Category: Realistic Fiction

Posted in Fiction, Middle Grade, Middle School, Realistic Fiction, Tween Reads

On the Block: A middle grade anthology set in one building

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

On the Block: Stories of Immigrant Families, edited by Ellen Oh, (Oct. 2025, Penguin Random House), $8.99, ISBN: 9780593648476

Ages 8-13

Published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) and edited by award-winning author Ellen Oh – a founding member of WNDB – this can’t-miss anthology’s stories bring together the lives of a group of families living in the Entrada apartment building in New York City (if my reading of a few landmarks serves me right). The author’s list is a who’s-who of kidlit, including Tracey Baptiste, Adam Gidwitz, Sayantani Dasgupta, and Debbi Michiko Florence. Chapters are named for apartments where each family lives, giving readers a glimpse into different cultures and lived experiences. Characters from one story will pop up in another, providing a fun sense of continuity.

Who lives in the Entrada? There’s Lila Sooklal in Apartment 5B. Newly arrived from Trinidad, Lila explores the building and meets her neighbors while her family wanders flea markets in search of furnishings for their new apartment. Tumpa Ray in Apartment 4C is almost 12 years old and hasn’t learned to ride a bike yet; when her grandmother arrives from Bengal, she’s determined to change that. Yaniel Fernandez in Apartment 6C is eating popsicles until he’s sick to his stomach in order to make a bridge for class… and learns that there is much more to his grandmother than he ever imagined.

Living and working in an urban area of Queens, these are my library kids’ stories. Readers will laugh and cheer with these characters; they’ll identify with them, and they’ll feel seen. If you didn’t catch the hardcover release of On the Block (then subtitled Stories of Home) last year, put it in your cart for this year.

On the Block has starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Booklist.

Posted in Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Tween Reads

Middle Grade Must-Read: Smoke & Mirrors by Rosalyn Ransaw

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Smoke & Mirrors, by Rosalyn Ransaw, (June 2025, Amulet Books), $18.99, ISBN: 9781419770135

Ages 8-12

Andy Carter is having a lousy summer. He’s spending the summer with his aunt because his father’s parole hearing was postponed. He’s the only Black kid in a small Midwestern town, and he ended up taking the fall for a dumb prank that set at neighbor’s barn on fire. To repay the damage, Andy must help Mr. Gilbert – the barn’s gruff owner – renovate his crumbling home, a mansion with a mysterious history. As Andy and Mr. Gilbert work on the house together, Andy learns that the house was once owned by a magician called the Red Knave. In 1954, the Knave was a suspect in a murder that shook the town, but he disappeared before he could be questioned, leaving generations of townsfolk to believe he was guilty. It doesn’t make sense to Andy, who starts his own investigation into the mystery. It’s a mystery that necessitates him teaming up with someone he doesn’t trust: one of the kids who was there the night he took the fall for the burning barn. There are incredible twists that readers won’t see coming in this incredibly readable mystery that also takes a look at the culture of contemporary racism in the American Midwest. Characters are beautifully brought to life; Andy, in particular, has depth and backstory that immediately endears him to readers. Do not miss this one.

Smoke & Mirrors is a debut novel from Ransaw and received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist.

Posted in Fiction, Middle Grade, Middle School, Realistic Fiction, Tween Reads

Touched by… a werewolf? Werewolf Hamlet by Kerry Madden-Lunsford

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Werewolf Hamlet, by Kerry Madden-Lunsford, (Feb. 2025, Charlesbridge Moves), $18.99, ISBN: 9781623544331

Ages 10-14

Okay, for anyone who sees the titles and thinks this is a fun send-up of Shakespeare set in middle school, I promise you that while you may be kind of right, you need to get ready for some tissues. Angus is our 10-year-old narrator, and he is going through some stuff. His parents are defaulting on their mortgage and behind on the bills; his little sister is worried that the Four Closers are coming to kick them out of their home. He’s struggling with school, and he’s worried about his 17-year-old brother, Liam, who’s acting like a werewolf: he’s staying out late, coming home stinky, and sometimes his eyes are bloodshot. Plus, he’s moody, snappish, and a little bit hairy. Angus also has a “legacy project” he has to do before he graduates, so he thinks up a new version of Hamlet: “Werewolf Hamlet” will be both a great legacy project and his chance to reach Liam. This is a touching story of addiction and family with relatable characters. Angus is immediately a likable character who loves classic Hollywood movies and imagines conversations between himself and luminaries like Charlie Chaplin and Lon Chaney Jr.; his late-night conversations with Liam show a kid struggling to stay connected to his brother, whom he clearly adores. Angus is a quirky character who sees things differently; he and his brother trade Shakespearean insults that will have readers chuckling. His classmates are entertaining and solidly support Angus’s narrative. Angus’s family is realistic, with flaws and strengths that readers will recognize. Cutaways from Angus’s narrative include snippets of Werewolf Hamlet, imaginary discussions with movie stars, and “Conversations with Liam in the Night” that shed light on the brothers’ relationship. A solid book that middle school and middle grade collections should keep front and center in fiction collections.

