Realistic Fiction

Realistic Fiction genre

Mishka

Winner of the national book award for children’s literature in the Netherlands — a sweet and tender story of a girl refugee finding a new home! Roya, her three brothers, and their parents have a new family member — Mishka, a bunny rabbit. He soon becomes a beloved part of their new home and gradually, the rabbit — and also Roya — get to hear the story of the family’s journey from Afghanistan to the Netherlands. Told from different perspectives every time: big Bashir, gentle Hamayun, tough Navid, and sometimes Mom and Dad. Mishka and Roya listen. Anoush Elman and Edward van de Vendel became friends upon Elman’s arrival in the Netherlands, and fifteen years later, they decided to write a story for younger readers about his family’s experience. This gorgeous chapter book — illustrated throughout in full color — is a tender, lyrical story of a young girl processing a new country, new school, and new friends — and a bunny escape! — in a story readers and parents will treasure.

Featured in WOW Review Volume XVII, Issue 2.

Buffalo Dreamer

When 12-year-old Summer visits her family on a reservation in Alberta, Canada, she begins experiencing vivid dreams of running away from a residential school like the one her grandfather attended as a child and learns about unmarked children’s graves, prompting her to seek answers about her community’s painful past.

This book is featured in Season 3, Episode 2 of the WOW Reads podcast.
This book is the WOW Recommends: Book of the Month for April 2025.

Big Sister, Long Coat

A book about sisterly love and all that goes with it! Little sister is thrilled to spend the day with her big sister, but much to her disappointment, their plans have to change as their environment changes around them – ice cream melts in the hot sun, library closes before they arrive, and suddenly they are trapped in the rain. What are they to do? This was not how little sister thought the day would go. But big sister knows just what to do – even if all they do is splash in puddles and find delight in the nature around them. Indeed, the day did not go as planned, but it ended up being better!

The Suitcase

“The Suitcase” by  the author from the hit-television series Friends, is a heartwarming picture book that captures the transformative power of discovery and imagination. When a young boy visits his grandparents for the summer, he finds himself longing for excitement amidst the routine of reading and gardening. However, his perspective shifts when he stumbles upon a hidden suitcase in the attic, brimming with treasures and mysterious photographs. As he delves into the images of a young couple embarking on daring adventures and joyous escapades, the boy’s curiosity is piqued. Who are these adventurous souls captured in the photographs?

Grandma’s Hair Is Ankle Length / El Cabello De Abuela Le Llega Hasta Los Tobillos

In this tender bilingual picture book that is a poetic ode to grandmothers and granddaughters, a young girl contemplates the mysteries of life and the natural world as her grandmother gently guides her, affirming the interconnectedness of past, present, and future. Through their loving embrace, they become intertwined, their hair flowing together as one, symbolizing the enduring power of familial love and shared experiences. In this bilingual picture book of English and Spanish, the young girl treasures her grandmother’s ankle length hair, as well as the love, security and wisdom of ages it represents.

With its lyrical prose and stunning artwork, “Grandma’s Hair” is a heartfelt tribute to the wisdom of elders, the resilience of youth, and the timeless connection between generations.

The Mochi Makers

In this heartwarming story, a young girl and her grandmother take joy in a timeless tradition that celebrates family, heritage, and the power of memory. As Emi and Obaachan come together to make mochi, they honor a recipe that has been passed down through generations. With each step, they mix, pound, twist, and wrap, transforming simple ingredients into sticky, chewy Japanese rice cakes bursting with color and flavor.

Through the joyous act of making mochi, Emi and Obaachan find solace in the shared experience, weaving threads of love and tradition into each bite. As they laugh, reminisce, and embrace the present moment, they discover that the true magic of mochi lies not only in its delicious taste but also in the bonds of family and the memories that endure.

A Bindi Can Be …

A young girl embarks on a journey of discovery alongside her grandmother, Paati, as they explore the significance of bindis—the traditional red dot worn between the brows in Indian culture. Eager to understand the meaning behind the bindi, the girl learns from her grandmother the art of making one. Together, they blend turmeric, sandalwood powder, and ghee in a clay pot until the mixture transforms into a vibrant red hue—a process filled with magic and tradition. As they create bindis of various shapes and sizes, the girl realizes that her bindi represents more than just a dot. It is a symbol of celebration during festivals like Diwali, a source of inner calm and focus during everyday life, and a connection to her cultural heritage.

Angela’s Glacier

From the moment of her birth, Angela’s father introduces her to the glacier, carrying her on his back as they journey across its icy expanse. As Angela grows, so does her connection to the glacier, which becomes a trusted confidant and listener to her deepest thoughts and feelings. However, as Angela’s life becomes busier with school, hobbies, and friends, she begins to drift away from her beloved glacier. It’s not until she experiences a troubling heartache that she realizes the solace and wisdom the glacier offers.

In a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and connection to nature, Angela learns the importance of slowing down and reconnecting with the things that truly matter. With the guidance of her father, she rediscovers the healing power of her ancient icy friend.

Tricky Chopsticks

A young Chinese American girl, Jenny, finds herself facing a dilemma as she struggles with the slippery and tricky nature of chopsticks. With her cousin Victor’s birthday party approaching, along with her family’s annual chopsticks challenge, Jenny is determined not to be the only Chow who can’t use the utensils. Fueled by determination and creativity, Jenny embarks on a series of STEAM-powered experiments to conquer the chopsticks. From engineering contraptions to using scientific principles, Jenny explores various techniques to improve her skills, despite wobbling and fumbling along the way. With humor and charm, “Jenny Chow and the Chopsticks Challenge” celebrates perseverance, creativity, and the importance of family traditions in a multicultural context.

It Feels Like Family / Se Siente Como Familia

Readers join Elena and Miguel as they navigate the changes brought about by their parents’ divorce. Living in two separate homes—Mami’s during the week and Papi’s on weekends—Elena and Miguel initially struggle with feelings of loss and fragmentation. Despite these initial challenges, Elena and Miguel gradually find moments of comfort and connection in their new routines. While the pancakes Papi makes may not taste exactly like Mami’s, they still bring a sense of warmth and familiarity. And at birthday parties surrounded by relatives and cousins, they rediscover the joy of family bonds.

Through its bilingual narrative, “Elena and Miguel’s Two Homes / Las Dos Casas de Elena y Miguel” sensitively explores the challenges of divorce and the importance of maintaining connections with extended family. It offers young readers a message of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring power of familial love to transcend changes in living arrangements.