Advanced Search

Search

Advanced Search

Jacket cover images copied to clipboard.

General Recommendations

PACL Recommends: Realistic Fiction for Tweens

By:

pacl_teens

Palo Alto City Library

Staff-created list

If you prefer books where the characters, setting, and plot resembles real life, then take a look at these books. Updated June, 2020.

By:

pacl_teens

Palo Alto City Library

25 items

25 items

Look Both Ways

Look Both Ways

A Tale Told in Ten Blocks

by Reynolds, Jason

Book - 2019

Reynolds packs the 10 blocks surrounding multiple schools with 10 relatable slice-of-life stories that start after school ends, each beginning with a blac...Show more Reynolds packs the 10 blocks surrounding multiple schools with 10 relatable slice-of-life stories that start after school ends, each beginning with a black-and-white drawing by Alexander Nabaum. An overlapping cast of black characters populates the tales as they experience the tribulations of familial love, fears, first crushes, near-death experiences, and more. Show less

Reynolds packs the 10 blocks surrounding multiple schools with 10 relatable slice-of-life stories that start after school ends, each beginning with a blac...Show more Reynolds packs the 10 blocks surrounding multiple schools with 10 relatable slice-of-life stories that start after school ends, each beginning with a black-and-white drawing by Alexander Nabaum. An overlapping cast of black characters populates the tales as they experience the tribulations of familial love, fears, first crushes, near-death experiences, and more. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

King and the Dragonflies

King and the Dragonflies

by Callender, Kacen

Book - 2020

In a small but turbulent Louisiana town, one boy's grief takes him beyond the bayous of his backyard, to learn that there is no right way to be yourself In a small but turbulent Louisiana town, one boy's grief takes him beyond the bayous of his backyard, to learn that there is no right way to be yourself Show less

In a small but turbulent Louisiana town, one boy's grief takes him beyond the bayous of his backyard, to learn that there is no right way to be yourself In a small but turbulent Louisiana town, one boy's grief takes him beyond the bayous of his backyard, to learn that there is no right way to be yourself Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Planet Earth Is Blue

Planet Earth Is Blue

by Panteleakos, Nicole

Book - 2019

Autistic and nearly nonverbal, twelve-year-old Nova is happy in her new foster home and school, but eagerly anticipates the 1986 Challenger launch, for which her sister, Bridget, promised to return. Autistic and nearly nonverbal, twelve-year-old Nova is happy in her new foster home and school, but eagerly anticipates the 1986 Challenger launch, for which her sister, Bridget, promised to return. Show less

Autistic and nearly nonverbal, twelve-year-old Nova is happy in her new foster home and school, but eagerly anticipates the 1986 Challenger launch, for which her sister, Bridget, promised to return. Autistic and nearly nonverbal, twelve-year-old Nova is happy in her new foster home and school, but eagerly anticipates the 1986 Challenger launch, for which her sister, Bridget, promised to return. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

From the Desk of Zoe Washington

From the Desk of Zoe Washington

by Marks, Janae

Book - 2020

Avid baker Zoe Washington receives a letter on her twelfth birthday from her biological father, who is in prison for a terrible crime. Avid baker Zoe Washington receives a letter on her twelfth birthday from her biological father, who is in prison for a terrible crime. Show less

Avid baker Zoe Washington receives a letter on her twelfth birthday from her biological father, who is in prison for a terrible crime. Avid baker Zoe Washington receives a letter on her twelfth birthday from her biological father, who is in prison for a terrible crime. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Amina's Voice

Amina's Voice

by Khan, Hena

Book - 2017

A Pakistani-American Muslim girl struggles to stay true to her family's vibrant culture while simultaneously blending in at school after tragedy strikes her community. A Pakistani-American Muslim girl struggles to stay true to her family's vibrant culture while simultaneously blending in at school after tragedy strikes her community. Show less

A Pakistani-American Muslim girl struggles to stay true to her family's vibrant culture while simultaneously blending in at school after tragedy strikes her community. A Pakistani-American Muslim girl struggles to stay true to her family's vibrant culture while simultaneously blending in at school after tragedy strikes her community. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Where the Watermelons Grow

