about fighting and standing up against sexism and objectification. Personally, I say all of you take out your "Want to Read List," and write this in immediately. The Prettiest took my breath away. So, go out there and get this book!-Annabelle
Flying Over Water
By: Shannon Hitchcock and N.H. Senzai
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very easy and quick read, so if you're looking for something like that then this is the book for you! This book broadened my mind when it came to religion, immigration, and refugees. It clearly explains those topics in a way kids can easily understand. It talks about the war in Syria and about a Syrian family seeking asylum away from all the bloodshed. Flying Over Water tackles a bit about anxiety and panic attacks too, so it's just full of new things to learn and gain perspective from. There are times in this book that'll make you smack your forehead a few times (I know I did). But, it also leaves you feeling warmhearted inside when it talks about the unity of people at darkest times. Overall, I recommend this book for people who want a book they can easily get through while also enjoying a story.-Lena
Out of My Mind
By: Sharon M. Draper
Out of my mind is a novel about a disabled girl who proves that she is more than she seems. You can find humor in this book as well as family and friendship. If you want to find out more about her read the book. I really loved it and definitely recommend it!-Lena
Out of my Mind is an incredible story of a child prodigy that has cerebral palsy and can not speak, walk, or care for herself. But, she ends up being the best person on her school's academics team. Will her team members accept her? Find out in this emotional rollercoaster of a story.-Norah
Out of my Mind is an incredible story of a child prodigy that has cerebral palsy and can not speak, walk, or care for herself. But, she ends up being the best person on her school's academics team. Will her team members accept her? Find out in this emotional rollercoaster of a story.-Norah
Friend or Fiction
By: Abby Cooper
Friend or fiction was an interesting book. It falls under the genre of Fantastical Realism, so it was a realistic fiction book with some fantastical elements. I enjoyed this book, but it was a bit confusing because it didn't explain why the fantasy elements were accruing, like in other Abby Cooper books I've read. If you enjoyed Bubbles or Sticks and Stones (both by Abby Cooper), I would totally recommend this book. Although it wasn't my favorite, it could be a great book for you!-Delaney
Bubbles
By: Abby Cooper
This book was so good! It described how a parent can be depressed and how you can feel like you don't fit in the world. It also made me think deeper about how it's it is hard knowing what everyone think. I realized that even though seeing people's thoughts might sound good it can hurt you and others. So, I highly recommend this book.-Delaney
Where the Watermelons Grow
By: Cindy Baldwin
This book was actually one of the best books I've ever read. I can't even put into words how sad this book was to finish, ending my journey with the main character, Della, and her struggles with her schizophrenic mom. I do have to say, this book does have a touch of fantastical realism element towards the end, which in my opinion were not necessary. Overall though, this book is totally worth the time to read and I 10/10 recommend it.-Delaney
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
By: Dan Gemeinhart
I loved reading this book, it was a compelling story of a young girl traveling across the country to find a memory box. The characters in the book were interesting and were enjoyable to watch unfold in the story. There were realistic aspects and a lot of crazy events that you wouldn’t think people considered to think about. It was unique and definitely recommend it!-Lena
This is about a girl who lives on a bus with her dad and travels the country. This is an exciting book that takes you on twists and turns. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a new book!
