Stella is a Mexican-American in 3rd grade, growing up in Arlington Heights (yes, our next door neighbor!). She loves marine animals, especially fish, but she has trouble speaking up in school and feeling like she belongs because sometimes she uses Spanish instead of English or doesn't have the right pronunciation. She doesn't even fit in with…
Realistic Stories - Page 4 of 7
Hope in the Holler by Lisa Lewis Tyre
Wavie and her mother haven’t always had a lot of money, but they’ve been happy together in their trailer home surrounded by thoughtful neighbors and friends. After her mother passes away and she is forced to live with a previously unknown (and unkind) aunt in rural “Convict Holler,” Wavie struggles to stay positive in this different new life. With…
Greeting from Witness Protection by Jake Burt
Nicki has been in foster care for a long time and seen all sorts of stuff, but when US Marshals show up and ask her to be part of the cover for a family entering witness protection, she’s shocked. The marshals know that the mob is looking for a family of three, not a family…
Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade by Jordan Sonnenblick
Life isn’t easy for Maverick. His mom struggles with drinking and a string of bad boyfriends. There are also money problems, and he gets picked on in school. Basically, nothing seems to be going right. So, Maverick decides to change things when he starts 6th grade. He’ll stand up to the bullies, and protect anyone…
Frindle by Andrew Clements
Nick Allen has mastered the art of making school a more entertaining place to be, whether that involves transforming his classroom into a tropical island, or making sure there is no homework assigned by asking his trademarked, thought-provoking, time-wasting questions. When asking one of these questions in Mrs. Granger’s 5th grade language arts class, he finds…
All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson
Imogen is starting public school for the first time after being homeschooled all her life. She’s worried about fitting in, especially since her family works year round at the local renaissance faire and doesn’t exactly act normal. In an effort to make friends, Imogen ends up becoming a bully herself, but knows it’s wrong and…
Absolutely Alfie and the Furry Purry Secret by Sally Warner
Absolutely Alfie and the Furry Purry Secret by Sally Warner is the first book about Alfie, who is the younger sister to EllRay Jakes, which is another series for young chapter book readers. Alfie is a little nervous about starting 2nd grade, and not looking forward to her forced playdates with a neighbor girl, Hanni,…
Pablo and Birdy by Alison McGee
Welcome to the island of Isla where an infant and a mute, flightless parrot arrive in a child’s inflatable pool after a storm. The islanders have kept Pablo and Birdy safe ever since. Ten years have passed and suddenly brought some very strong winds of change. Pablo becomes desperate to learn about his origins. Will…
Roll by Darcy Miller
Ren’s family decides to move to the outskirts of town. He misses being close to his best friend, Aiden, and he just wants things to go back to normal. Imagine his surprise when he looks up in the sky and sees birds just falling towards the ground. He watches closer and begins to think they’re…
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
One night, Astrid’s mom takes her and her best friend to a roller derby, and this sets off a course of events that changes Astrid’s life. Astrid becomes obsessed with everything roller derby and decides to join roller derby camp the summer before entering junior high. This decision leads to some major problems with her…
