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Realistic Fiction Book Reviews
You Wouldn't Dare by Samantha Markum
★★★★★
"This book is perfect for a drama seeking reader. I couldn’t stop turning the pages! I was also able to connect to this book in a personal way. This book shows insight into highschool relationships and the troubles that come along with them. This is exactly the midsummer maddens you are craving!
I loved reading this book. It was very interesting and kept me flipping the pages."
"This book is perfect for a drama seeking reader. I couldn’t stop turning the pages! I was also able to connect to this book in a personal way. This book shows insight into highschool relationships and the troubles that come along with them. This is exactly the midsummer maddens you are craving!
I loved reading this book. It was very interesting and kept me flipping the pages."
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
★★★★★
“This story follows Camino- who lives in the DR with her aunt and Yahaira, who is in NYC with her mother. When their dad goes on his annual trip to the DR and his plane crashes, his two daughters learn about his two families and two lives, one in the DR and the other in NYC. His death brings the two girls closer together as they learn to deal with grief and the reality that their father’s life was split in two...
I really enjoyed this book, even though it was a very heavy read as it deals with grief and sexual assault. The author does a great job using metaphors and figurative speech to display emotions. At first, it was a little hard to get into the book and adjust to it being in verse, but after that, it was outstanding.”
“This story follows Camino- who lives in the DR with her aunt and Yahaira, who is in NYC with her mother. When their dad goes on his annual trip to the DR and his plane crashes, his two daughters learn about his two families and two lives, one in the DR and the other in NYC. His death brings the two girls closer together as they learn to deal with grief and the reality that their father’s life was split in two...
I really enjoyed this book, even though it was a very heavy read as it deals with grief and sexual assault. The author does a great job using metaphors and figurative speech to display emotions. At first, it was a little hard to get into the book and adjust to it being in verse, but after that, it was outstanding.”
Home Home by Lisa Allen-Agostini
★★★★★
“Having depression is not easy for a teen girl living in Trinidad. Moving from her home to Canada is even harder. After being hospitalized after a depression episode, she moves to live with er aunts. Adjusting in a new country makes her anxiety and depression worse. Nothing is like what she is used to and she just wishes to be home needing to accept herself. With the help of her friends and aunts, she can work out who she is and where she fits in the world.
I really like the book because it is so relatable. The main character is an introvert that gets anxious and nervous. She has panic attacks and can be indecisive. Many books don’t portray how stressed teenagers are and the book focuses on that.”
“Having depression is not easy for a teen girl living in Trinidad. Moving from her home to Canada is even harder. After being hospitalized after a depression episode, she moves to live with er aunts. Adjusting in a new country makes her anxiety and depression worse. Nothing is like what she is used to and she just wishes to be home needing to accept herself. With the help of her friends and aunts, she can work out who she is and where she fits in the world.
I really like the book because it is so relatable. The main character is an introvert that gets anxious and nervous. She has panic attacks and can be indecisive. Many books don’t portray how stressed teenagers are and the book focuses on that.”
Mosquitoland by David Arnold
★★★★
“This book is about the main character, Mim Malone, and her journey to visit her mom for Labor Day weekend. Mim moved from Cleveland, Ohio to Mississippi after her mom and dad got divorced. In Mississippi, Mim lives with her dad and step mom. In the beginning, Mim’s mom sent her letters but she stopped receiving them. Mim believes her step mom is keeping the letters away from her. In order for Mim to talk to her mom, she starts her journey from Mississippi to Cleveland. This book is about the people and problems she faces throughout her journey.
I liked the book. All of the main characters had well written back stories which made the book more detailed. Overall, it was a good book with an interesting plot and well written characters.”
“This book is about the main character, Mim Malone, and her journey to visit her mom for Labor Day weekend. Mim moved from Cleveland, Ohio to Mississippi after her mom and dad got divorced. In Mississippi, Mim lives with her dad and step mom. In the beginning, Mim’s mom sent her letters but she stopped receiving them. Mim believes her step mom is keeping the letters away from her. In order for Mim to talk to her mom, she starts her journey from Mississippi to Cleveland. This book is about the people and problems she faces throughout her journey.
I liked the book. All of the main characters had well written back stories which made the book more detailed. Overall, it was a good book with an interesting plot and well written characters.”
Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
★★★★★
“This story, written in verse, is about Michael, a mixed boy in London who deals with being black and gay. It follows his entire life up to college and how he found who he is, where he belongs and what makes him happy. Later, he also joins in drag- his “character” is the Black Flamingo.