-Jolie
Look Both Ways
By: Jason Reynolds
Look Both Ways was okay. While it was well written, the stories were boring. It was about a neighborhood and how each kid walked home. At the end all of the stories were connected.-Norah
This probably was not my favorite book but it was good all the same. I liked the way that Jason Reynolds wrote the book and overall it wasn't terrible, but still wasn't my favorite.- Annabelle
This probably was not my favorite book but it was good all the same. I liked the way that Jason Reynolds wrote the book and overall it wasn't terrible, but still wasn't my favorite.- Annabelle
The Thing about Jellyfish
By: Ali Benjamin
I love this book sooo much! I cried (a lot.) The Thing about Jellyfish is about a girl named Suzy. Her best friend sadly passed away by drowning and she thinks it may be because of a deadly jellyfish. The way the author wrote this book was amazing. You really felt bad about Suzy and her best friend. I love this book and I definitely recommend it.-Bella
This book so heartfelt. I also cried (maybe not as much..) When you feel the way that Suzy felt when her friend first passed away it was like sickening thud in the way it was written. Especially since Suzy and her friend had had problems before hand at school. This book was a well delivered story definitely well written. - Annabelle
This book so heartfelt. I also cried (maybe not as much..) When you feel the way that Suzy felt when her friend first passed away it was like sickening thud in the way it was written. Especially since Suzy and her friend had had problems before hand at school. This book was a well delivered story definitely well written. - Annabelle
Summerlost
By: Ally Condie
This book was a little confusing at the end, but overall it was good. It's about a girl who's father and brother are killed in a car crash. Her whole life seems to spiral out of control. She finds herself stuck in the middle of her mother's hometown. No friends- what's she to do? Despite this, she finds a boy called Leo and the two become friends. Will she find ways to make peace with her grief? Great book. You should read it, especially if you like tales that will warm your heart.-Allie
Counting to Perfect
By: Suzanne LaFleur
This book is definitely on my top ten favorite books list. I would 110% recommend that you read this. This topic may be a little bit, well, grown up to read about but honestly the way the author writes is great. This book is about a girl that doesn't feel as important anymore since her sister's teenage pregnancy. I would once again definitely recommend this book.-Annabelle
I loved this book, the way Suzanne writes an age appropriate story about a not very age appropriate topic is amazing. I would say age ten and up can read this. Although the story is very good, a teenage mother would not be able to just go on a road trip. This is the one thing I thought made this seem unrealistic.-Norah
I loved this book, the way Suzanne writes an age appropriate story about a not very age appropriate topic is amazing. I would say age ten and up can read this. Although the story is very good, a teenage mother would not be able to just go on a road trip. This is the one thing I thought made this seem unrealistic.-Norah
The Way to Bea
By: Kat Yeh
While a girl struggles with the cold, hard new environment known as middle school and in this new environment everything is changing she embarrassed her best friend who had turned a cold shoulder on her, she doesn't know what to do. Over the course of the book she also realizes that change can be good. When I read this it always leaves me feeling happy.-Norah
Some Kind of Happiness
By: Claire Legrand
Some Kind of Happiness is a sad and touching story about a girl who is dealing with depression. Her parents sent her to her grandparent house so that they could deal with 'Some problems'. While at her grandparent large house she finds a forest and it is just like the imaginary place in her journal. With the help of her cousins she tries to bring her imaginary world back to life.-Annabelle
Every Shiny Thing
By: Cordelia Jensen and Laurie Morrison
"Every Shiny Thing" is a book told by two 12-year-old girls who are both struggling with the loss of a family member. This book is about Lauren, who's brother, Ryan goes to a boarding school for autistic teens, and Sierra, who's mother has to go into rehab for her alcohol addiction. The two girls meet each other and quickly become friends. But, all of that changes when Lauren gets a plan to raise money for more autistic teens like her brother that can't afford therapy. I liked this book because each girl learns a lesson. Lauren learns that she can't help everyone out and Sierra learns that she need to take care of herself before anyone else. I think this book was so sweet and would definitely recommend reading.-Jessie
Caterpillar Summer
By:Gillian McDunn
