Airgood, Ellen. Prairie Evers. (FIC AIR) Prairie Evers and her family have recently moved from the mountains of North Carolina to New York state. When Prairie learns that her grandmother, who has always home-schooled her, is moving back to North Carolina, Prairie is doubly devastated. Now she'll be losing her best friend AND have to go to a regular school. Prairie soon discovers that going to school means many changes, but making new friends can be the most complicated thing of all.
Anderson, John D. Ms. Bixby's Last Day. (FIC AND) When the best teacher they've ever had announces that she's very sick and won't be able to finish the year with her class, the students decide to make her last day at school special. Unfortunately, they soon discover that Ms. Bixby is already at the hospital and won't be back at all before the end of the year. That's when three of her sixth grade boys decide they'll do whatever it takes to let their teacher know just how important she's been in their lives--even if it means skipping school, upsetting their families, and putting themselves in danger. After all, it could be their last chance to show her what she means to them.
Anderson, John David. Posted. (FIC AND) When cell phones are banned at Frost's school, he and his friends begin leaving sticky notes for each other instead, but as sticky note communication becomes more popular, new problems arise. With opinions, jokes, insults, and messages out in the open for everyone to see, someone is bound to get hurt. Unfortunately, once those communications are out there, it's impossible to get them back. Also by this author: Ms. Bixby's Last Day, Granted
Bauer, Marion Dane. A Bear Named Trouble. (FIC BAU) Jonathan is feeling lonely after moving to Alaska with his dad who is a zookeeper, while his mom and sister stay in Minnesota until the end of the school year. When an injured bear cub starts showing up in the middle of the night, Jonathan goes against everything he has been taught about wild animals and follows the cub. Jonathan doesn’t realize that the consequences of his actions will affect himself, the cub, and a beloved goose. Other realistic fiction by this author: The Double Digit Club and On My Honor.
Bowe, Julia. Big and Little Questions. Realistic Fiction (FIC BOW) Wren's parents are getting a divorce, but she just can't bring herself to tell her best friend. A new girl that just moved to town is adding to the drama and Wren begins to wonder if keeping her secret could mean losing her best friend. Wren is about to discover that she's not the only one keeping a big secret.
Bowling, Dusti. Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus. (FIC BOW) Though she was born with no arms, Aven likes to think of herself as a problem solving ninja, able to find a way to overcome any obstacle, relying on her sense of humor, intelligence, creativity, flexibility, and feet. Starting over with a new set of friends can be a challenge for anyone, and Aven has the added concern of dealing with stares and curious looks after her family moves from Kansas to Arizona so her parents can manage a failing wild west themed amusement park.
Buyea, Rob. Perfect Score. (FIC BUY) Natalie faces pressure to be a fantastic gymnast, Gavin wants to play football, Scott wants to make everyone happy, Trevor is a bully who is getting bullies, and Natalie just wants to have friends. With the big test coming up, it seems that the test is the only thing some people care about about anymore even if it means that actual learning is affected. If the perfect score is what they want, these five 6th graders have a plan to make that happen. Unfortunately, not everyone will be happy with the results.
Cartaya, Pablo. Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora. (FIC CAR) Arturo's life revolves around his family's restaurant in Miami. His whole family has been involved in its succes since his grandparents came to America many years ago. When an unscrupulous land developer unveils plans to change the neighborhood by building on the land his family's restaurant occupies, Arturo's life turns upside down. To make matters worse, Arturo's beloved grandmother is gravely ill. Arturo wants to help but isn't sure how and is hoping his mom's cute, funny, smart god daughter will help him deal with all the change.
Cavanaugh, Nancy J.. Just Like Me. (FIC CAV) Going to a Christian summer camp in Wisconsin with two other girls who were adopted from the same orphanage in China as Julia the last thing she wants to do. When the other girls in her cabin add to the trouble, things go from bad to worse. It's going to be one long summer if they can't find a way to get along.
Cavanaugh, Nancy. This Journal Belongs to Ratchet. (FIC CAV) Eleven-year-old Ratchet is often embarrassed by her t-shirt wearing, city council ranting, clunker driving father. Ratchet is sure that if her mother hadn't died, she would have given Ratchet the advice she needed on how to look and act so that she'd be able to make all the friends she desperately wants instead of learning how to work in the garage and repair cars with her father. As Ratchet comes closer to learning the secrets her dad has been keeping, she also starts to see who she really is. Ratchet is hoping that she just might make a friend and that together they'll be able to save the world-- or at least the park that's about to be torn down.
