An Introduction

The following blog features twenty core titles of Contemporary Realistic Fiction for Tweens. The titles illuminate everyday life as they present social and human concerns. Contemporary realistic fiction features plausible stories set in today’s world (Contemporary Realistic Fiction, p203).

When selecting quality contemporary realistic fiction titles we paid strict attention to the plausibility of the books’ characters, plot and setting. The characters need to feel familiar to the reader; the reader feels like they know them and/or identifies with them.  In addition, the plot must consist of places, events and actions that occur in everyday life (Contemporary Realistic Fiction, p189).

As Naked Reading by Teri Lesesne points out Tweens experience psychological, physical and emotional transitions as they approach their teen years (Lesesne 2006, p11).  Contemporary realistic fiction provides Tweens with the opportunity to see their lives reflected within the pages as they relate to and learn with characters. Contemporary realistic fiction explores a diverse array of subjects, including, coming- of- age, bullying, friendships, and family relationships; and sensitive issues, such as, death and abuse.

The titles selected for this blog explore a number of issues that provide Tweens with relevant lessons for their lives and inspirational characters to relate to. These twenty titles are each examples of meaningful, substantial and lasting work.  Many of the titles are award winners and all of them are well reviewed.

**Bibliography:

Lesesne, T.; (2006). Naked reading. ME: Stenhouse Publishers.

Unknown, Contemporary realistic fiction, ch. 7. Retrieved from http://www.wadsworthmedia.com/marketing/sample_chapters/0534555446_ch07.pdf

Blog contributors:

Patrick

Suzanne

Rachelle

Melina

This is What I Did by Ann Dee Ellis

This is What I Did. Ann Dee Ellis. Little, Brown and Company, c2007. 157 pages.

Plot: Ann Dee Ellis’ This is What I Did is narrated by thirteen-year-old eight grader Logan Paloney. Logan is struggling to move past a violent encounter he witnessed between his friend Zyler, Zyler’s abusive father, and a girl named Cami the previous year. Though Logan’s family moved Logan and his younger twin brothers across town after the incident and enrolled Logan in a new middle school, Logan’s life hasn’t gotten any easier. His new classmates (and even one classmate’s father) bully him terribly. However, Logan begins to see a counselor and begins a friendship with a girl named Laurel and is eventually able to confront his feelings about what had happened.

Review/personal thoughts:
Ellis’ fragmented writing style and use of almost screenplay-style dialogue accurately portrays, I believe, the thought process of a young boy who has been through something traumatizing. A quick and engaging read, its honesty will appeal to tween readers.

Having done nothing to help his friend Zyler when he witnessed a violent encounter between Zyler, Zyler’s father, and Cami, Logan struggles with feelings of shame. He not only feels guilty because he feels he wasn’t a good friend to Zyler, but he also feels guilty because of the ways in which his family’s life has changed since the incident. When Logan’s parents take him out for a milkshake, leaving his twin brothers behind, he thinks: “I felt guilty they were taking me without the others, at first, but then I realized it made sense since everything was about me: Dr. Benson, me getting the best room, the playoff tickets, and now shakes” (Ellis, 2007, p.124).

Because Logan feels guilty that his parents are concerned about him, he constantly assures them that he is fine. He doesn’t trust that his family won’t judge him if he is honest about what had happened and the way it has affected him. He also doesn’t trust his new friend Laurel will still want to be his friend if she knows the truth about what happened. However, Logan eventually begins to open up and in the end even finds the courage to email Zyler, who he hasn’t spoken to since the incident.

Tweens will relate to Logan's difficulty overcoming his shame, and will benefit from his journey towards forgiveness—towards forgiving himself as well as Zyler.

Genre: contemporary realistic fiction

Reading level: ages 12-up

Awards:
Nominated for Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
American Library Association - Best Books for Young Adults
Voice of Youth Advocates - 2007 Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers List

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

The Outsiders. S.E. Hinton. Speak, c1967. 180 pages.

Plot:

Narrated by Ponyboy Curtis, a shy, fourteen-year-old boy, The Outsiders depicts the rivalry between the Greasers and the Socs (short for Socials), two groups separated by their socioeconomic status. Ponyboy, his two older brothers, and their tight-knit group of friends are Greasers. When Ponyboy and Johnny (his best friend among the gang) are jumped one night by a group of Socs, Johnny winds up killing one of them. The incident opens Ponyboy’s eyes to the fact that the warring groups really aren’t that different.

