Category Archives: realistic fiction
The Time of Green Magic – Hilary McKay
From the publisher, “When Abi’s father marries Max and Louis’s mom, their families start over together. Abi suddenly finds herself the middle child, expected to share far too much—especially with grubby little Louis. Then they move into an eerie, ivy-covered … Continue reading
Anxious People – Fredrik Backman
The eight strangers who were participating in an apartment viewing could not, in their wildest imaginations, have thought this would have been a life-or-death situation. (And really it wasn’t, but they didn’t know that!) You see, a bank robber burst … Continue reading
Shine! – J.J. Grabenstein and Chris Grabenstein
From the publisher, ““Who do you want to be?” asks Mr. Van Deusen. “And not when you grow up. Right here, right now.” Shine on! might be the catchphrase of twelve-year-old Piper’s hero—astronaut, astronomer, and television host Nellie Dumont Frisse—but … Continue reading
Turbulence – David Szalay
She had been visiting her son in London. He has cancer and she is very afraid he will die. But now she must return home to Madrid and is very afraid of flying. After some turbulence she converses a bit … Continue reading
Where the Heart Is – Jo Knowles
From the publisher: “If home is where the heart is, what would happen if you lost it? Compassion and humor infuse the story of a family caught in financial crisis and a girl struggling to form her own identity. It’s … Continue reading
Pay Attention, Carter Jones – Gary D. Schmidt
Sixth grader Carter Jones, opens the door to find a portly butler during a frantic first day of school morning for the four children. In the vein of Mary Poppins, sans magic, he arrives at the most needed time. Carter’s … Continue reading
Love à la Mode – Stephanie Kate Strohm
From the publisher, “Take two American teen chefs, add one heaping cup of Paris, toss in a pinch of romance, and stir. . . . Rosie Radeke firmly believes that happiness can be found at the bottom of a mixing bowl. … Continue reading
Unclaimed Baggage – Jen Doll
From the publisher, “Doris—a lone liberal in a conservative small town—has mostly kept to herself since the terrible waterslide incident a few years ago. Nell had to leave behind her best friends, perfect life, and too-good-to-be-true boyfriend in Chicago to … Continue reading
Saving Winslow – Sharon Creech
From the publisher, “Louie doesn’t have the best luck when it comes to nurturing small creatures. So when his father brings home a sickly newborn mini donkey, he’s determined to save him. He names him Winslow. Taking care of him … Continue reading
Three Things About Elsie – Joanna Cannon
Eighty-four-year-old Florence was quite happy living in her own flat. But the council decided that she needed help coping and now she finds herself at Cherry Tree, an assisted living facility. Unfortunately, Florence, considered difficult, stubborn, far too independent, has … Continue reading
The Quiet Side of Passion (Isabel Dalhousie #12) – Alexander McCall Smith
Work keeps piling up for Isabel. Editing the Review of Applied Ethics takes so much time, and Cat seems to always need extra help at the deli. She would love to have more time with her boys. Magnus and Charlie … Continue reading
Clock Dance – Anne Tyler
Willa has always been the one to calm things down, smooth things over. Starting with her mother’s volatility, she was the child who made things better. We get little glimpses of her life as she hones her skill as a … Continue reading
Us Against You – Fredrik Backman, translated by Neil Smith
It is summer in Beartown. The citizens are trying to come to grips with the impossible events of the previous winter, and they are doing pretty good. Until they learn that the hockey club is bankrupt and will be disbanded. … Continue reading
Winterfolk – Janel Kolby
At one time, when Rain was a little child, she had a home and a mother. Then she and her father lived in a car. Now, they live in a tent in the woods outside of Seattle where they have … Continue reading
A Time of Love and Tartan: A 44 Scotland Street Novel – Alexander McCall Smith
It was lovely to be back in Edinburgh among the folk of Scotland Street, and to catch up on what has been happening. Let’s see . . . Pat is tempted to get involved with Bruce again, Matthew and Elspeth … Continue reading
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