The Other Side By: Heather Camlot

Genre: Realistic Fiction/Mystery
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8 

This Red Maple nominee crosses a few genres, realistic fiction, mystery, and historical fiction. When Liam is visiting his grandfather's house, he makes an unfortunate discovery on the beach, the dead body of a teen aged girl. This experience is difficult for Liam and it comes at a time when he is also dealing with his grandfather being in hospice care.  Liam is a strong soccer player and both of these challenges are interfering with his ability to play. Liam regularly visits his German grandfather. During these visits, his grandfather reveals his story of life during World War Two.  These stories make Liam question his relationship with his grandfather. All the time, Liam cannot get the dead girl out of his mind.  Why was she on the beach alone?  Could her death really be an accident?  This book is sure to interest soccer fans, mystery fans, and fans of realistic fiction.  The reader will be working to put the pieces together.

Just Like Home: Love Rolls In By: Erin Soderberg Downing

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 3+

Ruby and Henry are twins whose family has a unique collection of pets.  Their mom is a veterinarian and often brings home animals needing a home, so it's no surprise to them when mom returns with a puppy.  The twins name the tiny dog, Arlo, and quickly fall in love with him.  Unfortunately, Arlo has suffered an injury and cannot use his back legs.  The twins are up for the challenge of making Arlo happy in their home, even if it is temporary, and come up with ways to help the puppy feel welcome.  This is a story that includes family, friendship, and pets.  It would be sure to please animal lovers.

The Super Teacher Project By: Gordon Korman

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 6+

It's the start of a new school year and Brightling Middle School is welcoming a new teacher, Mr. Aidact. Mr. Aidact refers to the students as pupils and seems to know everything, including when Oliver is letting off one of his famous spitballs.  Mr. Aidact has a student teacher following him around with a briefcase, but the student teacher never teaches.  Something is definitely up with this new teacher and the students of Brightling will find out. This story is told from the perspective of multiple characters. It's an interesting read, although I did find it to be a little longer than it needed to be.  I recommend this to fans of Gordon Korman, realistic fiction, and those who like to try putting the pieces together.  Although Mr. Aidact gets off to a bumpy start, you'll be cheering for him in the end!

Other Words For Home By: Jasmine Warga

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 6+

This story is told in verse and is the journey of Jude and her pregnant mother, who leave their home in Syria to live in America with Jude's uncle.  Jude could never have imagined leaving her homeland, father, and older brother behind, but when things become dangerous Jude must leave everything she knows.  Life in America is very different. Jude's uncle is a doctor who works long hours.  Her aunt is kind, but her cousin is not eager to start a friendship.  As time goes on, Jude becomes more comfortable in her new home and realizes that home can mean different things at different times.  This is an engaging story.  It is a story of new beginnings, friendship, and family.  I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy realistic fiction.  The book would make a good read aloud for grade 6 as it connects to the social studies curriculum topics.

Crossover By: Kwame Alexander

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Gr. 6+

Written in free verse, this story is told by Josh who is an identical twin.  Josh and his twin brother, Jordan are both great basketball players.  Their father is a retired professional basketball player and their mother is vice-principal of their school.  Things are going well in Josh's life until his brother finds a girlfriend, changing their close relationship.  Josh comforts himself with still having his dad, but then his father develops health problems.  This is a very engaging, easy to read book. It should be enjoyed by fans of realistic fiction and/or basketball fans.  It's a story of family, friendship, and growing up.

Bea Mullins Takes A Shot By: Emily Deibert

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

When Bea's middle school gym floods, students are encouraged to join extra-curricular sports.  Bea's only other experience with team sports wasn't good, but her best friend, Celia convinces her that joining a girl's hockey team will be fun.  Eventually, Bea does really begin to enjoy hockey and the new friendships she makes.  Unfortunately, the team doesn't have much funding and may not survive the semester. Also, Bea makes some poor decisions with her friendships, creating tension.  This is an interesting story.  Fans of hockey would definitely enjoy it.  I did find this Silver Birch 2026 nominee to be a little longer than it needed to be, but that could be because I'm not a hockey fan.

Deep Secrets - A Titanic Novel By: Nikki Shannon Smith

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Deep Secrets" provides a new twist on the Titanic story.  Colette lives with her mother, sister, and brother.  Colette's mother doesn't speak of the children's father and his death in a factory accident is shrouded in secrecy.  Colette was sick as a child, so her mother insists that she stay home, with her only reprieve being a weekly trip to Walter's store for the groceries.  One day Colette is finally fed up with her solitude and asks Walter for a job.  Each day after her family leaves for school and work, Colette goes to the store where she works and learns that Walter is a Titanic survivor.  Bit by bit, Walter reveals his story to Colette, creating even more questions for Colette.  This is an entertaining read that would be enjoyed by fans of historical fiction and/or the Titanic.