Children's Book Suggestions | Realistic Fiction

Not interested in dragons, aliens, or ghosts? These realistic fiction stories for readers in Grades 3-7 feature no supernatural elements--just kids like you dealing with the everyday challenges of school, friendship, and family in their everyday lives.

Updated August 30, 2024
LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County) Oregon City Public Library
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Sink or swim
Durfey-Lavoie, Lee
Paper Book
Summer is here! School's out, the pool is open, and new adventures with friends await! But what happens when twelve year old Ty's anxiety has other plans? From the world of Just Roll With It comes a boy-centric graphic novel about accepting yourself even when it's a little scary.<...

Young Teen Graphic Novel (Grades 5-7)

Stella Diaz has something to say
Dominguez, Angela
Paper Book
In her first middle-grade novel, award-winning picture book author and illustrator Angela Dominguez tells a heartwarming story based on her own experiences growing up Mexican-American. Stella Díaz loves marine animals, especially her betta fish, Pancho. But Stella Díaz is not a...

Children's Fiction (Grades 3-5)

Dory Fantasmagory
Hanlon, Abby
Paper Book
Move over, Junie B. Jones and Ivy & Bean! Here comes a lovably energetic little sister with a BIG personality--and an imagination to match! As the youngest in her family, Dory really wants attention, and more than anything she wants her brother and sister to play with her. But...

Children's Fiction (Grades 3-5)

Emma Mckenna, full out
Messner, Kate
Paper Book
Meet the kids in Mrs. Z's wacky and wonderful third-grade class! Cheerleader Emma McKenna is thrilled for the first day of school... until her frenemy shows up and all of Emma's plans for a social do-over take a tumble! Emma McKenna can't wait for third grade at the...

Children's Fiction (Grades 3-5)

Invisible Isabel
Pla, Sally J.
Paper Book
From award-winning author Sally J. Pla comes an illustrated middle grade novel about introverted Isabel Beane, who learns to speak up to quiet her worries. This thoughtful, earnest story is perfect for fans of Elana K. Arnold and Leslie Connor. Isabel Beane is a shy girl who lives in a...

Children's Fiction (Grades 3-5)

Ways to make sunshine
Watson, Renée
Paper Book
From Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Renée Watson, the first book in a young middle grade series about Ryan Hart, a girl who is pure spirit, kindness, and sunshine. Ryan Hart can be and do anything. Her name means "king", that she is a leader, and she...

Children's Fiction (Grades 3-5)

Gabby gets it together
Fairbairn, Nathan
Paper Book
Are you a fan of Raina Telgemeier or Shannon Hale? Then don't miss PAWS, a new graphic novel series about best friends, cute dogs, and all the fun (and trouble) that comes with them. Perfect for fans of Real Friends, Roller Girl, and Allergic, this funny and heartwarming...

Children's Graphic Novel (Grades 3-5)

Truly Tyler
Libenson, Terri
Paper Book
A story about being your truest self--and trusting your truest friends--from bestselling author Terri Libenson. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale. Cliques. Crushes. Comics. Middle school! Emmie is psyched that she gets to work on a comics project...

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)

The labors of Hercules Beal
Schmidt, Gary D.
Paper Book
From award-winning author Gary D. Schmidt, a warm and witty novel in the tradition of The Wednesday Wars, in which a seventh grader has to figure out how to fulfill an assignment to perform the Twelve Labors of Hercules in real life--and makes discoveries about friendship, community...

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)

Click
Miller, Kayla
Ebook
For fans of Smile and Real Friends comes a debut graphic novel about friendship and finding where you "click" in middle school. Olive wants to get in on the act . . . . . . Any act! ...

Young Teen Graphic Novel (Grades 5-7)


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