Review/personal thoughts:

Though The Outsiders was written and takes place in the 1960’s, I consider it an appropriate addition to a core contemporary realistic fiction collection for tweens as the material isn’t dated. Written when Hinton was just sixteen, the novel tackles issues that are still relevant today.  

For example, tweens will relate to the characters’ need to belong. Though Ponyboy and his friends consider themselves outsiders, they find comfort in their “Greaser” label. Hinton’s characters initially define themselves according to their Greaser or Soc status. In the end, however, they begin to recognize their similarities, in spite of their differences; “Socs were just guys after all. Things were rough all over, but it was better that way. That way you could tell the other guy was human too” (Hinton, 1967, p.118). 

The Outsiders also touches upon such other relevant subjects as friendship, family relationships, and loss. 

Genre: contemporary realistic fiction

Reading level: ages 10-up 


Awards: 

New York Herald Tribune Best Teenage Books List, 1967

Chicago Tribune Book World Spring Book Festival Honor Book, 1967

Media and Methods Maxi Award, 1975

ALA Best Young Adult Books, 1975

Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, 1979

Flipped by Wendelin van Draanen



Van Draanen, W. (2001). Flipped. New York: Random House
Plot
Flipped is a two person narrative about two kids coming of age. Ever since the second grade, Juli Baker has been in love with Bryce Loski, unfortunately, Bryce does everything he can to avoid her. When they both enter junior high, everything flips and emotions change and both begin to see each other differently and both need to start over, together.
Review

  This is a great book about growing up and all the ups and downs life gives you. Readers will relate to both Juli and Bryce and they will see how people perceive events and emotions differently. Tweens will relate to the angst of relationships and first love and the feelings that stem from it. Readers will also love the spunkiness of Juli and her absolute love for life despite the laughter she receives from her peers. When Bryce begins to see the beauty inside Julie readers want to shout out " See we told you so!". 

Genre

  Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Reading Level/Interest Age

Tween/ 4-8th grade/ 9-12 years old

Similar Books

Thwonk by Joan Bauer
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Awards

• 2003
  • Won: Virginia Young Readers Program Award
  • Won: South Carolina Children's Book Award
• 2004
  • Won: California Young Reader Medal
  • Won: Nevada Young Readers Award
  • Nominated: Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award







Anything but Typical by Nora Baskin

Baskin, N. (2009). Anything but Typical. Simon and Schuster Publishing: New York.

Plot

  Anything but Typical is written from the point of view of Jason who loves creative writing, literary devices, online forums, and is autistic. Although Jason has found comfort in sharing his writings on an online forum called Storyboard, he is at a loss when it comes to real relationships both in school and at home. His world is turned upside down when his parents want to send him to meet fellow writers at a Storyboard conference and he begins to share his understanding and fear of what society deems as normal and his hope to stay connected despite his handicap.

Review

  Anything but Typical is a well written story full of an extraordinary cast of characters. The main character Jason puts it perfectly when he says "stuff just happens" to explain the ups and downs of life. Despite the fact that Jason is autistic he is still able to write his deep emotions and thoughts in his online forum, something that many "ordinary" people don't have the guts to do. I liked that the author was able to bring to life Jason's family members and explain to readers how autism affects every relationship. This book brings autism to the fore front of typical tweens and first love, true friendships and every day drama.

Genre

Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Reading Level/Interest Level

Tween/ 4-7th grade/ 9-12 years

Similar Books

The Silent Boy by Lois Lowry

Rules by Cynthia Lord

Mockingbird by Kathyrn Erskine

Awards

 Starred review Kirkus
• Starred review Booklist
• Junior Library Guild Selection 2009
• Indie Booksellers for the Summer 2009 Kids' List

The Boy in the Basement by Susan Shaw

 

Shaw, S. (2004). The Boy in the Basement. Dutton Juvenile: New York.

Plot

  Charlie has been imprisoned by his violent father for years because he was "bad". When he accidentally escapes, he is thrown into a world full of holidays and love but he is still struggling to feel safe. Through Charlie's first person account we see an emotionally and physically scarred boy who still longs for the love of his abusive parents and wonders if he will ever be happy despite the new safe life he has been given. 