Connor, Leslie. All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook. (FIC CON) Perry is just like any other other 11-year old boy. He goes to school, eats dinner with his mom, and loves running. Unlike other 11 year olds, Perry lives at a prison with his mom who is nearing the end of her sentence and is hoping to be released on parole. When the attorney assigned to her case discovers the unusual living arrangement, he takes Perry from prison which is the only home Perry has ever known and moves him into his house. Perry is determined to be reunited with his mom and to do anything he can to help her parole hearing go well. He's hoping to use a school assignment as a way to show others that growing up in prison with his mom has made him the person he is today, but in doing so Perry will have to hear why his mom was sent to prison all those years ago. Is he ready to face the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
De los Santos, Marisa. Connect the Stars. (FIC DEL) Audrey's "unsuper power" is the ability to tell when someone is lying which makes it even more painful when she learns that her best friend is lying to her. Aaron has a great memory, but he's not very good at understanding people's feelings. Audrey and Aaron are sent to a wilderness camp in hopes of helping both of them create real friendships, but when the camp bully disappears under mysterious circumstances, they'll need to rely on each other and some unexpected allies to make it out alive.
Donoghue, Emma. Lotterys Plus One. (FIC DON) Two sets of parents raising seven children can seem chaotic, but it works wonderfully for the Lottery family living in Toronto in their home they call CameLottery. When the father of one of her fathers is determined too old to live on his own, Sumac Lottery finds her life turned upside down by the man she secretly calls Grumps instead of Gramps. The name seems to fit him all too well, but Sumac is determined to help her family find a way to be happy together.
Durand, Hallie. Just Desserts. (FIC DUR) Inspired by class lessons about the American Revolution, Dessert starts a club to fight back against things that are annoying. Unfortunately, club members are ready for a Revolution of their own when they find our what Dessert has been doing with the dues they paid.
Erskine, Kathryn. Incredible Magic of Being. (FIC ERS) Julian is an unusual 9-year-old kid with a heart condition who is obsessed with space and wears a life vest all the time. He chronicles his family's move to Maine and intersperses events with sidebars he calls F.A.R.T.s (Facts and Random Thoughts). Unfortunately Julian's family's hopes of opening a bread and breakfast might come to an end if they can't convince their elderly neighbor to let them move ahead with their plans.
Graff, Lisa. The Thing About Georgie. (FIC GRA) Being the smallest person in the fourth grade hasn’t been too hard on Georgie because he’s always had his parents and his best friend for support. Now that his parents are expecting a baby and a new boy has started school, Georgie’s world seems to have turned upside down. 2013 Bluestem Nominee
Griffin, Paul. Saving Marty. (FIC GRI) Lorenzo knows that his father who died in the war was a hero and that his friend Paloma is a hero because she doesn't let anyone stop her from chasing her dream. Renzo has never thought of himself as a hero, but he'll have plenty of chances to become one after he adopts a runt piglet who acts more like a puppy. Before long, the runt piglet is over 300 pounds and causing all kinds of problems for Lorenzo and his family. What would a hero do to solve the problem?
Hannigan, Katherine. Ida B....and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World. (FIC HAN) Ida B. has been happy to spend time being home-schooled by her parents at their apple orchard in Wisconsin, but when her mom gets very sick, Ida B. has to deal with many changes in her life--including going to 4th grade at the public school.
Holmes, Sarah. Operation Yes. (FIC HOL) Bo has never really liked school and feels like he can't live up to his father's (commander of the air force base) expectations. When a new teacher named Miss Loupe comes along with her spiky hair and taped space stage, suddenly school doesn't feel like school anymore. Bo begins to enjoy and do well in school for the first time ever. When Miss Loupe's brother goes missing in Afghanistan, she must leave. Bo and his cousin Gari, whose mom has just been deployed to Iraq, organize something really big to help Miss Loupe's brother and all the injured veterans.
