The contemporary realistic fiction genre is the kind of fiction that most students can relate to. The settings occur in present times and readers will often relate to the plot situations that occur. Authors seek to build a connection to their readers by incorporating elements that allow students to believe that what is occuring could be in their own life or their own town, whether it be sports, school, or the general "growing up" part of life.
Eight Keys
By: Suzanne LaFleur
Reviewer: Christopher Schiemann
Grade Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 3.7
Eight Keys is a book written for coming-of-age early middle schoolers who come to that fork in the road where they must ask themselves, "Do I wish to continue like always, or should I try something different?" A 12 year old girl named Elise was orphaned at a young age and has lived with her aunt and uncle since that time. Her father left behind eight different keys that open eight separate rooms or areas to explore in her uncle's barn to help her unlock certain understandings to her life. Throughout the book, Elise must handle the social pressures of a pre-adolescent. Her best friend, Franklin, still enjoys a lot of their former activities that are more elementary-like. Elise is unhappy about the teasing that occurs because of this, as well as the bullying that occurs from her locker partner. As she distances herself from Franklin in response, Elise befriends a new female classmate, deals with the bullying of the locker partner, sees her grades begin to slip, and has to deal with many of the changes that come with starting at the middle school.
Big Nate Goes for Broke
By: Lincoln Peirce
Grade Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 5.3
Another book in Lincoln Peirce's Big Nate series.
From the Publisher: In this newest adventure of Peirce's "New York Times"-bestselling series, Nate has met with an accident and gets more than carried away when all the extra attention sends him on a Nate-centric power trip. Illustrations.
Aloha, Kanini
By: Lisa Yee
Grade Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 5.2
From the Publisher: Ten-year-old Kanani loves living in beautiful Hawaii-and she especially loves sharing the wonders of her island home with visitors. So when her cousin Rachel from New York comes to stay for a month, Kanani is excited to get to know her. But no matter what she does to help Rachel feel at home, it only seems to make her unhappy instead. Can Kanani find a way to connect with her cousin?
The Penderwicks at Point Mouette
By: Jeanne Birdsall
Grade Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 5.6
From the Publisher: When summer comes around, it's off to the beach for Rosalind . . . and off to Maine with Aunt Claire for the rest of the Penderwick girls, as well as their old friend, Jeffrey. That leaves Skye as OAP (oldest available Penderwick)-a terrifying notion for all, but for Skye especially. Things look good as they settle into their cozy cottage, with a rocky shore, enthusiastic seagulls, a just-right corner store, and a charming next-door neighbor. But can Skye hold it together long enough to figure out Rosalind's directions about not letting Batty explode? Will Jane's Love Survey come to a tragic conclusion after she meets the alluring Dominic? Is Batty-contrary to all accepted wisdom-the only Penderwick capable of carrying a tune? And will Jeffrey be able to keep peace between the girls . . . these girls who are his second, and most heartfelt, family? It's a rollicking ride as the Penderwicks continue their unforgettable adventures in a story filled with laughs and joyful tears!