Realistic Fiction

A young girl imagines what her life would be like if she were President of the United States, but in her own life as a child. She would approve what is for lunch, give executive orders and even choose cabinet members, a collection of her dearest toys. A very funny look at the role of president through the eyes of a child. This would be a great book to read to children to explain what the President's responsibilities are. Ages 4-8*

A young Narrator hears a bird singing outside of her window then embarks on a journey into the beautiful world of birds. She discusses their shapes, sizes, simple things they do, and then wishes she was a bird herself. She cannot fly like a bird, but the one thing she can do is sing. Henkes simple acrylic illustrations create a bold, but simple setting.
AD410L
Ages 4-8*

Rubina, a muslim immigrant, is invited to her first American birthday party. She her excitement turns to mortification when her mother insists that she bring he younger sister Sana along. Since birthday parties are new to the whole family, no one realizes that it is weird to take a little sister along, and she totally misbehaves the whole time she is there. To make matters worse, Sana eats Rubina's big red lollipop, a party favor she relieved at the party. This disaster is hard for Rubina to get over, but time passes and Sana is invited to a birthday party. When mother suggests that Sana take her younger sister with, Rubina stands up for her and suggests Sana go alone. A nice tale of sisterhood, good or bad.
AD410L
Ages 6-9* MC

This book is about a day in the life of a community of friends and family, along with the larger concept that we are “all the world”, each and every one of us. It also teaches the reader to appreciate the world around them. It is written in uncomplicated, poetic verses, which let the illustrations do most of the talking. There is no main character in this story, which adds to its simplicity. Ages 4-8*

Actress Julianne Moore introduces the character Freckleface Strawberry, a little girl who is not found of the freckles on her face, but through hilarious reasoning, learns to love her unique characteristic.
AD230L
Ages 4-8*

The inspector is investigating the murder of a composer and needs to find clues that lead to the killer. What makes this book unique, is the accompanying soundtrack which adds a "Peter and the Wolf" feel to the book. Lemony Snicket brings his "A Series of Unfortunate Events" humor to this modern musical mystery. Readers learn the parts of the orchestra as the story unfolds. Ages 6-10 *

Ling and Ting are identical Chinese twins. Others have a hard time telling them apart, until Ting has an unfortunate hair cut. This book features 6 easy to read passage about the adventures in lives of these silly sister. Lin does a great job creating humor, exploring twinhood and letting each of the girls distinguish themselves.
390L
Ages 4-7* MC

This is the first installment of the Adventures of Anna Hibiscus. Anna is a biracial girl living in a large city in Africa. Her father is Black and her mother is White Canadian. She lives in a large compound with a huge extended family. Her family is very traditional in culture, but they also very modern in their use of cellphones and the internet. When Anna's immediate family tries to take a vacation away from the extended family, Anna's father gets lonely and invites everyone, one by one, to join them on their holiday. This book is a unique look and family and the balance between modern life and tradition.
670L
Ages 5-9* MC

Grace is one of two American-Taiwanese girls at her school, the other is her sister. One day in the school cafeteria, Grace spots another American-Taiwanese girl and so begins the year of the dog. In Chinese culture, each year is represented by an animal and the dog just so happens to stand for friendship. This book chronicles a whole year of Grace's life, including many Asian customs and celebrtions, assimilation issues, and the balance between school and family. The book also features short anecdotes of her parents' and grandparents' childhoods that cleverly mirror her current experiences.
690L
Ages 9-12* MC

Bobby is an African American teenager who lived a laidback life in the city, until his girlfriend Nia got pregnant and he is forced to grow up sooner than planned. The couple realizes having a baby will limit their freedom, and because they do not have strong support from their parents, the couple considers adoption for their baby and look forward to getting their life back after pregnancy. The story switches back and forth from “Then”, before he had a child and “Now”, living as a single dad raising his daughter Feather. Bobby is exhausted trying to balance family, friends, school and baby. His mom refuses to help him, and for reasons unknown until the end of the book, Bobby’s girlfriend and Feather’s mother is out of the picture. Although Bobby is tired and strays away from responsibly from time to time, he never resents his daughter and keeps her at the top of his priorities.
790L
Ages 14 and up * MC

11 year old Tess is going through a lot of changes. Not only is she becoming a teenager, but her best friend has moved away and her school is in Jeopardy of closing because there are not a lot of children on living on the island of Bethsaida. The local preacher hatches a plan to keep the school open and families on the island. If each family takes in a foster child the school will have enough students to keep it going. Tess's family decides to take in Aaron, a young preteen with a lot of angst and no desire to live on a small island. Tess doesn't understand why Aaron is so cold towards her, the community and island life. "Touch Blue" is a believable story about adjusting to life as it comes and trusting that things happen for a reason.
750L
Ages 9-12 *

Melanie is a bright girl with a photographic memory, but she has one barrier in life. Due to Cerebral Palsy, she is unable to speak to other people. Others are able to meet who Melanie is when she is give a voice through an electronic speaking box. The box enables her to speak with others and even join the school quizbowl team. Even though she has a voice, she is unable to overcome all the obstacles when it comes to being a teenager. Told in first person through Melanie's voice, this is a great book for teaching empahty and understanding towards those with disabilities.
700L
Ages 10-13

Lucky is a 10 year old girl longing to be a great adventurer. Orphaned by the death of her mother, she is being raised by her father’s first wife in a trailer park in the desert. Lucky believes that she can fix the uncertainty in her life only if she can find her higher power, an idea she took to heart after eavesdropping on various addiction meetings. However, when Lucky decides to run away for the ultimate search to find her higher power, it is a storm and a pesky, younger neighbor that lead Lucky to the discovery that all she needs in life is already before her.
1010L
Ages 9-11*