Hunt, Linda Mullaly . Fish in a Tree. (FIC HUN) Have you ever felt like you don't fit in? Ally always feels that way, but each time she gets a new teacher, she tries to hide the fact that she can't read by distracting the teacher with bad behavior. Mr. Daniels is different. He sees that Ally is smart in other ways and wants to help her learn in new ways. Ally will have to trust her teacher and herself to make that happen, but she's not sure that she can.
Kelly, Erin Entrada . Hello Universe. (FIC KEL) Chet's mean prank ends up with shy Virgil trapped when he tries to rescue his guinea pig deep in a well. A rag tag group of searchers including a hearing impaired girl who is smart and a bit lonely, a girl who believes she is a psychic, and her little sister who always follows her around, will need help from the universe if they hope to rescue Virgil and his guinea pig.
Lean, Sarah. Hero. (FIC LEA) Most people see Leo as a quiet, polite boy... if they even notice him at all. In Leo's imagination he is a fierce gladiator, especially when he doesn't want to deal with reality. While taking care of a neighbor's dog, Jack Pepper, Leo does something he shouldn't have done, and the dog gets hurt. To cover his involvement and hopefully stay out of trouble, Leo claims that he rescued the dog. Before he realizes, Leo becomes the center of attention and everyone's hero. Leo's conscience tells him to do the right thing, but the story has spread and become so big that Leo isn't sure he is brave enough to set the record straight even if it means he's got a chance to become a real hero.
Lord, Cynthia. Rules. (FIC LOR) Catherine’s brother needs very specific rules because of his autism. She’s afraid that because of her brother’s needs, she won’t be able to have a “real” friend. However, it’s Catherine who needs to follow some of her own rules when she struggles with her relationship with a potential friend who has very special needs, too. 2012 Bluestem Nominee.
MacLachlan, Patricia. White Fur Flying. (FIC MAC) Zoe and her sister Anna live in a loud house with their dad who is a vet, their mom who takes in rescue dogs, a talking parrot, and 2-5 huge white dogs rescue dogs. When new people move in next door, the girls realize that the young boy doesn't speak. What will happen when he meets his boisterous neighbors who seem like his exact opposites?
O'Connor, Barbara. How to Steal a Dog. (FIC OCO) After their father leaves, Georgina, her mom and brother must live in their car until they can make enough money for a place to stay. Convinced that the only way she can make money is to steal a dog to get reward money, Georgina sets her plan in motion. However, the results are not exactly what she expected. More realistic fiction by this author: Fame and Glory in Freedom Georgia.
O'Dell, Kathleen. Agnes Parker--Girl in Progress. (FIC ODE) Facing the school bully in sixth grade becomes an even greater challenge for Agnes when they both want the attention of the new boy. Which girl will the new boy choose? More realistic fiction by this author: Agnes Parker—Happy Camper, and Ophie out of Oz.
Palacio, R.J.. Wonder. (FIC PAL) Starting a new school is hard enough on anyone, but it’s especially difficult for August Pullman.Because of a genetic disorder, Auggie’s face remains misshapen even after having 27 surgeries. He’s been home schooled, but he’s about to enter 5th grade at a regular school. How will everyone react when they see him? Will anyone be able to really see and accept Auggie for who he is or will everyone be too distracted by what his face looks like? 2014 Bluestem Winner
Pennypacker, Sara. Summer of the Gypsy Moths. (FIC PEN) Staying with her great aunt at the Linger Longer Cottages she helps run in in Cape Cod has given Stella some stability in her life even though a foster girl named Angel acts like the opposite of her name. When Aunt Louise dies unexpectedly, Stella and Angel will have to find a way to stick together and keep things running smoothly or they'll be shipped off to another foster home. How long will they be able to keep their secret, especially when the owner of the cottages keeps trying to check in on Louise, and what will happen when their secret is finally revealed?
Schindler, Holly. The Junction of Sunshine and Lucky. (FIC SCH) Going to a shiny new school has Auggie excited and nervous. Meeting new people can be fun, but one person in particular is making things extremely difficult. Not only does Auggie feel like she's losing her best friend, she and her neighbors might really be losing their homes because of the new House Beautification Committee. What right does the committee have to say what BEAUTY really is? That's what Auggie wants to know, and she won't give up until she has an answer. 2016 Bluestem Nominee
Sternberg, Julie. Like Bug Juice on a Burger. (FIC STE) Eleanor is off to summer camp and finds icky bugs, terrible food, and a swim class where she feels like the worst swimmer there. Will it ever get better, or is Eleanor in for the worst summer ever? Novel in Verse
Stout, Shawn K.. Penelope Crumb. (FIC STO) Penelope has always thought that her grandfather was "graveyard dead" just like her father, but when a school project leads her to the discover that he is not dead at all, Penelope sets out to find the man with a nose just like hers. Unfortunately, not everyone wants Grandpa Crumb to be found.