Review

  This book reminded me of a tone downed version of A Child Called It. It had that same "I want to throw this book against the wall" feeling and tears when you read about the horrors Charlie has to endure yet he still has the ability to forgive and love his abusive parents. Readers scream for justice as the details of the abuse is outlined, you want to cry when good people mend and save Charlie and you want to campaign against the horrors you read about in this book. With the popularity of A Child Called It this book is better suited for the tween level and readers can still learn about survival and hope.

Genre

Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Interest Level

Tween/ 4-7th grade/ 9-12 years

Similar Books

Black Eyed Suzie bySusan Shaw

Gillyflower by Ellen Howard

Promise Not to Tell by Carolyn Polese

Awards

• New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age 2005
• A Junior Library Guild Selection
• Texas Tayshas Reading List
• Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Selection
• Starred Kirkus Review

The Private Thoughts of Amelia E. Rye by Bonnie Shimko

Shimko, B. (2010). The Private Thoughts of Amelia E. Rye. Farrar, Straus and Giroux: New York.

Plot

  Amelia has a mother who hates her, an older brother and sister who have never bothered to meet her, a father who ran off with a younger girl, and absolutely no friends. When Amelia meets Fancy Nelson for the first time, she knows that she has found her first true friend. The fact that Fancy is African American means nothing to Fancy, but unfortunantley, it means a whole lot to The rest of the world in the 1960's. 

  Readers follow the begiining of the beautiful friendship between Fancy and Amelia and the different layers of family and friendship. When Amelia's grandfather suffers a stroke she is left with absolutley nothing to hold onto except for her friend Fancy and Fancy's mysterious neighbor next door. 

Review

  This book was my first love of 2011. The story is so simple, yet so powerful when readers are taken through the turmoil of the 1960's and the terrible upbringing of Amelia E. Rye. Despite this, Amelia is a tween's heroine. She is a smart, fiesty, and determined kid who shoots for the moon regardless of the cards that are stacked against her. Bonnie Shimko brilliantly weaves her cast of characters to develop the instrict storyline into the central theme. A must read of 2011. 

Genre

Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Interest Level

Tween/ 9-12 years/ 4th - 7th grade

Similar Books

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Awards

The Private Thoughts of Amelia E. Rye was included in the American Library Association's "2011 Best Fiction for Young Adults. 

Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes

Henkes, K. (2003). Olive's Ocean. Greenwillow Books: New York.

Plot

  Olive Barstow was in Martha's class, until she was killed in an hit and run accident while riding her bicycle. After Olive's mother gives Martha a page from her daughters' journal, Martha's life will never be the same as she begins to notice the special similarities between the two girls. Both girls want to be writers, both of them want to see the ocean and both are struggling with their everchaging childhood and adolescence. After reading Olive's journal, Martha realizes the uncertainty of death and that life is worth living to the fullest.

Review

  For young adult readers, this book is a powerful look at the affirmation of life and the mysteries of death. Readers don't know Olive, yet her thoughts fill their heads with epiphanies about the uncertainty of life. Henkes words brilliantly, yet subtly, touch on subjects that tweens experience, from first love, preparing for school and the loss and gain of friendships.

Genre

Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Reading Level/Interest Age

Tweens/4-7th grade/ 9-12 years

Similar Books

Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur

Sun and Spoon- Kevin Henkes

A Corner of the Universe - Ann M. Martin

Awards

ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice ALA Notable Children’s Book Newbery Honor Book

Virginia Young Readers Award ALA Best Book for Young Adults New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age

Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

Mockingbird. Kathryn Erskine. Philomel Books, c.2010. 232 pages.

Plot:

Kathryn Erskine’s Mockingbird is narrated by Caitlin, a 10 year old girl with Asperger’s syndrome. Caitlin’s older brother, Devon, has just been killed in a school shooting and Caitlin, with the help of a kind school counselor, struggles with finding closure for her and her father.

Review/personal thoughts:

Erskine makes a great contribution to young adult literature with Mockingbird for several reasons. In employing a narrator with Asperger’s syndrome, she takes on many challenges. Caitlin’s interpretations of the world around her are absolutely literate and entirely unemotional. However, I found that I quickly began to understand her thought process. By giving Caitlin a voice, Erskine forces her young readers to see the world from Caitlin’s point of view. Readers are made aware of the difficulties of living with Asperger’s syndrome as Caitlin faces them. Mockingbird gives readers the chance to better understand someone who is different, and in doing so gives them the tools for acceptance. 

