Best Realistic Fiction Books

A brilliant mind trapped in a body that won't cooperate. Melody, with cerebral palsy, cannot walk or talk, but has a photographic memory. Her classmates label her as mentally challenged, but Melody refuses to be defined by her disability. Follow her story as she proves them all wrong in a breakthrough novel that will change your view on disabilities forever.

A teenage girl, Starr Carter, must navigate between two worlds: her poor neighborhood and her wealthy prep school. After witnessing the fatal shooting of her unarmed childhood friend at the hands of a police officer, Starr must decide whether or not to speak out and risk her own safety. The Hate U Give is a powerful exploration of racial tensions and police brutality that will leave readers questioning their own assumptions and beliefs.

A heart-wrenching yet witty tale about Hazel, a terminally ill teen who finds unexpected love in Augustus at a cancer support group. This powerful story explores the beauty and pain of life, love and mortality in a bold, raw, and insightful way.

A group of loyal friends navigates life's challenges together, relying on each other for support and protection from those who seek to harm them. But when tragedy strikes, their world is rocked, and they must come together to face the harsh realities of their circumstances.

A fast-paced middle grade novel about family, brotherhood, and basketball. 12-year old Josh Bell has more than basketball in his blood, as his mad beats tell his family's story in verse. 2015 Newbery Medal Winner and 2015 Coretta Scott King Honor Award Winner, this book follows Josh and his twin brother Jordan as they learn some hard lessons about growing up both on and off the court. The heart-stopping climax proves a game-changer for the entire family.

Experience the highs and lows of high school in this coming-of-age tale. Follow the journey of a teenager as he navigates first dates, family drama, new friends, and the thrills and dangers of sex and drugs. Along the way, discover the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Don't miss out on this poignant and wild ride of growing up.

A captivating tale set in a planned suburb where a seemingly perfect family, the Richardsons, lives by strict rules. However, when an enigmatic artist and single mother, Mia Warren, and her daughter Pearl move in, their mysterious past and disregard for the status quo endangers the town’s careful order. Secrets are uncovered and a custody battle ensues, tearing the community apart. Little Fires Everywhere explores the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, and the ferocious pull of motherhood - all while demonstrating the danger of following the rules too closely.

Auggie Pullman is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face, and he just wants to be treated like any other kid. But as he enters 5th grade, his new classmates struggle to see past his appearance. WONDER, a #1 New York Times bestseller and catalyst for the Choose Kind movement, offers a poignant perspective into one community's struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. Through a variety of perspectives, readers will come away with a greater appreciation for the power of friendship and the simple courage of kindness. Join the movement: #choosekind.

A heartwarming and humorous novel that explores the challenges of feeling different and finding acceptance within a family that revolves around a brother with autism. Follow Catherine as she navigates through the difficulties of teaching David the rules while discovering her own surprising behavior and the true meaning of normal.

This novel tells the story of two high school students, Eleanor and Park, who, despite their differences, fall in love. Eleanor's chaotic life, mismatched clothes, and red hair make her stand out while Park hides behind his black t-shirts, headphones, and books. Through late-night conversations and mix tapes, they begin to connect and fall in love, experiencing all the excitement and uncertainty of first love.