I absolutely ADORED this book. You don’t have to be similar to Michael in any way for you to feel connected to him. He addresses so many issues in such a respectful way, and this book is truly a work of ART! I would give it six stars if I could!”
“This story, written in verse, is about Michael, a mixed boy in London who deals with being black and gay. It follows his entire life up to college and how he found who he is, where he belongs and what makes him happy. Later, he also joins in drag- his “character” is the Black Flamingo.
I absolutely ADORED this book. You don’t have to be similar to Michael in any way for you to feel connected to him. He addresses so many issues in such a respectful way, and this book is truly a work of ART! I would give it six stars if I could!”
Thoughts and Prayers by Bryan Bliss
★★★★
“Three students first meet when they hid under the same staircase at school during the shooting. Claire now needs to adjust to her new life in Minnesota and heal with her new, secretive friends. Eleanor started a controversial t-shirt, but now is beginning to feel the hatred in the aftermath. Brezzen uses his Wizards and Warriors experience on his first day back in school. All need to overcome anxiety to heal.
I liked this book because it displays how students heal after a traumatic situation. People seem to forget about events like this after the news moves on, but it still stays with people years later.”
“Three students first meet when they hid under the same staircase at school during the shooting. Claire now needs to adjust to her new life in Minnesota and heal with her new, secretive friends. Eleanor started a controversial t-shirt, but now is beginning to feel the hatred in the aftermath. Brezzen uses his Wizards and Warriors experience on his first day back in school. All need to overcome anxiety to heal.
I liked this book because it displays how students heal after a traumatic situation. People seem to forget about events like this after the news moves on, but it still stays with people years later.”
24 Hours in Nowhere by Dusti Bowling
★★★★
"24 Hours in Nowhere is an action-filled story that describes an adventure of four seemingly different characters. The main character, Gus, shares 24 hours of his life in Nowhere, Arizona. Along the way, the characters face many challenges and struggle to cooperate. However, they realize the importance of friendship and determination. At the end of the life-changing journey, they are able to find their true selves.
I really liked this book. The themes that the author attempts to convey fits perfectly with the plotline. Also, the story had a nice mix of action, humor, and mystery, allowing me to be intrigues from start to finish.”
"24 Hours in Nowhere is an action-filled story that describes an adventure of four seemingly different characters. The main character, Gus, shares 24 hours of his life in Nowhere, Arizona. Along the way, the characters face many challenges and struggle to cooperate. However, they realize the importance of friendship and determination. At the end of the life-changing journey, they are able to find their true selves.
I really liked this book. The themes that the author attempts to convey fits perfectly with the plotline. Also, the story had a nice mix of action, humor, and mystery, allowing me to be intrigues from start to finish.”
Geese are Never Swans by Kobe Bryant
★★★★
“Gus is the younger brother of a very promising swimmer, Danny, who takes his life when he fails to make it into the Olympics. Gus now has to live in Danny’s shadow, which he hates. He grows angry at his brother, mother, coach, and himself. He decides to do what his brother couldn’t do and make it to the Olympics. He must work through his anger and feelings to reach his goal.
I liked the book because it really highlights Gus’s feelings as the reader, one can very easily feel his emotions. In addition, I feel as though the pace of the book was very quick making it feel like the book was moving on from things, not staying on one story for a long time.”
“Gus is the younger brother of a very promising swimmer, Danny, who takes his life when he fails to make it into the Olympics. Gus now has to live in Danny’s shadow, which he hates. He grows angry at his brother, mother, coach, and himself. He decides to do what his brother couldn’t do and make it to the Olympics. He must work through his anger and feelings to reach his goal.
I liked the book because it really highlights Gus’s feelings as the reader, one can very easily feel his emotions. In addition, I feel as though the pace of the book was very quick making it feel like the book was moving on from things, not staying on one story for a long time.”
Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi
★★★★
“Jayne finds herself struggling to live in New York with her ex. One day, her sister surprises her with news that changes her life. Jayne ends up living with her sister even though they fight a lot. They have to figure out their differences and help each other as best as they can. Jayne soon finds a love interest but has to find a way to manage everything and dealing with her sister and family
I thought the book was good and I recommend it for young adults to read it. The book was related to teen issues and people in college would relate to teen issues and people in college would relate to it. I think the overall plot was good and had many emotions throughout it.”
“Jayne finds herself struggling to live in New York with her ex. One day, her sister surprises her with news that changes her life. Jayne ends up living with her sister even though they fight a lot. They have to figure out their differences and help each other as best as they can. Jayne soon finds a love interest but has to find a way to manage everything and dealing with her sister and family
I thought the book was good and I recommend it for young adults to read it. The book was related to teen issues and people in college would relate to teen issues and people in college would relate to it. I think the overall plot was good and had many emotions throughout it.”
