Bloor, E., (2006), Tangerine. New York: Harcourt. Age 10. Realistic fiction.

Despite being legally blind, Paul competes against his brother is this book about soccer, blindness, and self-acceptance. An excellent choice as a literature circle selection and a topic that will interest hard to please boys. This is Bloor's first book, look for more to add to your library.

Harris. R. H., (2004). Don't forget to come back. New York: Candlewick Press. (illus. by Harry Bliss). Grades pre-school -2. Fiction.

Full of threats for her parents, little Sugar just wants her parents to stay at home with her. Thank goodness the babysitter saves the night! Just the right book to read to young children experiencing the same emotions as Sugar.


Found online at Tumblebooks, link is right side of Blog

Munson, D. (2000) Enemy pie. San Francisco CA: Chronicle Books. Grades k-3. Picture book, Contemporary Realistic Fiction.

Blaming his troubles on a new neighborhood boy, this story focuses on feelings, redemption, and family values. A book that your students will identify with and discuss for the rich character traits evident throughout.

Digital format available at Book Pals-link on right side of Blog.
Read by Camryn Manheim

Say, A. (1993). Grandfather's journey. New York: Houghton Mifflin. Illustrated by Allen Say. Picture book. Contemporary realistic fiction.

Realistic fiction. Ages 4-8. The reader shares in the travels of a young man replicating his family history. Torn between two lands, Japan and America, both grandfather and grandson share a longing for home, but are confused about its meaning. Beautiful illustrations make the reader feel part of the journey.
1994 Caldecott Award

Taylor, M. (2002). Roll of thunder, hear my cry. New York: Penguin Books. Realistic fiction. Ages 8-12.

Set in the depression era, this is a story about a black family and the discrimination they face in rural Mississippi. A book that gives students and opportunity to discuss prejudice, courage, and self-pride.
1977 Newbery Award

Cleary, B. (2000). Dear Mr. Henshaw. New York: HarperCollins. Illustrated by Paul Zelinsky. Realistic fiction. Ages 8-12.

Letters to a favorite author and diary entries tell the story of a boy facing many changes in his life due to divorce. Students will connect with Leigh Botts as he battles the stigma as he new boy in class feeling alone and confused.
1984 Newbery Award

Bredsdorff, B. (2004). The crow-girl. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Translated by Faith Ingwersen. Realistic fiction. Grades 4-7.

Simply told story about a girl from Denmark and events that take place after the death of her grandmother. Crow-girl’s positive character traits are rewarded as she follows the crows to find her place in the world.

2005 Batchelder Honor Award

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