Realistic Fiction

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library – book review

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Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein Realistic Fiction Suspense Thriller * * * Stars (Pretty good) Just before the new public library is to open, Mr. Lemoncello – a famous game designer, whose monetary contributions helped fund the endeavor – sponsors an essay contest to choose twelve twelve-year-olds to spend the night at a special library lock-in.  Kyle and his friend Akimi are among those chosen, and they team up to play games … Read more

Lemonade War – book review

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The Lemonade War By Jacqueline Davies Juvenile Fiction Realistic Fiction When we first meet Evan, he is not in a good mood. Then we are introduced to his younger sister, Jessie and we learn his bad mood has to do with her. Anyone who has a younger sibling can relate. These two have a lot of fun together, but when they learn that things are going to change in the upcoming school year, that’s when … Read more

Ways to Live Forever – book review

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Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) The first thing we learn about Sam is he has leukemia and he is dying. He is only eleven years old. These are tough topics for sure, but Sam doesn’t dwell on his sickness. He has school at home a couple days a week with his friend Felix and together they create adventures. Sam loves facts, making lists and he … Read more

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck – book review

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck Wimpy Kid #8 by Jeff Kinney Funny Illustrated Fiction Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Greg Heffley’s best friend, Rowley, has a girlfriend (Abigail), with whom he is spending all of his time, and Greg desperately needs to make some new friends.  The prospects are pretty bleak, though, and Greg is hoping that the happy couple breaks up before it’s too late and he becomes some … Read more

Garden of My Imaan – book review

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The Garden of My Imaan By Farhana Zia Juvenile Fiction Realistic Fiction / Grades 4-7 * * * * Stars (Great!) Aliyah, fifth grader, is having a difficult year.  She’s got two big projects to complete – one for elementary school on the topic “Respecting Ourselves and Others,” and another for religious school on self-improvement.  Her biggest problem is that she’s still figuring out and getting comfortable with who she is – particularly as a … Read more

Prairie Evers – book review

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Prairie Evers by Ellen Airgood Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) When Prairie’s parents move them to New York (from North Carolina) to take over Prairie’s grandparents’ farmstead, Prairie isn’t thrilled – especially when her Grammy, who lives with them, announces that she’s moving back to NC. And things don’t improve immediately, either. Prairie also has to go to public school for the first time in her life and the kids there tease … Read more

Because of Mr. Terupt – book review

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Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea Realistic Fiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This is Rob Buyea’s first novel. It is an exciting ride, with twists and turns about friendships, growing up and life. The story is told from seven students’ viewpoints from Mr. Terupt’s fifth grade class, which might sound like a lot, but each one has a distinct personality which shines through in his writing. And it reminds us that … Read more

Love, Aubrey – book review

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Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) After reading Love, Aubrey, I’d like to meet her!  She is someone who tells you how it is, doesn’t sugarcoat the truth.  She’s the kind of friend each of us needs during a difficult time or the best of times.  When we first meet Aubrey, she is alone and doesn’t know where her Mom is.  She is tough and ready to survive … Read more

Wanted: A Guinea Pig Called Henry – book review

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Wanted: A Guinea Pig Called Henry Rainbow Street Shelter #3 by Wendy Orr Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Sam really wants a pet for her birthday, but because her family lives in an apartment, her choices are limited. She and her family visit the Rainbow Street Shelter and meet some of the small pets there – including the guinea pigs – and Sam later returns to adopt “Henry,” an adult guinea pig … Read more

Also Known As – book review

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Also Known As by Robin Benway Mystery Realistic Fiction Romance Suspense Thriller * * * Stars (Pretty good) Maggie Silver’s parents are spies working for the Collective – an organization devoted to ferreting out bad guys and righting the wrongs of the world. Maggie herself, is an expert safe-cracker and lock-picker. After her family finishes up an assignment in Iceland, they move back to New York where Maggie is given her first undercover job. Disguising … Read more