The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen
★★★★★
“Emma Saylor doesn’t really remember her mom’s side of the family. Emma’s mom died when she was 12, so it has just been her and her dad. When Emma’s dad goes on his honeymoon with his wife, Emma decides to stay at the small lake town where her mom’s family lives. She discovers the two very different communities who live there. Emma also begins to learn her family history and what her mom was really like.
I loved this book because it was beautifully written and the main character was very relatable. This is a story about friendship, family, and love.”
“Emma Saylor doesn’t really remember her mom’s side of the family. Emma’s mom died when she was 12, so it has just been her and her dad. When Emma’s dad goes on his honeymoon with his wife, Emma decides to stay at the small lake town where her mom’s family lives. She discovers the two very different communities who live there. Emma also begins to learn her family history and what her mom was really like.
I loved this book because it was beautifully written and the main character was very relatable. This is a story about friendship, family, and love.”
You Know I'm No Good by Jessie Ann Foley
★★★★★
“Mia has been labeled a “troubled teen” through some of her actions. Her dad and stepmom send her off to Red Oak Academy in an attempt to make her life turn around. This school strips the girls of basic rights, and Mia is quickly miserable. However, she makes good friends (and enemies) with the other girls. This book is a mental journey with Mia through her life changes and surprises.
I really enjoyed this book because it sort of took a common “troubled teen” stereotype and showed it from a different point of view. It kept me on the edge of my seat through all its twists and turns.”
“Mia has been labeled a “troubled teen” through some of her actions. Her dad and stepmom send her off to Red Oak Academy in an attempt to make her life turn around. This school strips the girls of basic rights, and Mia is quickly miserable. However, she makes good friends (and enemies) with the other girls. This book is a mental journey with Mia through her life changes and surprises.
I really enjoyed this book because it sort of took a common “troubled teen” stereotype and showed it from a different point of view. It kept me on the edge of my seat through all its twists and turns.”
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green
★★★★
“Will Grayson, from Evanston, is best friends with Tiny Cooper. The other Will Grayson, from Naperville, doesn’t really have any friends aside from Isaac. One night, they cross paths and their lives intertwine. Both Will’s start as very negative people, but as Tiny’s production of a musical is progressing, the boys find themselves having a change of heart. They grow a lot as people, and their romantic lives mature drastically.
It was a very good book with a lot of character development. It was also a quick and easy read. However, I didn’t relate to the characters very much, which made it slightly harder to read for me. However, it was well written and I would recommend it.”
“Will Grayson, from Evanston, is best friends with Tiny Cooper. The other Will Grayson, from Naperville, doesn’t really have any friends aside from Isaac. One night, they cross paths and their lives intertwine. Both Will’s start as very negative people, but as Tiny’s production of a musical is progressing, the boys find themselves having a change of heart. They grow a lot as people, and their romantic lives mature drastically.
It was a very good book with a lot of character development. It was also a quick and easy read. However, I didn’t relate to the characters very much, which made it slightly harder to read for me. However, it was well written and I would recommend it.”
Bearmouth by Liz Hyder
★★★★
“Newt has lived and worked in Bearmouth mine for as long as they can remember. Daily life in the mine is full of violence and injustice, which is blindly accepted until a newcomer begins to question their society. Newt must struggle to discover their own identity and beliefs while forming powerful friendships and discovering their own identity in the process.
I enjoyed this book. It was a powerful and engaging narrative that explored difficult issues. The language of the barely literate narrator made it difficult to read at times, but contributed to the effectiveness of the story. This book was enlightening and provided a new perspective on hearing subjects.”
“Newt has lived and worked in Bearmouth mine for as long as they can remember. Daily life in the mine is full of violence and injustice, which is blindly accepted until a newcomer begins to question their society. Newt must struggle to discover their own identity and beliefs while forming powerful friendships and discovering their own identity in the process.
I enjoyed this book. It was a powerful and engaging narrative that explored difficult issues. The language of the barely literate narrator made it difficult to read at times, but contributed to the effectiveness of the story. This book was enlightening and provided a new perspective on hearing subjects.”
You Me Everything by Catherine Isaac
★★★★
“You Me Everything is a young adult family drama which is both funny and heartbreaking. Jess takes her ten-year-old son, William, to the French countryside to spend time with his father, Adam. Adam, Jess’s ex-boyfriend, runs a successful hotel there but has lacked presence in his son's life. Jess urgently needs to change that for she has her own secret and is running out of time before it’s out. The story details Jess’s time throughout the summer with Adam and William as she gets to experience the family she never had and never knew she needed.