Where the Watermelons Grow

A Novel

by Baldwin, Cindy

Book - 2018

Twelve-year-old Della Kelly of Maryville, North Carolina, tries to come to terms with her mother's mental illness while her father struggles to save the farm from a record-breaking drought. Twelve-year-old Della Kelly of Maryville, North Carolina, tries to come to terms with her mother's mental illness while her father struggles to save the farm from a record-breaking drought. Show less

Twelve-year-old Della Kelly of Maryville, North Carolina, tries to come to terms with her mother's mental illness while her father struggles to save the farm from a record-breaking drought. Twelve-year-old Della Kelly of Maryville, North Carolina, tries to come to terms with her mother's mental illness while her father struggles to save the farm from a record-breaking drought. Show less

All copies in use Availability details

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Turtle Boy

Turtle Boy

by Wolkenstein, M. Evan

Book - 2020

Seventh-grader Will's Bar Mitzvah community service project, visiting an incurably ill older boy in the hospital, leads to a friendship that is life-changing for both them and those around them. Seventh-grader Will's Bar Mitzvah community service project, visiting an incurably ill older boy in the hospital, leads to a friendship that is life-changing for both them and those around them. Show less

Seventh-grader Will's Bar Mitzvah community service project, visiting an incurably ill older boy in the hospital, leads to a friendship that is life-changing for both them and those around them. Seventh-grader Will's Bar Mitzvah community service project, visiting an incurably ill older boy in the hospital, leads to a friendship that is life-changing for both them and those around them. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Restart

Restart

by Korman, Gordon

Book - 2017

Chase does not remember falling off the roof, in fact he does not remember anything about himself, and when he gets back to middle school he begins to lea...Show more Chase does not remember falling off the roof, in fact he does not remember anything about himself, and when he gets back to middle school he begins to learn who he was through the reactions of the other kids--trouble is, he really is not sure he likes the Chase that is being revealed, but can he take the opportunity amnesia has provided and restart his life? Show less

Chase does not remember falling off the roof, in fact he does not remember anything about himself, and when he gets back to middle school he begins to lea...Show more Chase does not remember falling off the roof, in fact he does not remember anything about himself, and when he gets back to middle school he begins to learn who he was through the reactions of the other kids--trouble is, he really is not sure he likes the Chase that is being revealed, but can he take the opportunity amnesia has provided and restart his life? Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Clean Getaway

Clean Getaway

by Stone, Nic

Book - 2020

For the life of him, William "Scoob" Lamar can't seem to stay out of trouble--and now the run-ins at school have led to lockdown at home. So whe...Show more For the life of him, William "Scoob" Lamar can't seem to stay out of trouble--and now the run-ins at school have led to lockdown at home. So when G'ma, Scoob's favorite person on Earth, asks him to go on an impromptu road trip, he's in the RV faster than he can say FREEDOM. With G'ma's old maps and a strange pamphlet called the 'Travelers' Green Book' at their side, the pair takes off on a journey down G'ma's memory lane. But adventure quickly turns to uncertainty: G'ma keeps changing the license plate, dodging Scoob's questions, and refusing to check Dad's voice mails. And the farther they go, the more Scoob realizes that the world hasn't always been a welcoming place for kids like him, and things aren't always what they seem--G'ma included. Show less

For the life of him, William "Scoob" Lamar can't seem to stay out of trouble--and now the run-ins at school have led to lockdown at home. So whe...Show more For the life of him, William "Scoob" Lamar can't seem to stay out of trouble--and now the run-ins at school have led to lockdown at home. So when G'ma, Scoob's favorite person on Earth, asks him to go on an impromptu road trip, he's in the RV faster than he can say FREEDOM. With G'ma's old maps and a strange pamphlet called the 'Travelers' Green Book' at their side, the pair takes off on a journey down G'ma's memory lane. But adventure quickly turns to uncertainty: G'ma keeps changing the license plate, dodging Scoob's questions, and refusing to check Dad's voice mails. And the farther they go, the more Scoob realizes that the world hasn't always been a welcoming place for kids like him, and things aren't always what they seem--G'ma included. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

