January 12, 2016 | strande
Sometimes we just want to read about what's familiar or what's possible. Here are some suggestions for books that feature a high level of realism. You probably won't find many dragons or wizards or outer space adventures here. Books are suggested for Sixth Grade, but remember that each Reader is different, and might find something interesting at another level.
Although Jeff and Tad, encouraged by a new friend, Lindsey, make a deal to help one another overcome aftereffects of their cancer treatments in preparation for eighth-grade graduation, Jeff still craves advice from his older brother Stephen, who is studying drums in Africa.
April Sinclair's teenage years kick off with a humiliating 13th birthday party, two kisses from two different boys (and some uncertainty as to who she likes more), and an unexpected change in plans when her parents cancel sending her to camp in lieu of a family RV trip. Is there any silver lining to her summer? More in this series can be found in JFICTION FRIEDMAN.
Afraid to actually ask Tina Zabinski for a date, eighth-grader Kevin spends most of his time theorizing about love and romance and observing and analyzing male/female interaction.
Twelve-year-olds Jack and Louisa tell, in their separate voices, of Jack's reluctant departure from New York City and Broadway stardom to live in Shaker Heights, Ohio, where new neighbor Louisa, a "musical theater nerd," urges him to audition for the local theater's production of "Into the Woods."
While on a camping trip with her class, Hélène, who as the target of bullies is forced to sleep in the "outcasts" tent, finds hope in "Jane Eyre," an encounter with a fox, and the arrival of Géraldine, an extroverted classmate.
French horn virtuoso Elsie Wyatt resents having to join her high school's marching band playing a melliphone, but finally finds a sense of belonging that transcends the pressure she has always felt to be as good as her father, principal French horn player in the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Upon leaving an oppressive summer camp, twelve-year-old Margaret Rose Kane spearheads a campaign to preserve three unique towers her grand uncles have been building in their backyard for over forty years.
Leaving with her brother when he decides he can no longer stay with their guardian, Ari endures a life of homelessness that challenges her schoolwork, friendships, and the promise made to her mother that she and her brother would stay together.