Urban, Linda. A Crooked Kind of Perfect. (FIC URB) Zoe desperately wants to take piano lessons, but her family can only afford a small organ. The organ is just the first step. Zoe will still need the support of her overworked mom and her nervous father.
Urban, Linda. The Center of Everything. (FIC URB) Ruby has always done what she's supposed to do but feels terrible about what happened the day her beloved grandmother died. What if there were a way to go back and undo what she did? If she's got any chance of making things right, Ruby believes it will be by making a special wish during the Bunting Day celebration in her hometown. Unfortunately, her plan seems to have made her best friend very angry with her.
VanDraanen, Wendolin. The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones. (FIC VAN) Lincoln Jones has a secret life filled with psychic vampires, wheelchair zombies, and a one-eyed cat, but a girl in his real life named Kandi Kain is giving him the most trouble. Lincoln loves writing stories in his notebook as a way to help him deal with some of the things that are difficult in his real life, but Kandi wants to read what's in his journal, where he goes after school, and why he never talks to other people. Lincoln doesn't know how long he can keep Kandi out of his private journal.
Vrabel, Beth. Caleb & Kit. Realistic Fiction (FIC VRA) Having cystic fibrosis means 12-year-old Caleb's lungs fill up with mucus, but it also means that it makes him feel different from other kids his age. His divorced mom is overprotective while his dad is so unreliable that Caleb and his brother have stopped counting on him. Meeting a mysterious new friend makes Caleb want this summer to be a time for him to do what he wants. Unfortunately, doing whatever they want could put both Caleb and his new friend in great danger.
Weeks, Sarah. Save Me a Seat. (FIC WEE) Ravi was at the top of his class at his school in India, but after moving to the U.S., he's not sure where he fits in. Joe has always lived in the same town in New Jersey but has never felt like he fits in either because of his learning difficulties. Both boy could use a real friend, especially when the class bully uses each of them as a target. Unfortunately, first impressions are difficult to overcome.
Anderson, John D. Ms. Bixby's Last Day. (FIC AND) When the best teacher they've ever had announces that she's very sick and won't be able to finish the year with her class, the students decide to make her last day at school special. Unfortunately, they soon discover that Ms. Bixby is already at the hospital and won't be back at all before the end of the year. That's when three of her sixth grade boys decide they'll do whatever it takes to let their teacher know just how important she's been in their lives--even if it means skipping school, upsetting their families, and putting themselves in danger. After all, it could be their last chance to show her what she means to them.
Anderson, John David. Posted. (FIC AND) When cell phones are banned at Frost's school, he and his friends begin leaving sticky notes for each other instead, but as sticky note communication becomes more popular, new problems arise. With opinions, jokes, insults, and messages out in the open for everyone to see, someone is bound to get hurt. Unfortunately, once those communications are out there, it's impossible to get them back. Also by this author: Ms. Bixby's Last Day, Granted
Bauer, Marion Dane. A Bear Named Trouble. (FIC BAU) Jonathan is feeling lonely after moving to Alaska with his dad who is a zookeeper, while his mom and sister stay in Minnesota until the end of the school year. When an injured bear cub starts showing up in the middle of the night, Jonathan goes against everything he has been taught about wild animals and follows the cub. Jonathan doesn’t realize that the consequences of his actions will affect himself, the cub, and a beloved goose. Other realistic fiction by this author: The Double Digit Club and On My Honor.
Bowe, Julia. Big and Little Questions. Realistic Fiction (FIC BOW) Wren's parents are getting a divorce, but she just can't bring herself to tell her best friend. A new girl that just moved to town is adding to the drama and Wren begins to wonder if keeping her secret could mean losing her best friend. Wren is about to discover that she's not the only one keeping a big secret.