George

George

by Gino, Alex

Book - 2015

When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl. George thinks she'll have to keep this a sec...Show more When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl. George thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part . . . because she's a boy. With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all. Show less

When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl. George thinks she'll have to keep this a sec...Show more When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl. George thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part . . . because she's a boy. With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Same Sun Here

Same Sun Here

by House, Silas

Book - 2012

A twelve-year-old Indian immigrant in New York City and a Kentucky coal miner's son become pen pals, and eventually best friends, through a series of revealing letters exploring such topics as environmental activism, immigration, and racism. A twelve-year-old Indian immigrant in New York City and a Kentucky coal miner's son become pen pals, and eventually best friends, through a series of revealing letters exploring such topics as environmental activism, immigration, and racism. Show less

A twelve-year-old Indian immigrant in New York City and a Kentucky coal miner's son become pen pals, and eventually best friends, through a series of revealing letters exploring such topics as environmental activism, immigration, and racism. A twelve-year-old Indian immigrant in New York City and a Kentucky coal miner's son become pen pals, and eventually best friends, through a series of revealing letters exploring such topics as environmental activism, immigration, and racism. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Blackbird Fly

Blackbird Fly

by Kelly, Erin Entrada

Book - 2015

Bullied at school, eighth-grader Apple, a Filipino American who loves the music of the Beatles, decides to change her life by learning how to play the guitar. Bullied at school, eighth-grader Apple, a Filipino American who loves the music of the Beatles, decides to change her life by learning how to play the guitar. Show less

Bullied at school, eighth-grader Apple, a Filipino American who loves the music of the Beatles, decides to change her life by learning how to play the guitar. Bullied at school, eighth-grader Apple, a Filipino American who loves the music of the Beatles, decides to change her life by learning how to play the guitar. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

See You in the Cosmos

See You in the Cosmos

by Cheng, Jack

Book - 2017

Eleven-year-old Alex Petroski, along with his dog, Carl Sagan, makes big discoveries about his family on a road trip and he records it all on a golden iPod he intends to launch into space. Eleven-year-old Alex Petroski, along with his dog, Carl Sagan, makes big discoveries about his family on a road trip and he records it all on a golden iPod he intends to launch into space. Show less

Eleven-year-old Alex Petroski, along with his dog, Carl Sagan, makes big discoveries about his family on a road trip and he records it all on a golden iPod he intends to launch into space. Eleven-year-old Alex Petroski, along with his dog, Carl Sagan, makes big discoveries about his family on a road trip and he records it all on a golden iPod he intends to launch into space. Show less

All copies in use Availability details

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Gracefully Grayson

Gracefully Grayson

by Polonsky, Ami

Book - 2014

Grayson, a transgender twelve-year-old, learns to accept her true identity and share it with the world. Grayson, a transgender twelve-year-old, learns to accept her true identity and share it with the world. Show less

Grayson, a transgender twelve-year-old, learns to accept her true identity and share it with the world. Grayson, a transgender twelve-year-old, learns to accept her true identity and share it with the world. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The House That Lou Built

The House That Lou Built

by Respicio, Mae

Book - 2018

Longing for an escape from her extended Filipino family, Lou plans to build a tiny house on land she inherited from her father, but difficulties quickly arise. Longing for an escape from her extended Filipino family, Lou plans to build a tiny house on land she inherited from her father, but difficulties quickly arise. Show less

Longing for an escape from her extended Filipino family, Lou plans to build a tiny house on land she inherited from her father, but difficulties quickly arise. Longing for an escape from her extended Filipino family, Lou plans to build a tiny house on land she inherited from her father, but difficulties quickly arise. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Piecing Me Together

Piecing Me Together

by Watson, Renée

Book - 2017

Tired of being singled out at her mostly-white private school as someone who needs support, high school junior Jade would rather participate in the school...Show more Tired of being singled out at her mostly-white private school as someone who needs support, high school junior Jade would rather participate in the school's amazing Study Abroad program than join Women to Women, a mentorship program for at-risk girls. Show less