Werewolf Hamlet has a starred review from Booklist and was a featured Shelf Awareness pick. Find a Shakespearean insult generator, poster, reader’s group guide and more on Charlesbridge’s website.

Posted in Fiction, Fiction, Intermediate, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

Green Jolene: Read it for Earth Day!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Green Jolene and the Neighborhood Swap, by Wendy Mass/Illustrated by Billy Yong, (Feb. 2025, Disney Planet Possible Books), $12.99, ISBN: 9781368107563

Ages 7-10

Jolene Greenfield is an environmentally conscious rising third grader on summer break and missing her best friend, Amie, who just moved away. As the new neighbors unload their boxes outside Amie’s old home, she takes a minute to consider how much stuff she has: it’s A LOT. How much of it does she still want or need? Not that much. But the thought of her stuff sitting in a landfill makes her stomach drop, so she and her parents come up with the idea to have a swap meet. As she and her family set about getting the neighborhood on board, Jolene discovers that putting a neighborhood event together takes a lot of work and a lot of tweaking, but in the end, it’s all worth it – and she may even make a new friend in the process. Back matter includes tips for kids on recycling and additional resources. Yong’s cartoon black and white illustrations are fun and keep readers invested in the story. An overall fun and green-savvy book for intermediate readers.

Disney’s Planet Possible books are part of Disney’s sustainability initiative; book content is focused on environmental issues, and the printing of the books themselves take sustainability and conservation into mind. There are free educator guides and activity sheets on the Disney website: get rid of your scrap paper by printing on the other side!

 

 

Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Intermediate, Realistic Fiction

Catch up with some chapter books!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Chapter books are more fun than ever. Here are a few I’ve been reading:

Bodega Cats: Just Kitten Around, by Hilda Eunice Burgos/Illustrated by Siara Faison, (Jan. 2025, Henry Holt & Company), $16.99, ISBN: 9781250903761

As a lifelong Metro NY resident, I am a big fan of the bodega cat and love that there is a chapter book series dedicated to these noble cats and their profession. Just Kitten Around is the second Bodega Cat series, but readers can jump right in. Yesenia is a kid whose parents run a bodega and expect their kids to excel in school, which gives Yesenia a lot of anxiety. Her therapist recommends a cat, which Yesenia is excited about – but her parents aren’t. When adorable kitten Candy joins the family, she’s a LOT. She’s a kitten, after all! At first, Yesenia is willing to overlook Candy’s misbehavior, but when Candy inadvertently exposes Yesenia’s bad test grade – with a forged parental signature – even Yesenia is exasperated, and Candy runs away. Burgos gives readers differing points of view by having chapters alternate between Yesenia’s and Candy’s experiences. Faison’s black and white illustrations offer crochet instruction – one of Yesenia’s hobbies – and keep  thereader’s interest. Tackling relatable kid concerns like stress and anxiety, Just Kitten Around is a solid addition to the Bodega Cats series and to chapter book/middle grade collections. No need to read the series in order; each book features different characters in the same universe.

 

Fairy Door Diaries: Eliza and the Flower Fairies, by Megan McDonald/Illustrated by Lenny Wen, (Feb. 2025, Candlewick Press), $17.99, ISBN: 9781536201420

The celebrated Judy Moody author has a new series! Eliza gets home from school and escapes to her secret hideaway, free from Mom nudging her to complete her chores or her sister, who wants to play horsie. She’s magically transported to the Land of the Flower Fairies, where every flower has a fairy attached to it; her dragonfly pin becomes a real-life dragonfly companion, Haiku. Eliza and Haiku explore the magical world but end up in the “Evil Ones” territory: Wolfsbane and Belladonna send a Demon Wind to steal the flowers’ scents and colors, and it’s up to Eliza to save the day. Colorful gouache and colored pencil illustration weave an enticing fantasy world for readers, and McDonald gets immediately into the action, sending readers right into the Land of the Flower Fairies and introducing the antagonists early on. Readers will delight in this magical new series. Fairy Door Diaries: Eliza and the Flower Fairies has a starred review from Booklist.