I really liked the book because of its sweet and simple story. Although the plot is still cliched, it has a lot to offer in the form of humor and writing style, making it an enjoyable, yet heart wrenching read.”
“You Me Everything is a young adult family drama which is both funny and heartbreaking. Jess takes her ten-year-old son, William, to the French countryside to spend time with his father, Adam. Adam, Jess’s ex-boyfriend, runs a successful hotel there but has lacked presence in his son's life. Jess urgently needs to change that for she has her own secret and is running out of time before it’s out. The story details Jess’s time throughout the summer with Adam and William as she gets to experience the family she never had and never knew she needed.
I really liked the book because of its sweet and simple story. Although the plot is still cliched, it has a lot to offer in the form of humor and writing style, making it an enjoyable, yet heart wrenching read.”
Sparrow by Mary Cecilia Jackson
★★★
“Sparrow is a young ballet dancer that has had a rough past. Her new boyfriend, who her friends and family don’t like, brings trouble back into her life. All the while, her best friend, Lucas, is troubled with his crush on Sparrow and whether to do the right thing. After being assaulted, Sparrow must come to terms with her past. She also realizes what is important that she took for granted.
I enjoyed the book, but I didn’t enjoy the switch between Lucas’ and Sparrow’s point of views. It made the book choppy and sometimes became hard to follow.”
“Sparrow is a young ballet dancer that has had a rough past. Her new boyfriend, who her friends and family don’t like, brings trouble back into her life. All the while, her best friend, Lucas, is troubled with his crush on Sparrow and whether to do the right thing. After being assaulted, Sparrow must come to terms with her past. She also realizes what is important that she took for granted.
I enjoyed the book, but I didn’t enjoy the switch between Lucas’ and Sparrow’s point of views. It made the book choppy and sometimes became hard to follow.”
Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab
★★★★★
“Susannah, the main character, is an extremely committed competitive swimmer. At an early age, she became a world champion. Now, she’s training for the Olympic trials. However, ever since going through puberty and a growth spirt, her times have slowed down considerably, leaving her frustrated with her body. This book follows her journey to achieve her lifelong dream of going to the Olympics while balancing other priorities like family, friendships, and love.
I really like this book! I thought it was very engaging and interesting to read. I also really like the way it addressed coming of age themes and issues teenagers actually face and can relate to.”
“Susannah, the main character, is an extremely committed competitive swimmer. At an early age, she became a world champion. Now, she’s training for the Olympic trials. However, ever since going through puberty and a growth spirt, her times have slowed down considerably, leaving her frustrated with her body. This book follows her journey to achieve her lifelong dream of going to the Olympics while balancing other priorities like family, friendships, and love.
I really like this book! I thought it was very engaging and interesting to read. I also really like the way it addressed coming of age themes and issues teenagers actually face and can relate to.”
When You Get The Chance by Emma Lord
★★★★★
"Following a similar plotline as "Mamma Mia," the main character, Millie Price, is a junior in high school with hopes of becoming a broadway star after getting into a prestigous musical theater program. However, her dreams are held back by her father, who raises her on her own. As she is stuck in New York, she finds information about her father's life in college which develops her interest in finding who her mother is. With the help of her closest friend, Teddy, she narrows it down to three women, and together they create a master plan for her to get to know each of them. In the process, she makes new friends, creates a blooming relationship with a previous mortal enemy, and finds out who she truly is in an entanglement of love, hope, and vulnerability.
I LOVED this book! The best part about it is that it included many modern references, capturing my attention throughout, which is perfect for teens and young adults. Millie's situation is relatable and often humorous, and the themes and lessons that are presented are effectively intertwined into the plot. Overall, I would definitely recommend this if you enjoyed "Mamma Mia," love musical theater, or just want to have a feel-good book."
"Following a similar plotline as "Mamma Mia," the main character, Millie Price, is a junior in high school with hopes of becoming a broadway star after getting into a prestigous musical theater program. However, her dreams are held back by her father, who raises her on her own. As she is stuck in New York, she finds information about her father's life in college which develops her interest in finding who her mother is. With the help of her closest friend, Teddy, she narrows it down to three women, and together they create a master plan for her to get to know each of them. In the process, she makes new friends, creates a blooming relationship with a previous mortal enemy, and finds out who she truly is in an entanglement of love, hope, and vulnerability.