Erskine’s novel also deals with the issue of grief, demonstrating the different ways in which people deal with grief. Caitlin, for example, remains mostly unemotional, though she does miss her older brother and his patient explanations and guidance. She understands that Devon is dead, yet she still expresses her desire to do the things with him that she used to. This, as does any mention of Devon, upsets her father greatly. In fact, he conceals Devon’s chest (an unfinished Eagle Scout project) with a sheet so that he doesn’t have to see it. He also spends a lot of time crying. Josh, a boy at school, offers readers yet another example of grief. The cousin of the school shooter who killed Devon, Josh deals with his grief by acting out until he finally breaks down at school.

Mockingbird deals with difficult topics, but handles them with “finesse” (one of Caitlin’s favorite vocabulary words). It not only brings its readers an understanding of what it’s like living with Asperger’s syndrome, but also provides a well rounded view of the ways in which a community deals with the aftermath of a traumatic event. 


Genre: contemporary realistic fiction

Reading level: ages 9-12

Awards:
National Book Award for Young People's Literature, 2010

Parrot in the Oven, Mi Vida by Victor Martinez

Parrot in the Oven, Mi Vida. Victor Martinez. HarperCollins Children’s Books, c1996. 216 pages.

Plot:

Victor Martinez’s Parrot in the Oven, Mi Vida is a coming of age story following Manuel Hernandez, a fourteen year old Mexican American boy. The novel follows Manuel’s life in the year leading up his test of courage and initiation into a neighborhood gang. Manuel, who is smart and well behaved, struggles to find his place in the world while battling hardships often brought on by his dysfunctional family. Though he must contend with an alcoholic and sometimes violent father, a mother who turns a blind eye to his father’s behavior, poverty, bullies, racism, and more, Manuel does discover in the end what being a vato firme, a guy to respect, means to him.

Review/personal thoughts:

Though highlighting issues such as alcohol abuse, violence, poverty, bullying, and racism, Parrot in the Oven is a beautifully told story that I believe mature tweens will find benefit in reading. Martinez’s descriptions are rich and always right on, and were a delight to read.

Even more valuable than Martinez’s stunning prose, however, is the message his novel delivers. Growing up with a dysfunctional family in the projects, Manuel knows that it’s difficult for a kid like him to make something of himself. In his neighborhood, a man earns respect by joining a gang.

Manuel passes the Test of Courage to become a member of the Callaway Projects gang, but discovers soon afterward that the gang’s definition of a man to respect differs greatly from his own. He realizes this when he witnesses Eddie, one of the gang’s members, mug a woman coming out of the bank. “It was like I’d finally seen my own face and recognized myself; recognized who I should really be. Then I didn’t feel like catching up to Eddie anymore. Instead, I wanted to grab him, and scold him about how to treat people, how to be somebody who knows how to treat people: like my sister; like that lady” (Martinez, 1996, p.210). 

Though Manuel struggles with the difficult circumstances of his environment, in the end he doesn’t allow himself to fall victim to it. Through Manuel’s journey, Martinez demonstrates to his readers the importance of not allowing outside factors (whether these be your neighborhood, parents, peers, friends, race, social class, etc.) to define you. Tweens will benefit from Manuel's demonstration of self-determination and empowerment. 

Genre: contemporary realistic fiction

Reading level: ages 12-up

Awards:
Pura Belpre Author Award, 1998
Americas Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, 1996
National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, 1996 

Blubber by Judy Blume

Blubber. Judy Blume. Yearling, c1974. 153 pages.

Plot:

Judy Blume’s Blubber is told from the point of view of Jill Brenner, an average fifth grade girl. When one of Jill’s classmates, an awkward and overweight girl named Linda, gives an oral report on the whale and references the whale’s “blubber,” another classmate, Wendy, passes a cruel note around the class. “Blubber is a good name for her!” (Blume, 1974, p.5), the note says. Wendy is clever and very popular and for these reasons Jill laughs at the note, even though she doesn’t find it particularly funny. Unfortunately for Linda, the name sticks and most of Mrs. Minish’s class (including Jill) joins Wendy in bullying “Blubber.” However, when Jill finds herself the victim of Wendy’s cruelty, she learns what it’s like to be on the other side of the bullying.