 

 

Rica Baptista: A Week of Shenanigans, by Janet Costa Bates/Illustrated by Gladys Jose, (Apr. 2024, Candlewick Press), $16.99, ISBN: 9781536227666

Ages 6-9

Rica – short for Frederica – is so excited! Her Grampy’s coming to visit for their Adventure Week: it’s the one week a year he’s off from work, and they always have exciting things planned to do together and with her best friend, Laini. This year, though, Grampy arrives on crutches and a bandaged ankle. He’s sprained his ankle, and Adventure Week is now Stay-venture Week! Rica, Grampy, and Laini come up with some fun ideas for Stay-venture Week, but Rica is worried that Grampy’s not having enough fun. What’s a kid to do? This second book in the Rica Baptista series is a light-hearted story with a glimpse into Cape Verdean culture and a warm intergenerational relationship at the heart of the tale. Grampy is a playful, fun-loving grandparent who’s happy to eat his fill of candy and tell “almost true almost all of the time” tall tales. Rica’s parents are very present and involved. Black and white illustrations run throughout and include excerpts from Rica’s prayer journal, where she hopes for her grandfather to feel better and to do well at the talent show. Rica and her family are brown-skinned; best friend Laini is light-skinned and of Irish descent. The next book in the Rica Baptista series is out in November – pick up the first two now and get them on your chapter book shelves.

 

Unicornia: Learning to Fly, by Ana Punset/Illustrated by Diana Vicedo, (Dec. 2024, Candlewick Press), $17.99, ISBN: 9781536241006

Ages 6-9

Originally published in Spanish in 2022, this chapter book series has been very popular for my Spanish-language collection; I was happy to read it in English and see what the hype is about. Claudia is a young girl whose family has just moved to Unicornia, “the most magical hidden city in the entire universe”. It’s a haven for unicorns, created when the magical beings were in danger of going extinct; select humans seem to be able to make the move. Claudia is delighted to start school at the Unicornia Academy of Magic, but she has a bit of a rough start: her potions class is confusing (and messy), and riding a unicorn? No way! Luckily, Claudia meets Sara and Pippa, two friendly lifelong residents of Unicornia, who are only too happy to get her caught up. Now, all they have to do is help Claudia develop the confidence to ride a unicorn… by encouraging her to spend time with Chai, her class unicorn, the three friends may have this school year in the bag. A fun, cheerful story about friendship, confidence, and taking on new challenges and narrated by Claudia, Learning to Fly is a good introduction to a fantasy world. Two-color pink and white illustrations add to the cotton-candy cartoon feel of the story. A helpful map guides readers around Unicornia. A charming addition to chapter book collections.

Posted in Early Reader, Realistic Fiction

The Backyard Detectives are on the case!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Mystery on the Sidewalk (Backyard Detectives, Inc. #1), by Ann Biedenharn, (Nov. 2024, Daisy Hill Publishing), $26.15, ISBN: 979-8-9897014-0-7

Ages 5-7

Alec is a young Backyard Detective with a secret partner: a British mouse named Flint, and the two kick off a fun new series when they attempt to solve the mystery of the purple goo that shows up on his grandmother’s sidewalk one morning. Through observation and deduction, the two arrive at a hilarious conclusion that’s sure to get laughs from readers while teaching fun lessons about nature and color. Black and white illustrations include splashes of purple for effect; easy-to-read text makes this a great Easy Reader for kids who may still be a little young to dive into Nate the Great, but are ready to move on from Young Cam Jansen. Back matter includes an author’s note and “Flint’s Investigation Station”, containing discussion questions and a challenge for readers. Mystery on the Sidewalk is the first in a planned series, and currently available through Daisy Hill Publishing’s website, where readers and educators can find additional resources for exploring mysteries in their own backyards and public green spaces. A cute book for burgeoning readers.

Posted in Graphic Novels, Realistic Fiction, Teen, Young Adult/New Adult

Teleportation and Other Luxuries, for STEM Geeks Everywhere

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Teleportation and Other Luxuries, by Archie Bongiovanni & Mary Verhoeven, (Nov. 2024, Mad Cave Studios), $14.99, ISBN: 9781545812242

Ages 12+

A group of brainy misfits come together to win a science competition sponsored by a nefarious coroporation in this original graphic novel from Bongiovanni (A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns) and illustrator Verhoeven. Tyler, a trans teen with a penchant for social media and scientist parents who won’t accept anything less than total success, feels the pressure to keep up appearances for his family’s reputation’s sake. Gabby is a nonbinary student in the competition for far greater reasons than the scholarship money and the fame; her distrust of the corporation and science overall puts her at odds with Tyler. Allegra is a shy genius who hides her intelligence so she can fit in, and LJ is from a small town where he just learned to do everything because no one else could. Each member of the group has a hidden and personal agenda; when they realize a monumental breakthrough, though, they must weigh the cost of entering a project they know will win, but is unsafe. Blamazon, the megacorporation sponsoring the contest, is quick to wave their fears aside. A very human story with four queer teens at its heart, Bongiovanni explores their relationships with one another and with the world outside Blamazon’s walls. It becomes a story that encourages readers to ask themselves what really matters most. Cartoon-realistic illustration keeps pages turning along with the smart dialogue. A solid STEM story with realistic characters and situations at its center.