Bowling, Dusti. Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus. (FIC BOW) Though she was born with no arms, Aven likes to think of herself as a problem solving ninja, able to find a way to overcome any obstacle, relying on her sense of humor, intelligence, creativity, flexibility, and feet. Starting over with a new set of friends can be a challenge for anyone, and Aven has the added concern of dealing with stares and curious looks after her family moves from Kansas to Arizona so her parents can manage a failing wild west themed amusement park.
Buyea, Rob. Perfect Score. (FIC BUY) Natalie faces pressure to be a fantastic gymnast, Gavin wants to play football, Scott wants to make everyone happy, Trevor is a bully who is getting bullies, and Natalie just wants to have friends. With the big test coming up, it seems that the test is the only thing some people care about about anymore even if it means that actual learning is affected. If the perfect score is what they want, these five 6th graders have a plan to make that happen. Unfortunately, not everyone will be happy with the results.
Cartaya, Pablo. Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora. (FIC CAR) Arturo's life revolves around his family's restaurant in Miami. His whole family has been involved in its succes since his grandparents came to America many years ago. When an unscrupulous land developer unveils plans to change the neighborhood by building on the land his family's restaurant occupies, Arturo's life turns upside down. To make matters worse, Arturo's beloved grandmother is gravely ill. Arturo wants to help but isn't sure how and is hoping his mom's cute, funny, smart god daughter will help him deal with all the change.
Cavanaugh, Nancy J.. Just Like Me. (FIC CAV) Going to a Christian summer camp in Wisconsin with two other girls who were adopted from the same orphanage in China as Julia the last thing she wants to do. When the other girls in her cabin add to the trouble, things go from bad to worse. It's going to be one long summer if they can't find a way to get along.
Cavanaugh, Nancy. This Journal Belongs to Ratchet. (FIC CAV) Eleven-year-old Ratchet is often embarrassed by her t-shirt wearing, city council ranting, clunker driving father. Ratchet is sure that if her mother hadn't died, she would have given Ratchet the advice she needed on how to look and act so that she'd be able to make all the friends she desperately wants instead of learning how to work in the garage and repair cars with her father. As Ratchet comes closer to learning the secrets her dad has been keeping, she also starts to see who she really is. Ratchet is hoping that she just might make a friend and that together they'll be able to save the world-- or at least the park that's about to be torn down.
Connor, Leslie. All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook. (FIC CON) Perry is just like any other other 11-year old boy. He goes to school, eats dinner with his mom, and loves running. Unlike other 11 year olds, Perry lives at a prison with his mom who is nearing the end of her sentence and is hoping to be released on parole. When the attorney assigned to her case discovers the unusual living arrangement, he takes Perry from prison which is the only home Perry has ever known and moves him into his house. Perry is determined to be reunited with his mom and to do anything he can to help her parole hearing go well. He's hoping to use a school assignment as a way to show others that growing up in prison with his mom has made him the person he is today, but in doing so Perry will have to hear why his mom was sent to prison all those years ago. Is he ready to face the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
De los Santos, Marisa. Connect the Stars. (FIC DEL) Audrey's "unsuper power" is the ability to tell when someone is lying which makes it even more painful when she learns that her best friend is lying to her. Aaron has a great memory, but he's not very good at understanding people's feelings. Audrey and Aaron are sent to a wilderness camp in hopes of helping both of them create real friendships, but when the camp bully disappears under mysterious circumstances, they'll need to rely on each other and some unexpected allies to make it out alive.
Donoghue, Emma. Lotterys Plus One. (FIC DON) Two sets of parents raising seven children can seem chaotic, but it works wonderfully for the Lottery family living in Toronto in their home they call CameLottery. When the father of one of her fathers is determined too old to live on his own, Sumac Lottery finds her life turned upside down by the man she secretly calls Grumps instead of Gramps. The name seems to fit him all too well, but Sumac is determined to help her family find a way to be happy together.
Durand, Hallie. Just Desserts. (FIC DUR) Inspired by class lessons about the American Revolution, Dessert starts a club to fight back against things that are annoying. Unfortunately, club members are ready for a Revolution of their own when they find our what Dessert has been doing with the dues they paid.
Erskine, Kathryn. Incredible Magic of Being. (FIC ERS) Julian is an unusual 9-year-old kid with a heart condition who is obsessed with space and wears a life vest all the time. He chronicles his family's move to Maine and intersperses events with sidebars he calls F.A.R.T.s (Facts and Random Thoughts). Unfortunately Julian's family's hopes of opening a bread and breakfast might come to an end if they can't convince their elderly neighbor to let them move ahead with their plans.
