Realistic+Fiction

Realistic Fiction 

Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins Age Level: 10-14 Genre: Realistic Fiction Awards: Newbery Award Winner Criss Cross is appropriately named, for the story is told from the point of view of two different characters whose lives intersect. Debbie and Hector, both 14 years of age, run in the same group of friends (which include Patty, Leon, Lenny, and Phil), and both feel it time for a change. Debbie is growing increasingly self-aware, and is starting to become more concerned with her appearance and with boys, especially one boy in particular, Dan Persik: football star. She feels that she is far from extraordinary, and she wants something to change to make her special. Hector, too, feels somewhat self-conscious. He begins to realize that if he wants something to change, perhaps he must bring the change upon himself. He takes up the guitar in hopes of changing his image and winning the love he sought from his crush, the beautiful Meadow. Luckily for both characters, they both have understanding older sisters that understand how they feel and can sympathize with them. The story is a bit slow at times, but the author’s firm command of the English language and clever use of photos, drawings, haikus, and other non-traditional literary formats, help keep the reader interested throughout the meandering course of Debbie and Hector’s journeys. Debbie ends up spending the majority of her summer helping her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Bruning, and befriending her nephew, Peter, who has moved in with her to help her keep up her house. It is with through these activities, volunteer work and guitar, that Debbie and Hector are able to grow and find themselves in the midst of that confusing point in our lives between adolescence and adulthood. Even Dan Persik, who can be kind of a jerk, finds that he has the ability to be a good person if he so decides. It is indeed a summer of enlightenment for Debbie and Hector, and in the end, this character study concludes with both characters having some insight into themselves and what kind of people they will choose to become. This story contains a theme of finding yourself and accepting the person you are growing into, even if that person is not necessarily cool or popular. Because of the non-traditional style of the book, I would recommend it to the reluctant reader or perhaps students with ADHD because the pictures, drawings, and varied writing styles might appeal to them.

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen Age Level: 10-14 Genre: Realistic Fiction Awards: Virginia Young Reader’s Program Award 2003, California Young Reader Medal 2004, Nevada Young Readers Medal 2004. This intertwined tale is told from the perspective of two eighth graders: Bryce and Julianna. Throughout the story, Bryce will tell his side of an occurrence, and it will be followed by a chapter of Julianna’s side of the same story. Julianna has been enamored with Bryce since the day he moved next door in the second grade. She just can’t seem to resist his brilliant blue eyes. But by the time eighth grade rolls around, some of Bryce’s actions cause Julianna to question Bryce’s integrity and the man he is growing up to be. However, while Julianna is in love with Bryce, Bryce wants nothing more than to avoid Julianna. As Bryce is popular at school, Julianna is unconcerned with societal conformity and instead chooses to march to the beat of her own drummer. Julianna first starts to realize that maybe Bryce isn’t all he’s cracked up to be when he won’t help her try to stop her favorite tree from being cut down. She then finds out that he’s been throwing away the eggs that she’s been giving his family for the past two years from the chickens she raised because his family is afraid of salmonella poisoning. Instead of telling Juli that he doesn’t want the eggs, Bryce cowardly avoids the confrontation by just throwing the eggs away as soon as Juli delivers them. The final straw for Juli comes when she overhears Bryce making fun of her mentally retarded uncle in the library. It isn’t easy for Bryce, though. Juli’s been annoying him since the second grade. It isn’t until now, in the eighth grade, that he can finally appreciate all of her good qualities. Throughout the story, Bryce is presented with different choices that he must make that will determine the man that he will turn out to be. While he does stumble in the beginning of the story, he eventually matures into a man he can be proud of. This book has a theme of looking beyond the outside to what is inside. It shows that you can’t judge a book by its cover, and you should really walk a mile in someone’s shoes before you will really know what they’re like. I found this book to be both entertaining and exciting, and I was able to read it quickly because it kept my interest. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

The Last Song is a realistic fiction, and it is spectacular. It tells of a young women’s struggle to find her self. She never thought that along the way she would reconnect her relationship with her father, or fall madly in love in just one short summer. This book will make you smile, laugh, and also cry. I highly recommend this book to every teenage girl unless they hate crying.

By Emily R.

Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer Age Level: 12-15 Genre: Realistic Fiction Awards: Newbery Honor Book Hope Yancey and her aunt Addie are moving, again. They are leaving behind New York City and the broken trust of their last business partner and starting over in Wisconsin. Hope is no stranger to change. She and her aunt have moved numerous times over her sixteen years of life. Hope’s birth mother, Deena, knew that she was not the right person to raise her daughter, and therefore left Hope with her sister, Addie, but not before sticking her with the name Tulip, which Hope promptly changed with she turned twelve. Addie is a sassy cook, and Hope, like her mother, is a waitress. They are moving to a diner in Wisconsin called the Welcome Stairways where the owner is sick with leukemia. Hope is having trouble summoning the power of her name and being hopeful of her new situation, but Wisconsin proves to be just what the little family needed. The only problem is that Mulhoney, Wisconsin, is governed by a corrupt mayor named Eli Millstone. Until now, no one has dared challenge his power, but in this upcoming election, the owner of the Welcome Stairways, G.T. Stoop, has decided to use his last time on this earth trying to fight the corruption and bring about change for the small town. Things heat up as Mayor Millstone stoops to cheating and trying to scare voters away. Meanwhile, G.T. and Addie start dating, as Hope settles into her waitressing job and makes friends with the local high-schoolers. One boy, in particular, Braverman, a 19 year-old cook, tickles her fancy. He is saving up money to go to college while simultaneously acting as man of his family. In the end, G.T. and Addie get married, and he proves to be the perfect father that Hope was lacking. Before he passes away, he also has a chance to act as mayor and change Mulhoney for the good. This coming of age story sends the important message and theme that one person really can make a difference. I would highly recommend this book, as its main character, Hope, was both deep and relatable.

Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli Genre: Realistic Fiction Age Group: 12 and up //Love, Stargirl// is the sequel to Jerry Spinelli’s award-winning book //Stargirl//, a tale of nonconformity, coming-of-age, and first love. The story is written from the perspective of Stargirl Holloway in the form of a letter to Leo. When the story starts out, Stargirl has moved from Arizona to Pennsylvania, and she must try to make new friends and a new life for herself in a new state while trying to come to terms with her breakup with Leo and the way things ended at Mica High School. As she settles into Pennsylvania, she finds friendship in some pretty unlikely places: in the form of a five year-old girl, Dootsie, an agoraphobic neighbor, Betty Lou, an eleven year-old tomboy, Alvina, and a juvenile delinquent, Perry. Even though Stargirl first feels lost and hopeless in her new home, she is able to eventually find herself again and build a new life for herself as she learns to live in the present, not the past. This is a wonderful coming-of-age story that I feel many students will be able to relate to. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton //The Outsiders// is a fiction novel about three brothers named Pony Boy, Soda Pop, and Daryl and gang life where they live. This book is about three family members whose parents have recently died. They now live on their own. They have help from fellow gang members. They are continually in situations with the rival gangs. They struggle with fear and even sometimes death. I loved the fighting and behind the scenes gang life. I would recommend this book to someone looking for an action-packed book. Rules of the Road by Joan Bauer Awards: 1998 Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Golden Kite Award, an ALA Notable Book. Genre: Realistic Fiction Age Group: 12 and up Sixteen year-old Jenna Boller may not be model material like her sister, Faith, but has something else going for her: she’s very good at selling shoes. So good, in fact, that she’s almost saved up enough money to buy her very first car. Jenna has her summer all planned out: She’s going to spend time with her best friend, Opal and her grandma. She’s going to work hard at Gladstone’s selling shoes. She’s going to save up for her car. But old Mrs. Gladstone, founder of Gladstone Shoes, has something else in mind. She asks Jenna to be her driver for the summer-to drive her to all of the Gladstone Shoe Stores across the country until they arrive at their final destination, Dallas, for a board meeting at which Mrs. Gladstone is scheduled to turn the company reigns over to her selfish son, Elden. Jenna has a lot going on at home with her alcoholic father being in town, and when Mrs. Gladstone offers to pay her double what she’d make selling shoes for the summer, Jenna realizes that this is her chance to get away from home and make enough money to buy a car. During this cross-country trip from Chicago to Dallas, Jenna and Mrs. Gladstone become closer and Jenna learns many life lessons about forgiveness, moving on, and the importance of caring and quality in business. This is a touching coming-of-age story about learning to accept the things you cannot change and moving on to beat the odds.

Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick

Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie is a very fantastic book. Realistic Fiction is this book’s genre. This book is about a teenage boy named Steven who is just trying to be a normal teenage boy. All of a sudden, there becomes a very hard time in his life. His younger brother Jeffrey is diagnosed with the disease Leukemia. As these hard times procrastinate, so do medical bills for Jeffrey’s hospital visit, Stevens schoolwork, and keeping up practicing on his drums. Throughout the book, Steven becomes more aware of his surroundings and becomes a little less selfish. At the end of the book they do not tell if Jeffrey’s diagnose is cured or not. I suggest many people to read this, because it is very realistic and interesting. This book keeps the reader wanting to read on and on with cliff hangers to what happens every chapter. I very much liked this book, and have no dislikes to it. I suggest this book highly. By Karen S. Chick Lit <span style="color: #ff0031; display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 170%;">Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen <span style="color: #663300; display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">The book I have chosen to write about is Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen, and its realistic fiction. It also is recommended that its the readers are 15 or older. <span style="color: #663300; display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Lock and Key is about 17 year old Ruby Cooper, who was abandoned by her alcoholic mother and is now forced to live with her once close older sister Cora and her knew husband Jamie. She can’t help but feel like she’s barging in on her sister’s new life. Ruby can’t help but miss the closeness they once shared. Cora used to protect Ruby from there abusive mother, and after she went to college she seemed to forget about Ruby, and just how much she needed her. And not to mention Ruby can’t seem top shake the hold that her old home still has on her. She still wears the key around her neck, but the key seems to be the key to more than just that house. And of course theres her overly friendly neighbor Nate. Ruby is set on being alone, a one woman show. But sometimes the only thing you need is someone else. This book was good, but it had many dry spots that were tough to get through. But I would still recommend it, overall a good read. <span style="color: #00ff00; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Alphas by Lisi Harrison <span style="color: #663300; display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">The book Alphas by Lisi Harrison is a great realistic fiction/drama for people anywhere from ages 10 up! In this story, very famous woman named Shira Brazille opens up an academy for 100 "alphas" to cultivate their specific talents. This academy is a dream come true with amazing beaches, technology...anything and everything (including five hot Brazillian boys, who are, unortunately, off limites...or so they say). Yet, there can only be 1 alpha, and the other 99 will have to be eliminated. For Charlie, Allie A, and Skye, there is a long way to go. I would most definitely recommend this book to any girl interested in a fun, exciting, all around good read. The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart Awards: <span style="color: #663300; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">2006 ALA Best Books for Young Adults winner Genre: Realistic Fiction Age Group: 14 and up //The Boyfriend List// is the story of Ruby Oliver, a fifteen year-old sophomore at Tate Prep, an elite school for the children of Seattle’s wealthiest inhabitants. Ruby attends the school on scholarship (her family lives in a house boat, not a mansion). Ruby has close girlfriends in her group of friends Kim, her best friend since Kindergarten, Cricket, and Nora. She also has a boyfriend, Jackson. Or at least she used to. The story begins after a great debacle that leaves her friendless, boyfriendless, a social outcast with a questionable reputation, and suffering from panic attacks that send her to a therapist. Throughout her therapy, Ruby confronts her passive aggressive tendencies, her past boyfriends (and almost-boyfriends), and begins a grieving process for the loss of her friends and her formal social life in a humorous way that is both entertaining and heartfelt. Readers will easily identify with Ruby’s struggles with friends, boys, and fitting in during high school. I would highly recommend this story to anyone who is a fan of Chick Lit, which I just so happen to be. The Boy Book by E. Lockhart Genre: Realistic Fiction Age Group: 14 and up <span style="color: #993300; display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">The Boy Book is the second book in the Ruby Oliver series by E. Lockhart. The story opens at the beginning of Ruby’s Junior year of high school and chronicles her mishaps, adventures, panic attacks, and growth. This is the story of life after the Spring Fling debacle and how Ruby fairs during another year at Tate Prep while trying to fix her social leper status. In the end, Ruby learns that life does go on even after you think your life has been ruined. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed The Boyfriend List. Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson Awards: New York Times Bestseller Genre: Realistic Fiction Age Group: 14 and up //Peaches// is the story of three unlikely friends and their unforgettable summer together. Murphy, Leeda, and Birdie couldn’t be more different. Murphy is an intelligent guy magnet and a rebel, Leeda is wealthy and popular, and Birdie is shy and naïve. The only thing connecting these three girls is Darlington Peach Orchard. Through different circumstances, the girls find themselves spending the summer working at the struggling orchard. While they do not get along at first, the girls develop a close bond despite their differences. Throughout the summer, the three learn about love, loss, friendship, forgiveness, and change. This is a charming coming-of-age story for young adult girls. =__ Dreamland __=