Tired of being singled out at her mostly-white private school as someone who needs support, high school junior Jade would rather participate in the school...Show more Tired of being singled out at her mostly-white private school as someone who needs support, high school junior Jade would rather participate in the school's amazing Study Abroad program than join Women to Women, a mentorship program for at-risk girls. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Counting by 7s

Counting by 7s

by Sloan, Holly Goldberg

Book - 2013

Twelve-year-old genius and outsider Willow Chance must figure out how to connect with other people and find a surrogate family for herself after her parents are killed in a car accident. Twelve-year-old genius and outsider Willow Chance must figure out how to connect with other people and find a surrogate family for herself after her parents are killed in a car accident. Show less

Twelve-year-old genius and outsider Willow Chance must figure out how to connect with other people and find a surrogate family for herself after her parents are killed in a car accident. Twelve-year-old genius and outsider Willow Chance must figure out how to connect with other people and find a surrogate family for herself after her parents are killed in a car accident. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

My Basmati Bat Mitzvah

My Basmati Bat Mitzvah

by Freedman, Paula J.

Book - 2013

Tara Feinstein, proud of both her East Indian and Jewish heritage, questions what it means to have a bat mitzvah and deals with her own doubts about her faith. Tara Feinstein, proud of both her East Indian and Jewish heritage, questions what it means to have a bat mitzvah and deals with her own doubts about her faith. Show less

Tara Feinstein, proud of both her East Indian and Jewish heritage, questions what it means to have a bat mitzvah and deals with her own doubts about her faith. Tara Feinstein, proud of both her East Indian and Jewish heritage, questions what it means to have a bat mitzvah and deals with her own doubts about her faith. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Thing About Jellyfish

The Thing About Jellyfish

by Benjamin, Alison Wade

Book - 2015

Twelve-year-old genius and outsider Willow Chance must figure out how to connect with other people and find a surrogate family for herself after her parents are killed in a car accident. Twelve-year-old genius and outsider Willow Chance must figure out how to connect with other people and find a surrogate family for herself after her parents are killed in a car accident. Show less

Twelve-year-old genius and outsider Willow Chance must figure out how to connect with other people and find a surrogate family for herself after her parents are killed in a car accident. Twelve-year-old genius and outsider Willow Chance must figure out how to connect with other people and find a surrogate family for herself after her parents are killed in a car accident. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Breakout

Breakout

by Messner, Kate

Book - 2018

From multiple perspectives, tells of a time capsule project and the middle schoolers who contribute, including future journalist Nora Tucker and newcomer Elidee Jones, whose brother is in the local prison. From multiple perspectives, tells of a time capsule project and the middle schoolers who contribute, including future journalist Nora Tucker and newcomer Elidee Jones, whose brother is in the local prison. Show less

From multiple perspectives, tells of a time capsule project and the middle schoolers who contribute, including future journalist Nora Tucker and newcomer Elidee Jones, whose brother is in the local prison. From multiple perspectives, tells of a time capsule project and the middle schoolers who contribute, including future journalist Nora Tucker and newcomer Elidee Jones, whose brother is in the local prison. Show less

All copies in use Availability details

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Fighting Words

Fighting Words

by Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker

Book - 2020

Ten-tear-old Della has always had her older sister, Suki: When their mom went to prison, Della had Suki. When their mom's boyfriend took them in, Della ha...Show more Ten-tear-old Della has always had her older sister, Suki: When their mom went to prison, Della had Suki. When their mom's boyfriend took them in, Della had Suki. When that same boyfriend did something so awful they had to run fast, Della had Suki. Suki is Della's own wolf--her protector. But who has been protecting Suki? Della might get told off for swearing at school, but she has always known how to keep quiet where it counts. Then Suki tries to kill herself, and Della's world turns so far upside down, it feels like it's shaking her by the ankles. Maybe she's been quiet about the wrong things. Maybe it's time to be loud. Show less

