Realistic Fiction Book List

1.Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo       

Published: 2000

Awards: John Newbery Medal, Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award, Indies Choice Book Award for Children’s Literature

About: This book follows Opal and her dog Winn-Dixie. Opal meets the librarian and one of the ladies in the neighborhood. She learns what it takes to be open, yourself, and to make new friends.

2.Wonder by R.J. Palacio 

Published: 2012

Awards: Maine Student Book Award Vermont's Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Mark Twain Award Hawaii's Nene Award Junior Young Reader's Choice Award

About: This book follows Auggie, his family, and his friends as they deal with his face deformity. It talks about the struggles they go through at school and in the real world, while also dealing with a real issue. It teaches about diversity and inclusivity.

3.Frindle by Andrew Clements

Published: 1935

Awards: Phoenix Award

About: Nick is a class clown who is having a hard time in school with his English homework. Then he finds this golden pen. Which he names Frindle. Throughout this book, his teacher refuses to use this new name even though his classmates do. This book follows the path of the word Frindle.

4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Published: 1935

Awards: Dorthy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Awards and Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Book

About: This book is Greg’s diary through middle school. It talks about all of the ups and downs he experiences on a daily basis, and how his friends help him through it.

5. Holes by Louis Sachar

Published: 1998

Awards: National Book Award for Young People’s Literature and the Newbery Medal

About: This book follows Stanley in present day, and Stanley’s great grandfather, Elya Yelnats. It takes place on Camp Green Lake, where digging holes is what they do all day everyday looking for treasure.

6. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Published: 1977

Awards: John Newbery Medal

About: This book tells the story of fifth graders who become good friends. They create a kingdom, Terabithia. This book follows them on their journey growing up this year, and a hardship happens towards the end of the book.

7. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Published: 2000

About: Leo revives a necktie left anonymously for him by Stargirl. Four years later, Stargirl arrives in his neighborhood. She joins him at school where she doesn’t have much luck fitting in. Leo and Stargirl become unlikely friends. Follow their journey through this book.

8. Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows

Published: 2006

About: In this book, Ivy and Bean become friends, even though they are complete opposites. They are 7-year-old girls who live in the same neighborhood. In this book, they find themselves getting into trouble and having adventures.

9. Ghost (Track #1) by Jason Reynolds

Published: 2016

About: This book follows the story of Ghost, or Castle Cranshaw. His game has always been basketball until one day he races an Olympic medalist and wins. As he joins the team, he is also battling his inner demons.

 

10. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

Published: 1970

Awards: Great Stone Face Award, North Dakota Children's Choice Book Award, Young Hoosier Award, Nene Award from the Children of Hawaii, Outstanding Book of the Year from the New York Times

About: This book follows Margret and her journey through puberty. Through this book, she struggles with finding her own religion and figuring out what it mean to be a 12 year old girl growing up with an older friend who is much more knowledgeable than her.