Category Archives: realistic fiction
Slider – Pete Hautman
From the publisher: David can eat an entire sixteen-inch pepperoni pizza in four minutes and thirty-six seconds. Not bad. But he knows he can do better. In fact, he’ll have to do better: he’s going to compete in the Super … Continue reading
Wild Bird – Wendelin Van Draanen
From the publisher: 3:47 a.m. That’s when they come for Wren Clemens. She’s hustled out of her house and into a waiting car, then a plane, and then taken on a forced march into the desert. This is what happens … Continue reading
A Distant View of Everything: An Isabel Dalhousie Novel (11) – Alexander McCall Smith
Isabel and Jamie have added a new baby, Magnus, to the family, much to four-year-old Charlie’s dislike. “Don’t need a baby”, he firmly announced. But even with a new baby and a disgruntled older brother, Isabel finds time to investigate … Continue reading
Live from Cairo – Ian Bassingthwaighte
Hana is overwhelmed by everything. For starters, there was the chaotic taxi ride from the airport which resulted in a broken taxi door (her fault). Then there is the police, the army, the protesters and the refugees that fill Cairo … Continue reading
Literally – Lucy Keating
Annabelle (AB) is a highly organized, borderline control freak, high school senior who is dealing with a major disruption in her life. Her parents just announced they are divorcing and selling the only home she has ever known. Elliott, her … Continue reading
See You in the Cosmos – Jack Cheng
Alex loves astronomy, rockets, and the idea of intelligent life in other galaxies. He makes plans to travel to a rocket launch event with his dog, Carl Sagan. Alex’s older brother left their Colorado home years before and now is … Continue reading
Faithful – Alice Hoffman
Shelby can’t forgive herself. After all, she was driving. She was the one who slid on the ice and wrecked the car. She was the one who should be in a coma instead of her best friend. Shelby was in … Continue reading
Moo – Sharon Creech
A family decides to leave the big city for life in rural Maine. Reena and Luke are quickly indoctrinated on the ways of country life when their parents volunteer them to assist an elderly resident, Mrs. Falala. She promptly assigns … Continue reading
The Thing About Leftovers – C. C. Payne
Fizzy is a young girl going through a lot of changes in her life. Her parents have divorced, her father remarried, and now her mother has a new beau in her life. Fizzy isn’t particularly enamored with either of these step-parents, … Continue reading
When Friendship Followed Me Home – Paul Griffin
Ben was in the foster care system since he was an infant. When he was around 10, he was adopted by his speech therapist. It was a wonderful fit for both of them. However, she was elderly and had health … Continue reading
Vinegar Girl – Anne Tyler
Kate seems to always be in trouble at school. Well, she just can’t help telling it like it is, even with four-year- olds. She likes her job and tries really hard, but the words just come out. At home things … Continue reading
Every Exquisite Thing – Matthew Quick
Soccer star Nanette is an only child raised in a privileged environment. Colleges are competing for her to join their team with the lure of a full academic scholarship, yet Nanette is unhappy. Nanette does not enjoy playing soccer and … Continue reading
Whisper to Me – Nick Lake
Withdrawn, awkward, and lonely Cassie’s life rapidly tumbles into darkness. She hears a voice punishing her, criticizing her, controlling her. She thinks finding a human foot on the beach triggered the voice. The small beach community has suffered a series … Continue reading
Britt-Marie Was Here – Fredrik Backman
Britt-Marie believes in normal life, a life with rules and regulations. For instance, cutlery drawers must be arranged just so: forks, knives, spoons. One needs coasters for cups and glasses. Dinner is at six. Lists are very, very important. Britt-Marie … Continue reading
The Smell of Other People’s Houses – Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock
A portrait of 1970 Alaska is vividly portrayed through the eyes of teens, each struggling with very real issues. Ruth feels like the central character because she leads the story. We feel her sense of abandonment because she can remember … Continue reading
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