Ten-tear-old Della has always had her older sister, Suki: When their mom went to prison, Della had Suki. When their mom's boyfriend took them in, Della ha...Show more Ten-tear-old Della has always had her older sister, Suki: When their mom went to prison, Della had Suki. When their mom's boyfriend took them in, Della had Suki. When that same boyfriend did something so awful they had to run fast, Della had Suki. Suki is Della's own wolf--her protector. But who has been protecting Suki? Della might get told off for swearing at school, but she has always known how to keep quiet where it counts. Then Suki tries to kill herself, and Della's world turns so far upside down, it feels like it's shaking her by the ankles. Maybe she's been quiet about the wrong things. Maybe it's time to be loud. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Line Tender

The Line Tender

by Allen, Kate

Book - 2019

Following a tragedy that further alters the course of her life, twelve-year-old Lucy Everhart decides to continue the shark research her marine biologist mother left unfinished when she died years earlier. Following a tragedy that further alters the course of her life, twelve-year-old Lucy Everhart decides to continue the shark research her marine biologist mother left unfinished when she died years earlier. Show less

Following a tragedy that further alters the course of her life, twelve-year-old Lucy Everhart decides to continue the shark research her marine biologist mother left unfinished when she died years earlier. Following a tragedy that further alters the course of her life, twelve-year-old Lucy Everhart decides to continue the shark research her marine biologist mother left unfinished when she died years earlier. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Summerlost

Summerlost

A Novel

by Condie, Allyson Braithwaite

Book - 2016

Cedar's family is moving back to Iron Creek after the tragic and devastating loss of her father and younger brother. Cedar is not looking forward to the s...Show more Cedar's family is moving back to Iron Creek after the tragic and devastating loss of her father and younger brother. Cedar is not looking forward to the summer until she meets a boy named Leo, who works at the Summerlost Theatre Festival. Summerlost gives Cedar a job and a sense of purpose, but soon she's caught up in the mystery of a Hollywood actress who died tragically. Someone is sending her strange presents too - could these two things be related? Show less

Cedar's family is moving back to Iron Creek after the tragic and devastating loss of her father and younger brother. Cedar is not looking forward to the s...Show more Cedar's family is moving back to Iron Creek after the tragic and devastating loss of her father and younger brother. Cedar is not looking forward to the summer until she meets a boy named Leo, who works at the Summerlost Theatre Festival. Summerlost gives Cedar a job and a sense of purpose, but soon she's caught up in the mystery of a Hollywood actress who died tragically. Someone is sending her strange presents too - could these two things be related? Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Merci Suarez Changes Gears

Merci Suarez Changes Gears

by Medina, Meg

Book - 2018

Merci Suarez begins the sixth grade and knows things will change, but she did not count on her grandfather acting strangely, not fitting in at her private school, and dealing with Edna Santos' jealousy. Merci Suarez begins the sixth grade and knows things will change, but she did not count on her grandfather acting strangely, not fitting in at her private school, and dealing with Edna Santos' jealousy. Show less

Merci Suarez begins the sixth grade and knows things will change, but she did not count on her grandfather acting strangely, not fitting in at her private school, and dealing with Edna Santos' jealousy. Merci Suarez begins the sixth grade and knows things will change, but she did not count on her grandfather acting strangely, not fitting in at her private school, and dealing with Edna Santos' jealousy. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Save Me A Seat

Save Me A Seat

by Weeks, Sarah

Book - 2016

Ravi has just moved to the United States from India and has always been at the top of his class; Joe has lived in the same town his whole life and has lea...Show more Ravi has just moved to the United States from India and has always been at the top of his class; Joe has lived in the same town his whole life and has learning problems--but when their lives intersect in the first week of fifth grade they are brought together by a common enemy (the biggest bully in their class) and the need to take control of their lives. Show less

Ravi has just moved to the United States from India and has always been at the top of his class; Joe has lived in the same town his whole life and has lea...Show more Ravi has just moved to the United States from India and has always been at the top of his class; Joe has lived in the same town his whole life and has learning problems--but when their lives intersect in the first week of fifth grade they are brought together by a common enemy (the biggest bully in their class) and the need to take control of their lives. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Powered by BiblioCommons.

BiblioCore: app36 Version 9.27.0 Last updated 2025/02/06 12:11

[]

[]

To Top