In this relatable book, Cat, Chicken, her brother with special needs, and their mom are looking forward to their trip to Georgia. Fishing, hanging out with Rishi, and good eating ahead. When the unexpected hits, Rishi is headed across the world and Cat and Chicken have to go to Gingerbread Island to be with their Grandparents they've never met. With the warm Lily and the cold Macon, will Cat and Chicken live through the next three weeks? This was a great book!DEFINITELY read it!-Allie
The Bridge Home
By: Padma Venkatraman
I really enjoyed this book. My favorite character was Viji because I thought she was a smart girl. I really felt bad for her mom because of her dad. I recommend this book. This book really was truly inspiring. The quotes were amazing. One of my favorites were "Moving ahead doesn't mean leaving you behind, I finally understand that." -Viji This book is a 2019 Mock Newbery book. READ THIS BOOK!-Bella
I loved this book and from the middle to the end I was absolutely just sobbing. It is absolutely so well written and the way that the author designed this book was amazing. The topic and characters were inspiring as was the story, 100% definitely recommend this book!- Annabelle
I loved this book and from the middle to the end I was absolutely just sobbing. It is absolutely so well written and the way that the author designed this book was amazing. The topic and characters were inspiring as was the story, 100% definitely recommend this book!- Annabelle
Genesis Begins Again
By: Alicia D. Williams
In this AMAZING book, Genesis, a African-American girl worries about the color of her skin. She wants to be like her mama. This book is a Mock Newbery book. I don't want say too much or I will spoil the book. READ IT NOW!! -Bella
I also loved this book. This self- conscious girl is a very hard character to understand yet at the same time you can relate to her. You should definitely put this on your must read list. (If you don't have one, make one!)-Annabelle
I loved this book. I will never go through the things Genesis went through. But, by reading this, I have gained a new empathy and understanding. In this book a lot of hard topics were brought up. Alcohol, abuse, and racism were all brought up, yet they were brought up in a way where it was okay for a 6th grader to read. I applaud the author for that. I implore you to read this book, not just for the story but for how it will make you grow as a person.-Norah
I also loved this book. This self- conscious girl is a very hard character to understand yet at the same time you can relate to her. You should definitely put this on your must read list. (If you don't have one, make one!)-Annabelle
I loved this book. I will never go through the things Genesis went through. But, by reading this, I have gained a new empathy and understanding. In this book a lot of hard topics were brought up. Alcohol, abuse, and racism were all brought up, yet they were brought up in a way where it was okay for a 6th grader to read. I applaud the author for that. I implore you to read this book, not just for the story but for how it will make you grow as a person.-Norah
Mockingbird
By: Kathryn Erskine
This book was incredible! While I don't own it when Norah lent it to me I read at least 4 times. It's one of those books that will make you cry (I cried). If there is are a few ways to describe it, it is a grief book, it is a book of hope, it is a book of change. This book makes you see the world a different way. While saying that you should absolutely read this book!- Annabelle
This book was amazing! I cried a lot (not a surprise for me.) This book showed what it felt like to be like her. I really enjoyed this book and know you will too!-Bella
I loved this book. It was a fascinating perspective on a school shooting. The girl has Asperger's and her brother was killed in a school shooting. While this is going on she also has the daily struggle of being different. I really liked this book but, unlike Annabelle and Bella I did not cry.-Norah
This book was amazing! I cried a lot (not a surprise for me.) This book showed what it felt like to be like her. I really enjoyed this book and know you will too!-Bella
I loved this book. It was a fascinating perspective on a school shooting. The girl has Asperger's and her brother was killed in a school shooting. While this is going on she also has the daily struggle of being different. I really liked this book but, unlike Annabelle and Bella I did not cry.-Norah
The Line Tender
By: Kate Allen
This book starts off a little slow, picking up in some places and not in others. But the gist of the story is: Lucy's (the main character) best friend, Fred, dies after an accident. She has a very hard time coping, especially because her mother died just a few years earlier. Besides that, she's confused where her relationship stood with Fred before he died. Just friends? More than friends? And, she thinks that the field guide they were working on together will fall to the wayside. But, she keeps working on the field guide, and it turns into some thing bigger once multiple sharks are sighted near her hometown. Lucy sets out to finish what her mother started, the only question is: Will she be enough to finish it? I do recommend this book, though it does start off pretty slow. Once you get past those parts, though, you won't be able to read fast enough. The pictures of the sharks are super cool, too.-Allie