Review/personal thoughts:

Though I had read Blubber once when I was a tween, I found the novel almost shocking the second time around. Jill, Wendy, and the others in Mrs. Minish’s class positively terrorize poor Linda. They physically assault, humiliate, and threaten her on a daily basis. In one particularly disgusting incident, Jill, Wendy, and Wendy’s best friend Caroline meet Linda in the girls’ bathroom. While Wendy and Caroline hold her still, Jill begins to strip Linda’s clothes off of her.

While reading Blubber, I found myself aching to intervene and help Linda and felt little to no warmth towards Jill as a character. However, when Jill grows tired of obeying Wendy’s every command and stands up to her, she finds herself the class’ new target. This was an important turn in the plot, as it illustrates to readers how quickly the tables can turn. Though Jill had once been one of Linda’s main tormentors, and had thus gained Wendy’s acceptance, she loses this acceptance as soon as she asserts her independence. Wendy and Linda then team up in bullying Jill, referring to her as “Baby Brenner.” 

Jill’s relationship with Wendy is juxtaposed with her relationship with her best friend, Tracy Wu, in the novel. While Jill must perform for Wendy in order to gain her acceptance, Tracy and Jill can sit and be quiet together; “best friends don’t have to talk all the time” (Blume, 1974, p.133). Their relationship is revealed in the novel as one based on true friendship.

Judy Blume’s Blubber is an important novel for tweens to read as it showcases the often secret and shameful problem of bullying. Though Jill is initially the bully, she winds up the one being bullied in the end and discovers the affect her behavior has had on Linda. Blubber also reveals her relationship with Wendy as both manipulative and destructive, and demonstrates true friendship in her relationship with Tracy.

Genre: contemporary realistic fiction

Reading level: ages 9-12

Awards: 

Arizona Young Readers Award

Young Reader’s Choice Award, Pacific Northwest Library Association, 1977

North Dakota Children’s Choice Award, 1983

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

Love That Dog. By Sharon Creech. HarperCollins, c2001. 86 pages.

Plot:
The format of the book is a school journal whose entries are written by Jack. The entries center around a poetry unit Jack has in school and the tone is set early when he writes, “I don’t want to, because boys don’t write poetry. Girls do.” Even though all of the entries are made by Jack, the gentle guiding of the teacher is revealed through the entries. As Jack finds his voice he slowly finds the courage to reveal his feelings and agrees to allow some of his poetry to be displayed in the classroom as long as his name does not appear on the work. “...don’t tell anyone who wrote them, okay?” He honestly admits to not understanding the poems of Robert Frost and William Blake among others, but has an awakening after reading a poem by Walter Dean Myers. The poem Love That Boy inspires Jack to recall the passion and joy he felt for his dog Sky and allows him to blossom as a poet, capturing the love, pain, joy and connection that was locked in his memory... And by the way, Walter Dean Myers visits Jack’s school thanks to a letter from Jack!

Review/Personal thoughts:
What a great book! The transformation that takes place with Jack is joyful to read as he derives inspiration, discovers his voice and connects with the power of writing poetry. Young reader’s should equally be inspired themselves through Jack’s unfolding and discovery. I loved the entry where Jack is questioning the “pasture poem” his teacher read and he writes “I think Mr. Robert Frost has a little too much time on his hands.” Although Sky the dog is not a dominant character, Jack’s memory of him allows for a very poignant and profound moment for the reader. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone. I am happy that I have “discovered” it. Please read it and let me know if you don’t agree that this is a well written, accessible and joyful book.


Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Reading Level: 4.1 Interest level: Ages 8 to 12

Awards:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002 ; Bank Street College of Education
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award, 2002 Winner Middle Grade Readers
Carnegie Medal, 2001
Christopher Award, 2002 Winner Ages 8-10
Claudia Lewis Award, 2001 & 2002
School Library Journal Best Books, 2001
New York Times Notable Books, 2001

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

Hoot. By Carl Hiaasen. Alfred A. Knopf, c2002. 292 pages.

Plot: The story centers around Roy Eberhardt a Middle School student who is new to the town of Coconut Grove, Florida. Roy enters into some unlikely friendships with “Mullet Fingers” a homeless boy and Mullet’s sister, Beatrice. Central to the story is a patch of ground slated to be bulldozed to make way for the 469th location of a Mother Paula’s All-American Pancake House restaurant. At first, the vandalism at the site seems random, but it is discovered that there is a community of burrowing owls on the site whose habitat will be destroyed by the construction and it is the presence and desired protection of these owls that are the focus of the vandalism. Roy discovers this fact through “Mullet Fingers” and is drawn into the cause of saving the owls. Through Roy’s persistence, he discovers the owls are a protected species, that the company knows the owls are there but deny it, that the environmental impact report has been hidden and that city officials have been bribed! The story builds to a great scene at the groundbreaking ceremony which yields surprises that will delight the reader.


