Realistic Stories Archive - Staff Picks 4 Kids

Staff Picks 4 Kids

Scarlett by Cathy Cassidy

If you’ve ever gotten into trouble at school, then I’m sure you could really identify with the main character in Scarlett by Cathy Cassidy. Scarlett, a twelve-year-old Londoner with hair dyed the color of ketchup and black fingernails, is constantly getting into trouble at every school she attends. Her mum finally gets so sick of her detentions and expulsions, that she decides to ship Scarlett off to her father’s cottage in Ireland. Suddenly, she has to learn Gaelic in a one-room schoolhouse and she has also gained a new stepmum and stepsister. Scarlett immediately begins thinking of ways to get out of Ireland as fast as possible until she meets Kian. He is around her age, very cute, and suprisingly, very nice too. He seems almost too good to be true! Should she befriend him? Will she ever learn to get along with her new family? Read this book to find out!

Book review by Julie D., Elementary School Liaison

By MPPL on September 8, 2010 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Picks by Julie D., Realistic Stories

Notes from the Dog by Gary Paulsen (2010 Mosaic title)

Notes from the Dog by Gary Paulsen. “You’re not as ugly as you think,” said Dylan’s first note from the dog. Dylan’s a loner. His goal for the summer is to talk to as few people as possible. Then he meets Johanna, a cool, funny graduate student, and starts receiving notes from the dog. Joanna’s plan is to have Dylan plant a garden for her. Although his efforts at gardening fail rather spectacularly, his time with Johanna helps him learn to connect with people and even how to talk to the cute girl he likes. This 2010 Mosaic title will make you both laugh and cry. You’ll be so glad you met Dylan and his friend. (For grades 4 and up)

Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head

By MPPL on June 29, 2010 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Picks by Mary S., Realistic Stories

After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick

Fans of Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick (2008 Rebecca Caudill winner) will enjoy the continuing story in the new release entitled After Ever After. In this book, Jeffrey is now in 8th grade and struggling with the effects of his cancer treatment, standardized school testing, girls, and his best friend Tad. What makes matters worse is that his big brother Steven is away in Africa and can’t be reached for brotherly advice! Life after cancer can be quite difficult and confusing, but his best friend and fellow cancer patient inspires him to do something selfless and “completely magnificent!” Sonnenblick has a way of inspiring readers and making them laugh and cry right along with the characters. This is an excellent book on its own and even better if read as a sequel.
Recommended for 5th grade and up.

Book reviewed by Carol C., Youth Services Assistant

By MPPL on May 14, 2010 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Picks by Carol C., Realistic Stories

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

In The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, it’s 1899 in Texas and 11-year-old Calpurnia is expected to knit socks and study the proper use of a hankie, but instead she’d rather be a scientist. Together with her grandfather, she conducts scientific experiments and writes her observations in a notebook. Her experiments lead to many surprises such as when sweet, woolly Petey the Caterpilllar turns into a giant (and frighteningly creepy) moth. Wasn’t he supposed to be a beautiful butterfly? Or when the Smithsonian Institute officially declares that she and her grandfather have discovered a new species of plant. Whether she is cutting off her hair an inch at a time so her mother won’t notice or getting her brother in trouble for having a new girlfriend, tomboy Calpurnia is sure to make you smile. (For grade 5 and up)

Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head

By MPPL on May 10, 2010 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Historical Fiction, Picks by Mary S., Realistic Stories

A Small White Scar by K. A. Nuzum

In A Small White Scar by K. A. Nuzum, Will wants to win a rodeo competition, but his father won’t allow him to compete because he needs to care for his twin brother who is disabled. His mother died when they were younger, and his father is still struggling with her being gone. Will decides to run away to fulfill his dream of winning a rodeo, and his brother Denny follows him. They run into many adventures along the way.

Book reviewed by Barb M., Youth Outreach and Programming Assistant

By MPPL on April 20, 2010 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Picks by Barb M., Realistic Stories

Brushing Mom’s Hair by Andrea Cheng

In Brushing Mom’s Hair by Andrea Cheng, Ann receives a book of quotations for her 15th birthday, and turns to the one that reads, “Don’t sweat the small stuff. And it’s all small stuff.” All ‘small stuff?’ Even mom’s breast cancer? Recorded in prose, Ann reveals the changes mom’s illness brings into her life and the lives of the whole family. A quick read, though one with a lot of food for thought.

Book reviewed by Loreen S., Youth Services Assistant

By MPPL on March 29, 2010 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Picks by Loreen S., Realistic Stories

Dish: Stirring it Up by Diane Muldrow

If you like middle school drama and cooking, then Dish: Stirring It Up by Diane Muldrow is for you. Twins Molly and Amanda Moore along with their friends decide to take a cooking class because they are tired of eating “carry out.” Everything was great until nasty Natasha showed up at the cooking class. The book in this series have great cooking tips and recipes!

Book reviewed by Barb M., Youth Outreach and Programming Assistant

By MPPL on March 22, 2010 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Picks by Barb M., Realistic Stories

My Life in Pink and Green by Lisa Greenwald

Never underestimate the difference that one person can make in the world! In My Life in Pink and Green by Lisa Greenwald, 12-year-old Lucy surprises the reader with her determination, business sense, environmental awareness, and talent. Her family’s pharmacy is on the brink of going out of business, but Lucy is not willing to let that happen. Since she is only in 7th grade and most adults don’t take her ideas seriously, what will happen when her grandmother ignores her suggestions and attempts to sell their house and possibly the pharmacy? Find out how Lucy handles problems with her friends and uses her talents in ways she never imagined! Pick up some beauty, business, and environmental tips as well…Go Green! Recommended for 4th grade and up.

Book reviewed by Carol C., Youth Services Assistant

By MPPL on March 9, 2010 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Picks by Carol C., Realistic Stories

Luv Ya Bunches by Lauren Myracle

At first glance these four fifth graders have nothing in common. Well, that is, except that they are all named after flowers. So how do they become best friends? It all starts on the first day of school with an accident, a mean girl, and a lost turtle. The four girls will have to come together if they want to end a sinister plot by the reigning queen bee of the school. Luv Ya Bunches skips around from girl to girl to tell the story and even includes instant messages, online chats, and video scripts to liven it up. If you like stories about finding friends or fitting in, this book is for you! Recommended for grades 4-6.

Book reviewed by Keary B., Youth Collection Specialist

By MPPL on February 8, 2010 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Picks by Keary B., Realistic Stories

Wild Girl by Patricia Reilly Giff

When Lidie’s mom died years ago, her dad and brother left her in Brazil with her aunt and uncle. Now Lidie is twelve and is going to New York to reunite with her family. In Wild Girl by Patricia Reilly Giff, Lidie’s reunion is not a happy one. Her family has a room ready for her, but it is pink with a painting of Snow White. She has a disastrous first day in school because she doesn’t know English. But soon a racing horse named Wild Girl changes her life forever!

Book reviewed by Mary Lou H., Youth Services Assistant

By MPPL on February 1, 2010 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Picks by Mary Lou H., Realistic Stories