Realistic Fiction

Teen books without magic, dragons, or heavy romance.

Updated May 30, 2023
Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
Ace of spades
Àbíké-Íyímídé, Faridah
Paper Book
Go back to school with this instant New York Times-bestselling thriller by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé about two students, Devon & Chiamaka, and their struggles against an anonymous bully. "Readers will love this thriller-mystery... A revelatory, buzzworthy debut." --...
The girls I've been
Sharpe, Tess
Paper Book
A New York Times Bestseller * A USA Today Bestseller * In this feminist, suspenseful thriller the daughter of a con artist is taken hostage in a bank heist--and will need to tap into all her skills in order to survive. "If you're looking for a queer YA contemporary book...
Th1rteen r3asons why : a novel
Asher, Jay
Paper Book
**THE BOOK THAT STARTED IT ALL, NOW A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES** The #1 New York Times bestseller and modern classic that's been changing lives for a decade gets a gorgeous revamped cover and never-before-seen additional content, including: ·   ...
The perks of being a wallflower
Chbosky, Stephen.
Paper Book
"A timeless story for every young person who needs to understand that they are not alone." --Judy Blume "Once in a while, a novel comes along that becomes a generational touchstone. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is one of those books." --R. J. Palacio, #1 New York...
Far from the tree
Benway, Robin
Paper Book
* Launch and lead promotion, including extensive galley distribution and booth blow up, in the HarperCollins Children's Books booth at national teacher and librarian conferences and preview events in 2017. * Featured title at national and regional conference and library system book...
Firekeeper's daughter
Boulley, Angeline
Paper Book
An Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller! A Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine Book Club Pick! A Printz Medal AND Morris Award Winner! Soon to be adapted at Netflix for TV with President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's production company, Higher Ground.
The ghosts we keep
Deaver, Mason
Paper Book
Everything happens for a reason. At least that's what everyone keeps telling Liam Cooper after his older brother Ethan is killed suddenly in a hit-and-run. Feeling more alone and isolated than ever, Liam has to not only learn to face the world without one of the people he...
On the come up
Thomas, Angie
Paper Book
* (Teen) Books for Social Justice & Activism Discussion Guide, featuring THE HATE U GIVE and ON THE COME UP (back page to feature 8 other upper MG/teen books, cross-publisher) * Extensive Advertising in School & Library media, including stand-alone announcement e-blast...
Wintergirls
Anderson, Laurie Halse.
Paper Book
"Dead girl walking," the boys say in the halls. "Tell us your secret," the girls whisper, one toilet to another. I am that girl. I am the space between my thighs, daylight shining through. I am the bones they want, wired on a porcelain frame. Lia and Cassie are best...
I am not your perfect Mexican daughter
Sánchez, Erika L.
Paper Book
National Book Award Finalist! Instant New York Times Bestseller! The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian meets Jane the Virgin in this poignant but often laugh-out-loud funny contemporary YA about losing a sister and finding yourself amid...
Go ask Alice
Paper Book
A teen plunges into a downward spiral of addiction in this classic cautionary tale. January 24th After you've had it, there isn't even life without drugs... It started when she was served a soft drink laced with LSD in a dangerous party game. Within...
Speak
Anderson, Laurie Halse.
Paper Book
This special anniversary edition of Anderson's National Book Award-winning novel includes an new Introduction and Afterword by the author, resources, a discussion guide, and a special preview of Anderson's newest book, Wintergirls.
Darius the Great is not okay
Khorram, Adib
Paper Book
Darius doesn't think he'll ever be enough, in America or in Iran. Hilarious and heartbreaking, this unforgettable debut introduces a brilliant new voice in contemporary YA. Winner of the William C. Morris Debut Award "Heartfelt, tender, and so utterly real. I'd live...
A year to the day
Benway, Robin
Paper Book
Big Mouth ARE mailing to a curated list of influential librarians and educators (February) Teens' Top 10/YALSA ARE mailing to 15 teen reading groups across the country (March) Advertising in key school & library media, such as School Library Journal, The Horn Book...
Challenger deep
Shusterman, Neal
Paper Book
* Launch and lead feature at the HarperCollins Children's Books booth at major institutional conferences, including extensive ARC distribution. * Common Core Focus Title, promotion to include: featured title on the Common Core website (readcommoncore.com) and on...
Challenger deep
Shusterman, Neal.
Paper Book
* Launch and lead feature at the HarperCollins Children's Books booth at major institutional conferences, including extensive ARC distribution. * Common Core Focus Title, promotion to include: featured title on the Common Core website (readcommoncore.com) and on...
The Inexplicable Logic of My Life
Sáenz, Benjamin Alir
Paper Book
A "mesmerizing, poetic exploration of family, friendship, love and loss" from the acclaimed author of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. (New York Times Book Review) Sal used to know his place with his adoptive gay father, their loving Mexican ...
The inexplicable logic of my life : a novel
Sa enz, Benjamin Alire
Paper Book
A "mesmerizing, poetic exploration of family, friendship, love and loss" from the acclaimed author of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. (New York Times Book Review) Sal used to know his place with his adoptive gay father, their loving Mexican ...
Sadie
Summers, Courtney
Paper Book
Available now: I'M THE GIRL, the new "brutally captivating" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) queer thriller from Courtney Summers, based loosely on The Epstein case and "not for the faint of heart" (The New York Times) "Sadie: a novel for readers of...
Punching the air
Zoboi, Ibi Aanu
Paper Book
Lead promotion at conferences and events Targeted outreach to college professors, teachers, and librarians Featured author at 2021 Walter Awards Featured author at Harris County Library Battle of the Books Featured author at Troy Athens High...
Clap when you land
Acevedo, Elizabeth
Paper Book
Standalone BMM and REFORMA ARE mailing with letter YALSA Teens' Top 10 ARE mailing Announcement and review advertising in key s&l media, such as Booklist and SLJ Launch and lead promotion at all teacher and librarian conferences "Elizabeth Acevedo Guide...

Library staff! You can create and contribute to lists. Contact your catalog administrator or log in here.