25 Best Realistic Fiction Books To Kickstart Your Reading Journey

Realistic Fiction: An underrated genre

Hey everyone! Welcome back. I have a question for you: When’s the last time you read a heartwarming realistic fiction? This genre is usually drowned out by other popular themes like fantasy and mystery, so I truly hope this post inspires you to check out this usually underrated genre. To get you started, here are 25 of the greatest realistic fiction reads.

What is realistic fiction?

Bookriot.com perfectly states, "Realistic fiction can be defined as a genre of writing in which the characters, setting, and events are made up but could be real. The word “fiction” indicates that the story is imagined, while the word “realistic” means it is true-to-life. These stories resemble real life because they reflect real experiences—things people like you and I go through."

What realistic fiction book for kids/teens should I read next?

Here is a list to help. These titles are in no particular order. This list doesn't imply that I prefer "The One and Only Ivan" over "Fish in a Tree" or any other book. I love them all equally. There are more realistic fiction books I enjoyed that are not included here. Let this list inspire you, not hinder you.

Where can I find the list of the 25 best realistic fiction books?

All right, without further ado, let’s get into the list:

• "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty: Meet Lucy, a math genius navigating middle school for the first time after being homeschooled. Join her as she learns about friendship, compassion, and embracing unique talents in this heartwarming tale.
• "Raymie Nightingale" by Kate DiCamillo: Enter the world of Raymie Clarke, a determined girl competing in a baton-twirling class to win a competition. With newfound friends, Raymie discovers friendship, loss, and the power of hope in this beautifully written novel.
• "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio: Experience the extraordinary journey of August Pullman, a boy with a facial deformity, as he enters school and learns about acceptance, empathy, and self-identity. This powerful story reminds us of the importance of kindness and looking beyond appearances.
• "Dress Coded" by Carrie Firestone: Join Molly Frost, a fierce seventh-grader, as she fights against a dress code at her school. Through determination, Molly challenges societal norms and advocates for change in this empowering novel.
• "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate: Join Ivan the gorilla on a heartwarming journey towards freedom and a better life in this inspiring tale of friendship and courage.
• "The War That Saved My Life" by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley: Step into World War II through the eyes of Ada, a girl with a disability, as she discovers hope and resilience amidst the challenges of war in this historical fiction gem.
• "The Crossover" by Kwame Alexander: Experience the power of poetry in this realistic fiction novel following twin brothers, talented basketball players, as they navigate family, friendship, and growing up. Don't miss the companion novel "Booked" by the same author.
• "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan: Join 12-year-old Willow, a gifted but socially awkward girl, on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. This thought-provoking story explores identity and finding one's place in the world.
• "Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper: Delve into the remarkable story of Melody, a girl with a rare disease that renders her unable to speak or walk. Discover the power of determination and empathy in this poignant tale.
• "Chloe by Design" by Margaret Gurevich: Follow Chloe, a fashion-loving girl, as she tackles middle school and pursues her dream of becoming a fashion designer.
• "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt: Join Ally, a girl with dyslexia, as she discovers her strengths and finds support from a caring teacher and new friends.
• "Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus" by Dusti Bowling: Follow Aven, a witty girl born without arms, as she embarks on a journey of friendship and self-discovery in a new town.
• "Amina's Voice" by Hena Khan: Step into Amina's world as she navigates middle school, explores her cultural identity, and learns the importance of finding her voice.
• "Holes" by Louis Sachar: Join Stanley Yelnats at Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center, as he unravels mysteries and discovers the true meaning of friendship and redemption.
• "The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise" by Dan Gemeinhart: Experience the cross-country adventure of Coyote, a determined young girl, and her father, as they meet unforgettable characters and embrace the power of family and friendship.
• "Hello, Universe" by Erin Entrada Kelly: Enter the lives of four friends—Virgil, Valencia, Kaori, and Chet—as they navigate middle school, face fears, and discover the true meaning of bravery and belonging.
• "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" by Janae Marks: Meet Zoe, a young aspiring baker, who discovers a letter from her incarcerated father on her twelfth birthday. As she delves into the truth behind his conviction, Zoe embarks on a journey of self-discovery, justice, and the power of forgiveness in this heartfelt and thought-provoking novel.
• "Louisiana's Way Home" by Kate DiCamillo: Follow Louisiana Elefante, a courageous and resilient girl, as she finds herself on an unexpected journey away from everything she knows. Along the way, she learns about family, forgiveness, and the strength to create her own destiny in this touching and unforgettable story.
• "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green tells a powerful love story between Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, two teenagers facing cancer. Their romance is filled with humor, sadness, and moments of joy, showing how love can flourish even in tough times. The story shows that love and life are precious, no matter how short.
• "To Night Owl From Dogfish" by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer: Dive into a humorous and heartwarming tale of two girls, Avery and Bett, brought together by their fathers' relationship. Through letters and adventures, they navigate friendship, family, and the meaning of home.
• "You Say It First" by Katie Cotugno: Join Meg and Colby, two rival teenagers unexpectedly thrown together during a summer job in a small town. As they navigate differences and shared experiences, they discover forgiveness, understanding, and their own voice in this heartfelt romance.
• "I Will Always Write Back" by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda with Liz Welch: Experience the inspiring true story of Caitlin and Martin, pen pals from different worlds, forming a lifelong friendship through letters in this poignant memoir.
• "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser: Step into the lively world of the Vanderbeeker family facing the possibility of losing their beloved brownstone in this heartwarming tale of resilience.
• "Crenshaw" by Katherine Applegate: Meet Jackson, a boy facing financial hardships and the return of his imaginary friend, Crenshaw, a talking cat, in this touching story of courage and resilience.
• "El Deafo" by Cece Bell: Enter the vibrant and humorous world of Cece, a girl navigating the challenges of growing up with a hearing impairment, embracing differences with her Phonic Ear hearing aid in this empowering graphic memoir.

Conclusion

There you have it! A diverse collection of realistic fiction books with unforgettable characters and relatable struggles. These stories have something for everyone. So pick up one of these titles, immerse yourself in the power of realistic fiction, and prepare to laugh, cry, and feel deeply as you uncover the magic within these remarkable books.

Paige, signing off