Review/Personal thoughts: Hoot is a great read! Many themes are visited and cleverly revealed in the book. Bullying, friendships, parent child relations and middle school life are all part of the story. Also included are corruption, anti-development and the beauty of nature as themes. There are many eccentric characters and many normal characters, all of which are made completely believable. I enjoyed the ineptitude revealed in the well-meaning adults like the police officer and site supervisor. There is an element of humor that runs throughout the book that had me smiling as I read. There are serious and heartfelt scenes in the book as well which offer a great balance and variety to the book. I’m sure my empathy for the fate of the burrowing owls affected my enjoyment of the book and I recommend this title without hesitation.

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Reading Level: 5.1 Interest level: Ages 10 to 13

Awards:
Newbery Medal/Honor 2003
ALA Notable Children's Book 2003
ALA Best Books for Young Adults 2003
Arizona Young Readers Award 2005
Minnesota Maud Heart Lovelace Award 2005
Connecticut Nutmeg Children's Book Award 2006

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo Candlewick Press, 2000. 182 pages.

Plot:
The story centers around 10-year old India Opal Buloni and her move to a small Florida town with her preacher father. Winn-Dixie is the name Opal hastily gives to a stray dog who is running amok in a local supermarket and then takes the dog home as her own. Her loving father needs little convincing to keep the dog and all of the story then unfolds with Opal and Winn-Dixie basically inseparable. This alliance between girl and dog allows for the new friendships that develop between Opal and a shy and gentle guitar playing pet store clerk, a kind librarian, a misunderstood elderly lady, two rambunctious brothers and a small young girl named Sweetie Pea. Opal’s mother is gone and she never knew her and her father is somewhat withdrawn. As the summer unfolds, all of the friendships develop and Opal manages to bring all the characters together for an unforgettable garden party that leads to drama around Winn-Dixie.


Review/Personal thoughts:
It is no coincidence that this book has multiple awards and is on many recommended book lists. It is very well written and has well-developed characters who are all fascinating and believable. The book is entertaining with many humorous as well as heartfelt moments. Opal’s longing for the mother she never knew and her hope that she might one day return is evident throughout the story and ultimately provides the opportunity for Opal to come to grips with her loss and grow emotionally through process. Winn-Dixie will appeal to all animal lovers as he “smiles”, wags his tail, and seems to understand everything that Opal tells him. I felt good after reading this book and definitely recommend it for tweens.

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Reading Level: 3.9 Interest level: Ages 8 to 12

Awards:
Newberry Medal/Honor Book, 2001
Notable/Best Books (A.L.A.) 01/19/01
Young Reader's Choice Award, 2003
Voice of Youth Award, 2001-2002 First Place
Friends of American Writers Juvenile Literature Award, 2001
California Young Reader Medal, 2003

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

Are You There God? It's Me Margaret. Judy Blume. Simon and Schuster, c1970. 149 pages. 

 

"Are you there God? It's me Margaret. We're moving today. I'm so scared God. I've never lived anywhere but here. Suppose I hate my new school? Suppose everybody hates me? Please help me God. Don't let New Jersey be too horrible. Thank you (Blume. 1970, p1)."

Plot/ Description: The story centers around a twelve year- old girl named Margaret Simon. Margaret has just moved to New Jersey and will be starting a new school. Margaret’s mother was raised Christian while her father was raised Jewish, however, Margaret’s family does not practice any religion. Although Margaret has no religion she enjoys a private relationship with God, who she often seeks for counsel. At her new school Margaret meets friends who enjoy talking about boys, puberty and gossiping about classmates. The girls promise to let each other know when they start their periods and to discuss all of the juicy details of puberty. Her teacher and friends call Margaret’s lack of religion into question, causing Margaret to decide to explore religions so she can make a choice.  Margaret experiences a lot of pressure from her friends to grow up and pressure from her family about choosing her religion, which causes Margaret to stop talking to God. When Margaret starts her period, she thanks God she is not the last one to start and decides to maintain her private relationship with God. 