This book is sad, but has a very important theme. This is a story of Lucy, a girl who has had to deal with too much as a 13-year-old. It really shows the realism of death and what it can do to someone. If your looking for a great, meaningful book, this is the book for you!-Delaney
This book is sad, but has a very important theme. This is a story of Lucy, a girl who has had to deal with too much as a 13-year-old. It really shows the realism of death and what it can do to someone. If your looking for a great, meaningful book, this is the book for you!-Delaney
Fish in a Tree
By: Lynda Mullaly Hunt
I loved this book. I've read it 3 times, at least. It is about a girl who is in 6th grade but has never learned to read because she is dyslexic and hid it from her teachers. But when she gets a new teacher hiding no longer works and with her teacher's help she eventually learns to read.-Norah
Shouting at the Rain
By: Lynda Mullaly Hunt
This book is so good! I totally recommend it, but if you do read it, WARNING: You will not be able to put it down. This book is packed full of life lessons and great quotes you will/do live by. Shouting at the Rain teaches you that even though people change for the wrong reasons you don't have to. If you want a good book, READ THIS!-Delaney
Ungifted
By: Gordon Korman
Ungifted is a great book. I own this book and have read it quite a few times. It is about a boy who gets into all types of trouble than gets misplaced in a gifted program. This fun and exciting book is a great read!- Annabelle
Gorilla Dawn
By: Gill Lewis
In this touching story, a girl called Imara is taken from her family by a bloodthirsty rebel gang called the Black Mambas. She manages to convince the bloodthirsty rebel leader that she is a spirit child because she was bitten by a Black Mamba and lived. When some of the rebels come back bearing a sickly gorilla, Imara does all she can to help the gorilla. When she and her friends hear the gorilla is going to be sold to the 'White Lioness' a mysterious white woman, they do all they can to get themselves and the gorilla to safety. Will they succeed?Or will they die? Read the book to find out!-Allie
Counting by 7's
By: Holly Goldberg Sloan
Counting by 7s was a great book and insight on a girl that is coping with new changes in her life not at all great. Willow the main character is a genius. She loves plants. So when she has to leave her home it may feel to her like the end of the world. You will love this book and read it over and over again.-Annabelle
Finding Perfect
By: Elly Swartz
Finding Perfect is a great look on a girl with OCD. Molly, after her mother departs for Toronto, Canada is forever counting, organizing and checking to make sure that everything is clean. At first she thinks that she is crazy and hides her counting, 2,4,6,8,10. This book is in first person perspective so you can see and feel on how Molly feels and copes with OCD. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who wants a good read or want to become more aware. -Annabelle
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
By: Stacy McAnulty
This was a great book. It was about a girl that was hit by lightning and hadn't been to public school since. One day her "Nana" surprises her with a whole year of public school. Lucy the main character is actually a mathematical genius. While in public school she tries to fit in though may not be succeeding. This is a great book to read and you should definitely read it.-Annabelle
This book made me laugh and cry. Ever since she was hit by lightning, Lucy has as been a math genius. But, when Lucy gets to go to a public school she tries to fit in and does not tell anyone about her genius. Will Lucy make friends? Can she be normal? Read this book to find out.-Norah
This book made me laugh and cry. Ever since she was hit by lightning, Lucy has as been a math genius. But, when Lucy gets to go to a public school she tries to fit in and does not tell anyone about her genius. Will Lucy make friends? Can she be normal? Read this book to find out.-Norah
Front Desk
By: Kelly Tang
Mia and her parents are managers at the Calivista Motel, while her parents cleaned all the rooms she ran the front desk. While other kids may be more fortunate than her family she tried as best as she could to fit in. Mia saw how hard life was and wishes to go back to China, though her mom says they are freer in America. I learned that there are still things that need to be worked on in America even though it is better than other countries. I loved this book and I thought it was realistic, I think this would be a great read-aloud to teach about racism and bullying.-Lena