Posted in Animal Fiction, Fiction, Fiction, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

Elephant Touch is about healing and resilience

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Elephant Touch, by Susan R. Greenway, (Sept. 2024, SparkPress), $14.99, ISBN: 9781684632688

Ages 9-13

Animal lovers and fiction readers will immediately know there’s something special about this meditation on grief, loss, and healing. Quinn is a girl grieving her mother’s loss; she and her aunt visit a Thai elephant sanctuary in hopes that helping care for elephants will bring them some healing. Quinn initially resists the experience, but bonds with an abused elephant, Sumana, who lovingly rests her trunk on the girl. The sanctuary welcomes a baby elephant, Lee Lawa Dee, who witnessed her mother’s death at the hands of poachers and has stopped eating. Quinn, desperate to help save the elephant, insists that Sumana can help Lee Lawa Dee, but is rebuffed by the staff. Using her connection to the elephants and powered by her grief and desire to save a life, Quinn takes matters into her own hands – which may bring consequences for Quinn and her aunt. Greenway writes with empathy and feeling that will leave readers rooting her Quinn, Sumana, and Lee Lawa Dee. It’s an emotional read: Quinn’s reactions to the abuse endured by the elephants before arriving at the sanctuary are a stand-in for the reader. Readers invested in the characters will rejoice at the story’s end. A sweet crush on another volunteer, a boy named Hunter, adds interest. Animal fiction readers who loved books like Ali Benjamin’s The Thing About Jellyfish (2015), and Alina Chau’s Marshmallow & Jordan (also about elephants, 2021). Get this one on your shelves!

Posted in Fiction, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Tween Reads

Invisible Isabel wants to be seen

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Invisible Isabel, by Sally J. Pla/Illustrated by Tania de Regil, (July 2024, Quill Tree Books), $19.99, ISBN: 9780063268852

Ages 8-12

Isabel Beane is an introverted girl lost in the chaos of her home: her two younger siblings are “toddler tornadoes”; her teenaged older sisters chase her away, and her middle schooler older brother just wants to play video games and have his stinky friends over. It isn’t much better at school: her militaristic teacher doesn’t understand the “worry-moths” that cause Isabel to freeze up during class, and new girl Monica has managed to get all Isabel’s former friends to ignore her. Isabel’s parents don’t really hear or see her, either; waving away her fears as normal kid blues. Abandoned by her friends, ignored by her family, Isabel yearns to find her voice, but her fears threaten to overpower her. A sensitive story in verse with soft black and white illustrations, Isabel’s story unfolds as a journey of discovery. The reader gets clues to Isabel’s neurodiversity with mentions comforting routines like rocking, or her sensitivity to sound and scent. Mean girl Monica, Isabel’s antagonist, has reasons for her behavior and has a father who tries to steer his daughter in a better direction. Readers will spend a good part of this book frustrated with everyone around Isabel as they continue ignoring or disregarding her; Pla creates a feeling of responsibility in the reader – we want to protect her! Pla and de Regil create a story of kindness and discovery for all. An excellent choice for realistic fiction and books in verse collections.

Posted in Graphic Novels, Realistic Fiction, Teen, Young Adult/New Adult

YA LGBTQ+ romance: Navigating with You

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Navigating with You, by Jeremy Whitley/Illustrated by Cassio Ribeiro, (Aug 2024, Mad Cave Studios), $14.99, ISBN: 9781952303609

Ages 12+

Neesha Sparks is a queer, black, disabled community activist who loves costume design and manga. She’s moved from Queens, NY to North Carolina, and is not having a great first day of school. Gabby Graciana is a surfer girl from Florida, also new to North Carolina. She’s a friendly extrovert who is determined to make Neesha her first new friend at school. The two girls bond over their love of Navigator Nozomi, a same manga series, and set off on a challenge to locate copies of the book all over North Carolina. The girls discover deeper feelings for one another as they spend more time together, but each comes to the relationship with challenges to work through: PTSD, divorce, ableism, and toxic relationships are all addressed in Whitley’s masterful story of love, acceptance, and friendship. Whitley intersperses panels from the fictional Navigator Nozomi series to show parallels between the story and the girls’ lives, particularly focusing on the lead female character learning to stand on her own and separate from a toxic male influence. Whitley – the creator of female-led graphic novels like Princeless, The School for Extra-Terrestrial Girls, and Marvel’s The Unstoppable Wasp – has a gift for writing smart, relatable female characters; his dialogue flows easily between the characters and he has the ability to capture defining moments with skill and empathy. Neesha and Gabby each learn to trust one another as friends first, moving into something more, gradually letting each other in. Ribeiro’s illustrations beautifully capture each teen’s personality and the Nozomi panels will delight manga fans. It’s a moving romance that teens and young adults will love.