Realistic Fiction genre
When sixteen-year-old Billie Paradise unexpectedly inherits her grandmother’s seaside house she gains not only the opportunity to move with her mother and half brother from their cramped London apartment but, perhaps, also to uncover family secrets, including the identity of her father.
Fourth-grader Anthony has always been told that his father is traveling, so when he finds out that he is in jail awaiting trial Anthony is upset and confused–but when his father escapes and takes Anthony with him life becomes really complicated.
Eighteen-year-old Kenzie of Philadelphia, pregnant by Yale-bound Kevin, is bitter when her mother sends her to Spain to deliver and give her baby away, but discovers a makeshift family with the rancher who takes her in, his cook, and the young man they have raised together.
A little girl’s smile as she skips down the street in New York inspires a neighbor to send cookies to her grandson in Mexico, and the good will soon spreads around the world.
This book has been included in WOW’s Kids Taking Action Booklist. For our current list, visit our Boolist page under Resources in the green navigation bar.
In January 2011, in a moment that captured the hearts of people all over the world, thousands of Egypt’s students, library workers, and demonstrators surrounded the great Library of Alexandria and joined hands, forming a human chain to protect the building. They chanted “We love you, Egypt!” as they stood together for the freedom the library represented.
Illustrated with Susan L. Roth’s stunning collages, this amazing true story demonstrates how the love of books and libraries can unite a country, even in the midst of turmoil.
Oliver is different. He enjoys his solitude. He likes playing with his friends, who are puppets, stuffed animals, and other toys. With his rich imagination, Oliver’s day is never dull. There are bridges to cross, sharks to fight, and treasures to find! But maybe toys don’t always give a boy everything he needs. Maybe he needs another kind of companion. Will Oliver discover a way to be, well, different? When his tennis ball rolls across the lawn into the yard of the girl next door, he just might be surprised.
A sweet, funny lesson in economics as only Lola can teach itLola has lots of pocket money and is very excited to buy a new toy in the gift shop on a trip to the zoo. But she spends a little here and there, and before she knows it, she doesn’t have enough left for her toy. Big brother Charlie shares his money, but then isn’t able to get the book he wanted. With her typical exuberance, when Lola finds this out, she begins saving everything: a tangerine from lunch, bread for the ducks at the pond, and most importantly, her pocket change. Finally, she is able to help out her big brother when he needs a few extra coins.With a focus on frugality, the latest in the award-winning series is a terrific helper for those just learning about money.
We are led on the journey of a lifetime to the city of Mecca – the pilgrimage known to Muslims as the Hajj. The pilgrims walk with heads bare and feet in sandals; they call to Allah; they kiss or point to the Black Stone, as the Prophet did. Arriving at Mecca, they surge round the Ka’aba, shave their heads and travel to Mount Arafat. Finally, though their bodies are tired and aching, their spirits are uplifted, knowing that with thousands of others they have performed the sacred pilgrimage. This is a window on to a sacred journey for Muslims the world over – beautifully described and illustrated for younger children in mixed media and collage.
Author of War Horse, and bestselling storyteller Michael Morpurgo touched our hearts with this beautiful story of a boy, his lost dog, and the lengths he would go to be reunited. This timely story of battle-scarred Afghanistan delivers a masterful portrait of war, love, and friendship. With the horrors of war bearing down on them, Aman and his mother are barely surviving in an Afghan cave, and staying there any longer will end horribly. The only comfort Aman has is Shadow, the loyal spaniel that shows up from places unknown, it seems, just when Aman needs him most. Aman, his mother, and Shadow finally leave the destroyed cave in hopes of escaping to England, but are held at a checkpoint, and Shadow runs away after being shot at by the police. Aman and his mother escape–without Shadow. Aman is heart-broken. Just as they are getting settled as free citizens in England, they are imprisoned in a camp with locked doors and a barbed wire fence. Their only hope is Aman’s classmate Matt, his grandpa, and the dream of finding his lost dog. After all, you never lose your shadow.
Lara Zany is her middle school’s official Friendship Matchmaker, but a new student, Emily Wong, has her own ideas on the subject and they vie to match two “hopeless cases” with their perfect best friend.