Every Little Bit Olive Tran By: Phuong Truong

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 3-5

"Every Little Bit Olive Tran" is a Silver Birch Express 2026 nominee.  This is the story of Olive who is thrilled to be turning ten.  Turning ten means more independence, like walking to school on her own.  Olive is planning a big birthday party with her whole class invited.  But when Olive finds out that Mrs. Ly was pushed onto the street and that other Asian people have been the victims of cruelty, her happy world begins to change.  This book was not what I was expecting from a Silver Birch Express nominee.  The book deals with racism in a way that is easy for younger students to understand.  This book could be used to promote serious discussions.  It is a story of friendship and helping others out.  I recommend this to fans of realistic fiction or as a read aloud to stimulate discussions about racism.

The Dark Won't Wait By: David A. Poulsen

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

"The Dark Won't Wait" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This is the story of high school student, Dom.  Dom is decent at school, loves cars, and plays baseball.  When his friend Mia, asks him to watch her audition for the school play, he finds himself taking on a role in the play.  Farhad is the other member of the gang and he works lighting and sound for the play.  Riding his bike one day, Dom sees a beautiful girl looking out a window.  Eventually, he meets her and learns her name is Callie.  The shocking news comes when someone is murdered at Callie's home.  Add to that the break-in at Farhad's family pharmacy and a couple of mysteries need to be solved.  The events in this story are a little unbelievable, but if you suspend that you will find an interesting story that keeps you turning the pages.  I recommend this book to fans of mystery and action/adventure.

Finding Harmony By: Eric Walters

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Gr. 7/8

"Finding Harmony" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This is the story of twelve-year-old Harmony, whose mom's struggles with addiction cause Harmony to spend time in foster care.  Even though Harmony is more like the parent in her relationship with her mom, she wants nothing more than to be back with her mom.  When the court grants her return to her mother, things are off to a rough start and only get more challenging.  Harmony struggles with her situation, but believes she has to support her mom.  When things get to a breaking point, Harmony has a very difficult decision to make.  Will she continue to put her mom first and keep living a life that puts her last or will Harmony finally put her own needs first?  This book begins with an unrealistic court scene, but becomes more realistic and the reader really wants to know what will happen with Harmony.  It's a story of family, friendship, and overcoming challenges.  I recommend this book to fans of Eric Walter and fans of realistic fiction.

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.