Ghost Boys By: Jewell Parker Rhodes

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Ghost Boys" is the story of twelve-year-old Jerome.  Jerome lives with his parents, sister, and grandma. Everyone in the family works hard to do their best. Jerome is a good big brother and listens to the rules his family sets for him.  They are for his safety, after all.  At school, Jerome does his best to dodge the bullies, so when he meets a new student and they strike up a friendship, Jerome finds himself in an exciting new situation.  He even goes to play in the empty lot after school, something he never does.  Sadly, this is where Jerome meets his tragic end when he is shot by a police officer.  This is an extremely well written book.  The author alternates between the times when Jerome was alive and after his death.  The book has strong messages about inequality and racism.  It's a powerful read, but also very accessible.  I highly recommend this book.

Old School By: Gordon Korman

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 6+

"Old School" is a 2026 Red Maple nominee.  This is the story of Dexter who is in grade 7 but has never actually been to school.  He's been educated and is quite smart, he just hasn't learned things in the traditional way. Dexter lives at The Pines retirement village with his grandmother where he's been taught by the best, including a World War 2 code breaker and an award-winning writer.  Dexter likes his life at The Pines, but when the truancy officer arrives to tell him he must attend school, he's off to the unknown.  This is another enjoyable read by Gordon Korman.  The story is told from multiple perspectives and is about friendship, family, and growing up.  I highly recommend this to fans of realistic fiction and/or fans of Gordon Korman.

Is There A Boy LIke Me? By: Kern Carter

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Is There A Boy Like Me?" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This is the story of London, who seems to have everything going for him.  He's good at sports, gaming, academics, and is popular at school.  The thing is London really loves drawing and dreams of becoming a graphic novel author.  London's dad wants him to become a coder because that way he will always be able to provide for his family.  When London's best friend encourages him to post one of his comics online, it becomes viral.  This leads to some unexpected complications.  Even though this shows that London has talent, will he be able to pursue his dream?  Will he be able to openly express who he is?  Read this realistic fiction about friendship, family, and growing up to find out.

Unsinkable Cayenne By: Jessica Vitalis

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Unsinkable Cayenne" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This book is written in free verse from the perspective of 12 year old Cayenne.  Until recently, Cayenne and her family lived in a van, travelling the country.  With the arrival of her twin brother and sister, Cayenne's father took a job at a sawmill and the family settled down.  Cayenne's mother isn't particularly thrilled about this, but Cayenne is.  This is an opportunity to go to a real school and make friends.  Since this story is told in free verse, it is a quick and engaging read.  It's a touching story of family, friendship, growing up, and discovering what is truly important in life. 

Death By Whoopee Cushion By: Vicki Grant

Genre: Mystery
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

"Death By Whoopee Cushion" is a Silver Birch 2026 nominee.  This is the story of 12 year old Manya who is serious about her love of science.  Manya loves her parents, but wishes they could be less silly.  Her parents own a joke shop and are always pulling pranks.  Manya is mortified when she learns her parents will be demonstrating some of their products at her school.  Unfortunately, something goes terribly wrong with one of the items her parents brought to the school and the custodian dies.  Manya knows her parents are goofy, but they are very cautious about what they do and would never hurt anyone.  With the help of her best friend, Isaac, Manya sets out to prove her parents' innocence and uncovers some surprising things about them along the way.  This is an interesting story that will have the reader putting the clues together to find out what is really going on.

No Purchase Necessary By: Maria Marianayagam

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"No Purchase Necessary" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This is the story of Ajay and his family who have recently moved to small town, Bridge Creek, so his father can attend university in the nearby city of Callaway.  Ajay is hopeful for a new start, but finds himself the target of the school goons early on.  Jacob, the leader, who has been stealing from "Scary Al's" convenience store tells Ajay to get him a chocolate bar.  Ajay, who is seeking Jacob's approval, sees no option but to steal a chocolate bar.  After Ajay does this, Jacob doesn't even take the bar.  When Ajay opens the chocolate, he finds the one million dollar prize ticket inside the wrapper.  This money would mean a lot to his family, but he only won it by breaking several of his strict Tamil family's rules.  This begins a whole series of lies. Will Ajay come clean?  Will his family's life be changed by the winnings?  This is a heartfelt story of growing up, trying to fit in, family, and friendship.  I highly recommend this book.

The Time Keeper By: Meagan Mahoney

Genre: Mystery
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"The Time Keeper" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This mystery is set in 1902 Scotland where twelve-year old orphan, Malcolm, works as an apprentice time keeper to Jack.  Malcolm is best friends with Jack's son, Peter.  Sadly, Peter is very sick and doesn't seem to be getting any better despite the efforts of Dr. Fiona MacIsaac.  One morning, Malcolm arrives to find the workshop has been broken into and Jack is missing.  He finds a note from Jack that tells him which clocks he should visit.  Malcolm assumes these are priority jobs, until he reaches the first location and finds his master dead. This begins Malcolm's journey to discover a cure for Peter and to find out who is responsible for Jack's death.  This is a story that will keep the reader guessing. It's a story of friendship and family and will be enjoyed by those who like mystery and historical fiction.