Best Realistic Fiction

Rainbow Rowells 'Eleanor & Park' offers a tender and nostalgic portrayal of first love set against the backdrop of 1980s Nebraska. The story follows Eleanor, a new student with a difficult home life,...

Elizabeth Acevedos 'Clap When You Land' is a powerful novel-in-verse that explores themes of family, identity, and grief. The story follows two sisters who discover their father has died and they have...

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian: The New York Times Book Review is a critical analysis of the novel by Sherman Alexie. It explores themes of identity, family, and resilience, making it...

Clara Hayes' 'The Weight of Silence' is a courageous account of surviving childhood abuse and the long journey toward healing. Hayes memoir offers a raw and honest portrayal of trauma, exploring the c...

Jason Reynolds' 'Long Way Down' is a powerful verse novel that explores the cycle of violence and grief in a community plagued by gun violence. The story follows Will as he contemplates revenge after...

Niky Sims 'We Are Okay' explores themes of grief, isolation, and the importance of human connection. The novel follows Marin Ireland, a college student grappling with the loss of a close friend. Sims...

Nicola Yoons 'Everything, Everything' tells the story of Madeline Whittier, a teenager with a rare immune deficiency who has been confined to her house her entire life. Her world is turned upside down...

Courtney Summers 'Sadie' is a unique novel told through a combination of prose and a fictional podcast transcript. The story follows Sadie, a teenager searching for her missing sister. Summers innovat...

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie is a powerful coming-of-age story about a Native American teenager navigating life between two worlds. The book explores themes of ide...

Jennifer Niven's 'All the Bright Places' explores themes of mental health, loss, and the importance of human connection. The story follows Violet Markey and Theodore Finch, two teenagers who find sola...

Angie Thomas' 'The Hate U Give' adapted into a graphic novel format provides a visually compelling and accessible experience for readers. The graphic novel retains the powerful narrative and important...

Beverly Cleary's 'Ramona Quimby, Age 8' is a beloved chapter book about a spirited and imaginative girl navigating the challenges of elementary school and family life. The book's realistic portrayal o...

Angie Thomas' 'The Hate U Give' is a powerful contemporary novel addressing police brutality and racial inequality through the eyes of Starr Carter, a teenage girl who witnesses a tragic shooting. The...