Graff, Lisa. The Thing About Georgie. (FIC GRA) Being the smallest person in the fourth grade hasn’t been too hard on Georgie because he’s always had his parents and his best friend for support. Now that his parents are expecting a baby and a new boy has started school, Georgie’s world seems to have turned upside down. 2013 Bluestem Nominee
Griffin, Paul. Saving Marty. (FIC GRI) Lorenzo knows that his father who died in the war was a hero and that his friend Paloma is a hero because she doesn't let anyone stop her from chasing her dream. Renzo has never thought of himself as a hero, but he'll have plenty of chances to become one after he adopts a runt piglet who acts more like a puppy. Before long, the runt piglet is over 300 pounds and causing all kinds of problems for Lorenzo and his family. What would a hero do to solve the problem?
Hannigan, Katherine. Ida B....and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World. (FIC HAN) Ida B. has been happy to spend time being home-schooled by her parents at their apple orchard in Wisconsin, but when her mom gets very sick, Ida B. has to deal with many changes in her life--including going to 4th grade at the public school.
Holmes, Sarah. Operation Yes. (FIC HOL) Bo has never really liked school and feels like he can't live up to his father's (commander of the air force base) expectations. When a new teacher named Miss Loupe comes along with her spiky hair and taped space stage, suddenly school doesn't feel like school anymore. Bo begins to enjoy and do well in school for the first time ever. When Miss Loupe's brother goes missing in Afghanistan, she must leave. Bo and his cousin Gari, whose mom has just been deployed to Iraq, organize something really big to help Miss Loupe's brother and all the injured veterans.
Hunt, Linda Mullaly . Fish in a Tree. (FIC HUN) Have you ever felt like you don't fit in? Ally always feels that way, but each time she gets a new teacher, she tries to hide the fact that she can't read by distracting the teacher with bad behavior. Mr. Daniels is different. He sees that Ally is smart in other ways and wants to help her learn in new ways. Ally will have to trust her teacher and herself to make that happen, but she's not sure that she can.
Kelly, Erin Entrada . Hello Universe. (FIC KEL) Chet's mean prank ends up with shy Virgil trapped when he tries to rescue his guinea pig deep in a well. A rag tag group of searchers including a hearing impaired girl who is smart and a bit lonely, a girl who believes she is a psychic, and her little sister who always follows her around, will need help from the universe if they hope to rescue Virgil and his guinea pig.
Lean, Sarah. Hero. (FIC LEA) Most people see Leo as a quiet, polite boy... if they even notice him at all. In Leo's imagination he is a fierce gladiator, especially when he doesn't want to deal with reality. While taking care of a neighbor's dog, Jack Pepper, Leo does something he shouldn't have done, and the dog gets hurt. To cover his involvement and hopefully stay out of trouble, Leo claims that he rescued the dog. Before he realizes, Leo becomes the center of attention and everyone's hero. Leo's conscience tells him to do the right thing, but the story has spread and become so big that Leo isn't sure he is brave enough to set the record straight even if it means he's got a chance to become a real hero.
Lord, Cynthia. Rules. (FIC LOR) Catherine’s brother needs very specific rules because of his autism. She’s afraid that because of her brother’s needs, she won’t be able to have a “real” friend. However, it’s Catherine who needs to follow some of her own rules when she struggles with her relationship with a potential friend who has very special needs, too. 2012 Bluestem Nominee.
MacLachlan, Patricia. White Fur Flying. (FIC MAC) Zoe and her sister Anna live in a loud house with their dad who is a vet, their mom who takes in rescue dogs, a talking parrot, and 2-5 huge white dogs rescue dogs. When new people move in next door, the girls realize that the young boy doesn't speak. What will happen when he meets his boisterous neighbors who seem like his exact opposites?
O'Connor, Barbara. How to Steal a Dog. (FIC OCO) After their father leaves, Georgina, her mom and brother must live in their car until they can make enough money for a place to stay. Convinced that the only way she can make money is to steal a dog to get reward money, Georgina sets her plan in motion. However, the results are not exactly what she expected. More realistic fiction by this author: Fame and Glory in Freedom Georgia.