Review: Margaret’s story stands the test of time because puberty is fact of life. The book explores the subjects of anxiety in girls, the sixth grade, puberty, moving to a new state, children and religion, and change. Margaret is a young girl who is anxious to grow up and become a teenager. She and her friends talk about boys and their developing bodies, they also look at Playboy together because they are interested in how their own bodies will change.  In addition to her body changes Margaret embarks on her own religious journey as she explores the Christian and Jewish faith, however, she does not feel God’s presence in church or at Temple. Choosing a religion, is Margaret’s first independent decision, showing that while she is waiting for her body to mature her own is mind maturing. This book is most beneficial to pre- pubescent girls who will relate to and be comforted by Margaret's own experiences waiting for her period, and readers will be inspired by Margaret's courage as she looks for religion.

Personal Thoughts: This is a core title of realistic fiction because it explores a common phase of development; when girls anticipate getting their periods and becoming women. Judy Blume writes a candid and honest story about growing up.  Many of the events discussed, like, buying pads, talking about boys, worrying about not developing fast enough, and getting the "puberty talk" at school are consistent themes in today's world. Although, the book was written more than thirty years ago, tween girls continue to relate to Margaret.

Genre: Non Sexist Childrens Literature, Realistic Fiction

Reading Level: Ages 9- 12

Awards: Flicker Tale Childrens Book Award (North Dakota): Juvenile Books

Great stone Face Childrens Book Award (New Hampshire)

Nene Award (Hawaii)

Young Hoosier Book Award: Intermediate Books

 

Crash by Jerry Spinelli

Crash. Jerry Spinelli. Alfred A. knopf, Inc., c1996. 162 pages. 

 " My real name is John Coogan. But everybody calls me Crash, even my parents. As far back as I can tell, I've always been crashing-- into people, into things, you name it, with or with out a helmet (Spinelli, 1996, p1)."

Plot/ Description: Seventh grader Crash Coogan is a jock that loves his reputation as an excellent athlete and comedian. Crash and his best friend Mike love to torment and prank the school nerd; Penn Webb. In the first grade when Crash and Penn first met, Crash was shocked to discover that Penn was not only a vegetarian and a Quaker, but he only had two toys to his name; a wagon and a box of Mud from the Missouri River. From then on Crash decided it would be more fun to pick on Penn then befriend him. Crash tormented Penn but he also envied the close relationship he shared with his parents. Crashes parents work a lot and they miss all of Crash’s games, but his Grandpa Scout shows up to all of Crash’s practices and games. Scout suffers a terrible stroke, and Crash lets go of his “Crash” reputation and finds an unlikely friendship with Penn.

Review: Crash is a story of a boy who has defined himself with aggressive behavior, but learns to feel compassion and empathy when his grandfather suffers a stroke. This story explores the ways boys develop their masculine identity. His family and friends, and the media influence Crash as he constructs his identity. He consciously tries to model jock behavior that he sees in movies and on T.V. when he tries to charm Jane at a school dance and pulls her on the dance floor even though she told him to go away. Crash and Mike bully Penn together to prove how tough they are and Crash bases his worth and popularity on how much his parents spend on him. Crash’s parents explain that they can’t make his games because they work to provide him the things he needs for a better life. 

Penn Webber’s family believe that family and the environment are more important than material goods. Penn influences Crash’s sister; Abby, to wear second hand clothes and protect the environment, but she encounters stiff opposition at home. Crash's bullying of Penn is fueled by Penn's nonconformist values and Penn's close relationship with his parents. 

Crash craves attention and guidance, his grandfather listens to Abby and Crash; and he nurtures their thoughts and goals with his warm demeanor and love. When Scout has a stroke, Crash is finally forced to care about something beyond material wealth and popularity. Crash realizes through the novel that materialistic wealth and his reputation will not satisfy his heart.  Crash stops basing his identity on athleticism and bullying Penn because Penn is the only person who understands Crash’s relationship with his grandfather. Crash and Penn become best friends and Crash relinquishes his jock/bully identity because his grandfather’s health gives him an opportunity to create a sense of empathy and compassion. This is a humorous and meaningful story that many boys trying to make sense of their masculine identity as they grow up will appreciate and enjoy.  