Genre: Realistic Fiction
The main character of this book, Caitlin, lived a normal life, but she was always second best to her sister, Cass, who has a reputation of being perfect. The two sisters have always been the best of friends, trusting one another. Cass seemed to be heading in the direction of excellence, with an acceptance to Yale, but that all changed in one day. One morning in late summer, just a week before Cass was headed to Yale, she ran away from home to stay with her boyfriend. Devastated, her parents try to busy themselves and not think about their oldest daughter. Caitlin, meanwhile, dearly misses her sister, but she now tries to do activities and actions that Cass never did. Following this, Caitlin becomes a cheerleader. At a party one night after a football game, Caitlin meets, and falls in love with, a boy named Rogerson. The two are inseparable until Rogerson begins to become abusive in the relationship. Instead of breaking away from Rogerson, like Cass would do, Caitlin stays with him no matter how much he hurts her. As time goes on, Caitlin starts to loose her relationships with her other friends, and she is kicked off the cheerleading squad. Now, Caitlin has to fight to stay true to herself as someone else leads her life for her. Though the world around her still may be going as normal, Caitlin finds herself swimming in an endless dreamland. Will she ever break the surface? I would highly recommend this book to any young woman who wants to know the struggles of some teens today. __Dreamland__ is really a well-written book, and I found myself struggling to put it down! I couldn't find any downfalls about the book because I enjoyed it so much and I could hardly put down! Sarah Dessen is a great author and I especially enjoyed this book out of all the other books she has written. This book does not take long to read, and I'm sure the details will keep you addicted until you close the back cover. <span style="color: #1634c5; display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 170%;">Guy Reads Harris and Me by Gary Paulsen Awards: 1994 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 1997 Iowa Teen Book Award Genre: Realistic Fiction, Humor Age Group: 12 and up <span style="color: #663300; display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">We meet our eleven year-old narrator as he is on his way to spend the summer with relatives on their farm in Minnesota. His aunt and uncle have agreed to take him in for the summer because his alcoholic parents are unable to care for him. It isn’t long before he and his nine year-old cousin, Harris, get into trouble. You see, Harris is about as boisterous as a nine year-old boy can be. He has a wild imagination, the mouth of a sailor, and a passion for mischief. With the help of Harris, this summer turns into one our narrator will never forget as he finally feels he has found a place where he fits in.

**// Son of the Mob //**** by Gordon Korman ** Age Level: 13+ Genre: Comedy/Romance/Crime Fiction Awards: 2005 Young Readers Choice Award <span style="color: #993300; display: block; font-family: Sylfaen; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">In this coming of age story infused with ample humor, seventeen year-old Vince Luca is just your typical American teenager trying to get through high school as best he can. Well, he’s typical except for one thing: his father is “Honest Abe” Luca, mob boss. Vince is just trying to live out his life like a normal teenager. He wants nothing to do with his father’s business. At the beginning of the story, Vince’s main priority is women, as it is with his best friend, Alex. As the story develops, Vince finds himself dating a wonderful girl named Kendra, much to Alex’s chagrin. There’s only one other problem: Kendra’s dad just happens to be the FBI agent who is bugging the Luca household. <span style="color: #993300; display: block; font-family: Sylfaen; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Vince’s father accepts that Vince wants nothing to do with the mob, but he wants his son to show some initiative in life. Vince ends up acting as financial advisor to two men, Jimmy Rat and Ed Mishkin, who owe his father money. His love life and his unexpected involvement in his father’s business become intertwined when Kendra’s FBI agent father captures incriminating pictures of him and the two men doing business, even though all Vince was trying to do was help the men get out of debt. While Vince and Kendra are on the rocks, another thing that is going wrong is that Vince’s older brother, Tommy, who is deep in his father’s business, has been using his New Media website project as a way to place bets on the horses. To make matters worse, it seems there’s a rat in the business that is leaking precious information to the FBI. <span style="color: #993300; display: block; font-family: Sylfaen; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">In the end, Vince’s close friend and mentor, Ray, ends up being the rat, but Vince figures it out in enough time to warn him to enter the witness protection program before he tells his father. He shuts down the discussion board on his website, so his brother can no longer conduct illegal activity there. Before Ray leaves town, he tells Kendra that Vince is a good guy and was only trying to help the two criminals out. The story concludes happily with Vince and Kendra getting back together. <span style="color: #993300; display: block; font-family: Sylfaen; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The theme of this story is that you shouldn’t stick your nose in other people’s business as Vince did with his father’s business. Also, the relationship between Vince and Kendra shows that love can overcome all circumstances. This book was laugh-out-loud funny, and it was a very enjoyable read. I’d definitely recommend it. Also, as the main character is male, this book might spark the reading interest of adolescent boys. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">Home