Realistic Fiction for Middle Grade Readers
Do you or your students struggle to maintain interest in science fiction? Is it tough to keep track of another world in fantasy novels?
Time to suggest some realistic fiction! Reading realistic fiction is easier for some students to imagine and picture the story as it unfolds. Realistic books and characters can empower the readers and remind them that they are not alone in their feelings and situations.
These books are just a few that I would recommend!
The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden
"Seventh-grader Zoey has her hands full as she takes care of her much younger siblings after school every day while her mom works her shift at the pizza parlor. Not that her mom seems to appreciate it. At least there's Lenny, her mom's boyfriend—they all get to live in his nice, clean trailer.
At school, Zoey tries to stay under the radar. Her only friend Fuchsia has her own issues, and since they're in an entirely different world than the rich kids, it's best if no one notices them.
Zoey thinks how much easier everything would be if she were an octopus: eight arms to do eight things at once. Incredible camouflage ability and steady, unblinking vision. Powerful protective defenses." (Goodreads.com)
This novel describes the difficult life that many kids have to live every day. Some kids will see themselves, others may develop more empathy for others. My heart broke a little when I read it because I could see some of my students in Zoey. So many kids have overwhelming responsibilities outside of school--no wonder they sometimes struggle with school assignments and deadlines.
Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson
"It all starts when six kids have to meet for a weekly chat—by themselves, with no adults to listen in. There, in the room they soon dub the ARTT Room (short for "A Room to Talk"), they discover it's safe to talk about what's bothering them—everything from Esteban's father's deportation and Haley's father's incarceration to Amari's fears of racial profiling and Ashton's adjustment to his changing family fortunes. When the six are together, they can express the feelings and fears they have to hide from the rest of the world. And together, they can grow braver and more ready for the rest of their lives." (Goodreads.com)
This is a quick read but the story could take place in any middle school in America. A small groups of kids find that they have many feelings in common. I know soooo many kids who would love to have a support groups like the one in Harbor Me. This story leaves the reader hopeful for more harmony between people who seemingly have nothing in common.
Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee
"Barbara Dee explores the subject of #MeToo for the middle grade audience in this heart-wrenching—and ultimately uplifting—novel about experiencing harassment and unwanted attention from classmates.
For seventh-grader Mila, it starts with some boys giving her an unwanted hug on the school blacktop. A few days later, at recess, one of the boys (and fellow trumpet player) Callum tells Mila it’s his birthday, and asks her for a “birthday hug.” He’s just being friendly, isn’t he? And how can she say no? But Callum’s hug lasts a few seconds too long, and feels…weird. According to her friend, Zara, Mila is being immature and overreacting. Doesn’t she know what flirting looks like?
But the boys don’t leave Mila alone. On the bus. In the halls. During band practice—the one place Mila could always escape.
It doesn’t feel like flirting—so what is it? Thanks to a chance meeting, Mila begins to find solace in a new place: karate class. Slowly, with the help of a fellow classmate, Mila learns how to stand her ground and how to respect others—and herself." (Goodreads.com)
Wow--what a timely topic. How many have been told that maybe someone likes you if they tease you mercilessly? Many of my female students nodded emphatically when I gave a book talk on this title. This story empowers Mila and the reader to speak up and to be okay with setting their own personal boundaries.
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