Personal Thoughts: Crash is a core piece of Contemporary Realistic Fiction because it explores the ways a boy defines his masculinity as he approaches manhood. Becoming a man, and deciding the type of man, a boys want to become are persistent themes in the world. When Crash consciously mimics the Jock behavior he sees on T.V., it is a perfect characterization of a boy trying out a male stereotype to prove that he is grown up. But, Crash learns that his reputation as a comedian and jock do not fulfill his heart when Scout suffers a stroke. Crash chooses to define his sense of self independent of masculine stereotypes, and this makes him a happier kid. Tween boys will relate to Crash's experiences becoming a man, and they will learn valuable lesson about defining themselves as men.

 

Genre: Realistic Fiction, First Person Narrative Stories

Reading Level: Age 9- 12

Award:  Golden Archer Awards (Wisconsin): Intermediate

Indian Paintbrush Book Award (Wyoming)

Iowa Teen Award

Massachusetts Children’s Book Award

Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award (Minnesota)- Division II: Grades 6-8 (post- 1996 winners)

North Carolina Children’s Book Award: Junior Books

Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Awards: Grades 6- 8

School Library Journal Best Books: 1996

South Carolina Book Awards: Junior Books

Virginia Readers’ Choice Award: Middle School (Grades 6-9)

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

 

Bridge To Terabithia. Katherine Paterson, Illustrated by Donna Diamond, Crowell, c1977. 128 pages.

"Do you know what we need?" Leslie called to him. Intoxicated as he was with the heavens, he couldn't imagine needing anything on earth. "We need a place," she said, "just for us. It would be so secret that we would never tell anyone in the whole world about it." She lowered her voice almost to a whisper. "It might be a whole secret country," she continued, "and you and I would be the rulers of it (Paterson, 1977, p38-39)."


Plot/ Description: Fifth grader, Jess Aaron has practiced all summer to become the fastest kid in the fifth grade. All of his classmates know him as the boy who draws all the time and he is ready to shed that reputation. But Leslie; a new student and a girl beat out Jess. Leslie and her educated parents move from the suburbs to rural West Virginia to enjoy the simple life. Leslie is an outcast at school, but soon Jess and Leslie become close friends. Leslie encourages them to create their own secret land in the woods called; Terabithia. The two tell and act out stories in Terabithia. Jess and Leslie are very influential on each other; she gives him her Narnia books and teaches him about saving endangered species, while he teaches her compassion for the school bully. After a rainy season, the creek bed they swing across to enter Terabithia is dangerously full of water, Jess is afraid to cross and feels embarrassed to tell Leslie not to go to Terabithia. One day, he is invited by his favorite teacher to go to the National Gallery, while he is away; Leslie is killed after the rope they use to swing across breaks. Jess goes through a myriad of emotions; including denial, anger, and guilt as he deals with her death. Jess resolves to build a bridge to Terabithia and to share Leslie’s secret world with his little sister.

Review: Bridge to Terabithia is a work of realistic fiction about two lonely kids who create a magical forest kingdom. The novel deals with the subjects of boy and girl relationships, children and death, country life, imagination in children, ten year-olds and friendship. Leslie and Jess are both outcasts at school; Leslie does not wear dresses and runs as fast as the boys, while Jess likes to draw and enjoy music.  Leslie and Jess accept each other for who they are and they make each other better people; they communicate, they are honest, and loyal. They share an exemplary friendship. Both children are good role models for boys and girls because their friendship and personalities do not follow typical gender roles.  The book deals with the topic of death, when Leslie, the story’s heroine dies. Jess, who is still a young child, must learn to grieve and accept his best friends death. This plot twist can benefit children who have and have not experienced a death of a family member or friend by relating to and learning from Jess’s grieving process.

Personal Thoughts: I read this book in the fifth grade and it is the first book, that I remember affecting my emotions. Leslie is the heroine, I loved Leslie just as much as the character; Jess Aaron. And I remember grieving for Leslie with Jess Aaron too. This book was my first introduction to death and grief, which are very taboo subjects but facts of existence. Great friendships and death are common occurrences throughout a person’s lifetime, which is why this novel is a core piece of contemporary realistic fiction. This story is valuable to any one who has ever experienced love and loss.

 
Genre: Non Sexist Literature, Realistic Fiction 

Reading Level: Ages 9 - 12

Awards:

Newbery Medal

Virginia Readers’ Choice Award: Elementary School (Grades 3- 5)