O'Dell, Kathleen. Agnes Parker--Girl in Progress. (FIC ODE) Facing the school bully in sixth grade becomes an even greater challenge for Agnes when they both want the attention of the new boy. Which girl will the new boy choose? More realistic fiction by this author: Agnes Parker—Happy Camper, and Ophie out of Oz.
Palacio, R.J.. Wonder. (FIC PAL) Starting a new school is hard enough on anyone, but it’s especially difficult for August Pullman.Because of a genetic disorder, Auggie’s face remains misshapen even after having 27 surgeries. He’s been home schooled, but he’s about to enter 5th grade at a regular school. How will everyone react when they see him? Will anyone be able to really see and accept Auggie for who he is or will everyone be too distracted by what his face looks like? 2014 Bluestem Winner
Pennypacker, Sara. Summer of the Gypsy Moths. (FIC PEN) Staying with her great aunt at the Linger Longer Cottages she helps run in in Cape Cod has given Stella some stability in her life even though a foster girl named Angel acts like the opposite of her name. When Aunt Louise dies unexpectedly, Stella and Angel will have to find a way to stick together and keep things running smoothly or they'll be shipped off to another foster home. How long will they be able to keep their secret, especially when the owner of the cottages keeps trying to check in on Louise, and what will happen when their secret is finally revealed?
Schindler, Holly. The Junction of Sunshine and Lucky. (FIC SCH) Going to a shiny new school has Auggie excited and nervous. Meeting new people can be fun, but one person in particular is making things extremely difficult. Not only does Auggie feel like she's losing her best friend, she and her neighbors might really be losing their homes because of the new House Beautification Committee. What right does the committee have to say what BEAUTY really is? That's what Auggie wants to know, and she won't give up until she has an answer. 2016 Bluestem Nominee
Sternberg, Julie. Like Bug Juice on a Burger. (FIC STE) Eleanor is off to summer camp and finds icky bugs, terrible food, and a swim class where she feels like the worst swimmer there. Will it ever get better, or is Eleanor in for the worst summer ever? Novel in Verse
Stout, Shawn K.. Penelope Crumb. (FIC STO) Penelope has always thought that her grandfather was "graveyard dead" just like her father, but when a school project leads her to the discover that he is not dead at all, Penelope sets out to find the man with a nose just like hers. Unfortunately, not everyone wants Grandpa Crumb to be found.
Urban, Linda. A Crooked Kind of Perfect. (FIC URB) Zoe desperately wants to take piano lessons, but her family can only afford a small organ. The organ is just the first step. Zoe will still need the support of her overworked mom and her nervous father.
Urban, Linda. The Center of Everything. (FIC URB) Ruby has always done what she's supposed to do but feels terrible about what happened the day her beloved grandmother died. What if there were a way to go back and undo what she did? If she's got any chance of making things right, Ruby believes it will be by making a special wish during the Bunting Day celebration in her hometown. Unfortunately, her plan seems to have made her best friend very angry with her.
VanDraanen, Wendolin. The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones. (FIC VAN) Lincoln Jones has a secret life filled with psychic vampires, wheelchair zombies, and a one-eyed cat, but a girl in his real life named Kandi Kain is giving him the most trouble. Lincoln loves writing stories in his notebook as a way to help him deal with some of the things that are difficult in his real life, but Kandi wants to read what's in his journal, where he goes after school, and why he never talks to other people. Lincoln doesn't know how long he can keep Kandi out of his private journal.
Vrabel, Beth. Caleb & Kit. Realistic Fiction (FIC VRA) Having cystic fibrosis means 12-year-old Caleb's lungs fill up with mucus, but it also means that it makes him feel different from other kids his age. His divorced mom is overprotective while his dad is so unreliable that Caleb and his brother have stopped counting on him. Meeting a mysterious new friend makes Caleb want this summer to be a time for him to do what he wants. Unfortunately, doing whatever they want could put both Caleb and his new friend in great danger.
Weeks, Sarah. Save Me a Seat. (FIC WEE) Ravi was at the top of his class at his school in India, but after moving to the U.S., he's not sure where he fits in. Joe has always lived in the same town in New Jersey but has never felt like he fits in either because of his learning difficulties. Both boy could use a real friend, especially when the class bully uses each of them as a target. Unfortunately, first impressions are difficult to overcome.