I LOVED this book! The best part about it is that it included many modern references, capturing my attention throughout, which is perfect for teens and young adults. Millie's situation is relatable and often humorous, and the themes and lessons that are presented are effectively intertwined into the plot. Overall, I would definitely recommend this if you enjoyed "Mamma Mia," love musical theater, or just want to have a feel-good book."
Like Other Girls by Britta Lundin
★★★★★
""Like Other Girls", by Britta Lundin is a eventful coming of age book that should inspire the lives of girls everywhere. The book shows real situations that happen to girls, and people everywhere. This empowering story of a girl who just wanted to play her game, turned into a beautiful story filled with friendship and romance. Standing up for herself and her sport, Mara gains the friendships of many, and creates some enemies as well. With the help of her new found friends, she comes to terms with her own identity regardless of her small towns standards. Mara gains strength in the field, but also grows and matures to be confident in herself. She learns that standing up for herself and her friendships is more important then any game. This book is a inspirational read, proving that people can change and grow with the help of others around them.
I loved this book. It was an awesome read! The character development was so interesting to see. I loved the way that Mara progressed and matured as the book went on. It was heartbreaking to see some of her friendships end, but in retrospect it was awesome to the the new friendships that were formed in her story, like with her brother, Noah, and the Elkhorn 5. This book was really inspirational and empowering. It makes me want to always stand up for what I believe in and to be myself, no matter how hard it gets, just like Mara did. "
""Like Other Girls", by Britta Lundin is a eventful coming of age book that should inspire the lives of girls everywhere. The book shows real situations that happen to girls, and people everywhere. This empowering story of a girl who just wanted to play her game, turned into a beautiful story filled with friendship and romance. Standing up for herself and her sport, Mara gains the friendships of many, and creates some enemies as well. With the help of her new found friends, she comes to terms with her own identity regardless of her small towns standards. Mara gains strength in the field, but also grows and matures to be confident in herself. She learns that standing up for herself and her friendships is more important then any game. This book is a inspirational read, proving that people can change and grow with the help of others around them.
I loved this book. It was an awesome read! The character development was so interesting to see. I loved the way that Mara progressed and matured as the book went on. It was heartbreaking to see some of her friendships end, but in retrospect it was awesome to the the new friendships that were formed in her story, like with her brother, Noah, and the Elkhorn 5. This book was really inspirational and empowering. It makes me want to always stand up for what I believe in and to be myself, no matter how hard it gets, just like Mara did. "
If These Wings Could Fly by Kyrie McCauley
★★★★
“Leighton has always suffered under her father’s domestic abuse. She is used to his outrages and how their house magically repairs the damages caused. Now in her senior year, she can work to take her sisters away from the danger and attend her dream college. The only person she seems to relax around is Liam, the football player whose charisma might lead to something more. As her town of Auburn, Pennsylvania is being bombarded by tens of thousands of crows, Leighton knows the clock is ticking before her whole world collapses.
I think this book is a good insight into the lives of people who suffer from domestic abuse and how to can control their lives. It is important to remember that not everyone has a calm home to return to. Some people leave for their safety.”
“Leighton has always suffered under her father’s domestic abuse. She is used to his outrages and how their house magically repairs the damages caused. Now in her senior year, she can work to take her sisters away from the danger and attend her dream college. The only person she seems to relax around is Liam, the football player whose charisma might lead to something more. As her town of Auburn, Pennsylvania is being bombarded by tens of thousands of crows, Leighton knows the clock is ticking before her whole world collapses.
I think this book is a good insight into the lives of people who suffer from domestic abuse and how to can control their lives. It is important to remember that not everyone has a calm home to return to. Some people leave for their safety.”
Indestructible Objects by Mary McCoy
★★
"Lee lives in Memphis with her separated parents. She has devoted much of her life to her podcast that she created with her boyfriend, Vincent, but on the most recent episode, they announced their break up to their listeners. She does not know what to do with herself following this break up, and begins an investigation into the break down of her parents' marriage. She meets several people along the way, and forms close relationships with them. However, as she investigates her parent's marriage, she ends up finding more than she bargained for.
This book was a complex analysis of human emotions and relationships. It was well written, but I had trouble getting into it and did not enjoy it very much. "
"Lee lives in Memphis with her separated parents. She has devoted much of her life to her podcast that she created with her boyfriend, Vincent, but on the most recent episode, they announced their break up to their listeners. She does not know what to do with herself following this break up, and begins an investigation into the break down of her parents' marriage. She meets several people along the way, and forms close relationships with them. However, as she investigates her parent's marriage, she ends up finding more than she bargained for.
This book was a complex analysis of human emotions and relationships. It was well written, but I had trouble getting into it and did not enjoy it very much. "
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