The Outsmarters By: Deborah Ellis

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

Kate is a twelve-year-old who lives with her grandmother in a small town.  Kate's had a lot of difficulty with school and was suspended for several weeks before the summer break began.  Kate spent this time completing worksheets and helping her grandmother around her junk shop.  Kate dreams of the day her mom will return and take her back because even though things weren't always great with her mom, Kate misses her.  Kate's summer takes a turn when she decides to open a Philosophy Booth next to the junk shop.  The shop allows her to make some unexpected friendships.  Then, Kate's mom returns and it is not the reunion Kate hoped for.  This is a story of family, friendship, and achieving your goals.  It is also a story of addiction and abuse and the impact this can have.  This is interesting story is a Red Maple 2025 nominee.  

The Secret Tree By: Natalie Standiford

Genre: Realistic Fiction/Mystery
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

It's summer holiday and Minty is looking forward to spending time with her best friend, Paz.  The two of them have loved roller derby for many years and Minty wants to spend lots of time practicing.  Unfortunately, Paz seems to be growing distant from Minty and is hanging out with some older girls.  When Minty notices that someone is sneaking up on people and taking their photos and that small items are going missing, she tries to find out who is doing these things.  She ends up striking up an unlikely friendship with a boy who lives near the Witch's house.  Minty spends her summer trying to solve neighbourhood mysteries and secrets with this boy all while trying to hold onto her friendship with Paz.  This is an interesting story about friendship, growing up, and community.  I recommend this book to fans of realistic fiction.

Ghostlight By: Kenneth Oppel

Genre: Realistic Fiction/Supernatural Fantasy
Age Recommendation: Grade 6+

This book is phenomenal!  Kenneth Oppel has combined realistic fiction, ghosts, and historic Toronto in an engaging page-turner.  Gabe's summer job is working on Toronto Island giving ghost tours.  Little does Gabe know that by mentioning the name, Rebecca Strand, in his tours, he is waking a ghost who fell to her death from the top of the lighthouse over 100 years ago.  That was the night that Rebecca learned that her father, the lighthouse keeper, was also a member of the Order.  The Order's task, protect the world from the wakeful and wicked dead.  This is the story of Gabe and his friends working with Rebecca to stop the evil ghost, Viker, from taking over the world.  This is a story of friendship, family, and ghosts!  I highly recommend this book.

Ninth Ward By: Jewell Parker Rhodes

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

Lanesha is twelve years old and lives in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans.  She has lived with her adoptive grandmother, Mama Ya-Ya, since she was born.  Lanesha loves learning, but doesn't really have friends at school.  Lanesha's schoolmates make fun of her because Mama Ya-Ya has visions about the future, but Lanesha is content with the love of Mama Ya-Ya.  When Hurricane Katrina is set to hit New Orleans, Mama Ya-Ya has confusing and frightening visions of what will happen.  The mayor orders an evacuation of the city, but Lanesha and Mama Ya-Ya do not have the money or ability to leave their home. Lanesha must take action to help keep them safe during the storm.  This is a story of friendship and family.  It is a very quick and interesting read.  This book is for readers who enjoy learning about past events and those who have an interest in the supernatural world.  I highly recommend this book.

Winterkill By: Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Winterkill" is a story about the Holodomor, or death by starvation, that happened in the 1930s in the Ukraine.  Nyl is a young Ukrainian boy who lives a contented life with his farming family until Stalin introduces a five year plan to turn Ukrainian farms into collective farms.  Although Nyl and his family do not have a lot, they and other farmers, are targeted by the Russian government.  The farmers lose many of their possessions and the ability to provide for themselves.  Tragically, Nyl loses many of his loved ones, but fights to survive.  This is a story of perseverance, family, and friendship.  This is a well written and gripping story.  This is a very serious and devastating topic, so this book is recommended for mature readers.

Two Degrees By: Alan Gratz

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Two Degrees" is yet another great book by Alan Gratz.  This book tells three climate change stories through the experiences of four seventh graders.  The reader will follow Akira as she tries to find her way through a wildfire in California, Natalie as she is swept away by a hurricane in Florida, and Owen and George in Churchhill, Manitoba where they are being stalked by a hungry polar bear.  This book is an informative and entertaining page-turner.  Read the book to find out how the characters escape their climate disasters and how they are all connected.  I recommend this book to fans of Alan Gratz, fans of realistic fiction, and anyone wanting to learn more about climate change.

Tight By: Torrey Maldonado

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

Bryan lives in the projects of Brooklyn with his mom, dad, and older sister.  Bryan is a good student and likes spending his time after school at the office where his mom works, doing his homework, reading comics, and drawing.  Bryan doesn't have a close friend until his mom introduces him to Mike. Bryan's mom thinks Mike will be a good friend - he's new to the neighbourhood and gets good grades just like Bryan.  The boys hit it off over their love of drawing and comics and things are going well until Mike starts suggesting things like skipping school.  Bryan gets drawn into some behaviours that aren't like him and he has some difficult decisions to make.  This is a story of friendship, family, and staying true to yourself.  It's a fast-paced and interesting read that will appeal to fans of realistic fiction.