Fiction that is written true to the physical and factual details of a particular time period. The problems that characters encounter are related to the realities of life during that time.
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The Boxcar Children: Shannon Eric Denton
Realistic Fiction
The Boxcar Children follows four orphan-runaway children who seek shelter in a red boxcar due to their fears regarding their newest guardian - their grandfather. Henry, the oldest, does odd jobs and runs into town for errands. Benny, Jessie, and Violet travel around to find food and resources.
I would say this book would be best suited for 3rd and 4th grade due to the length of the story and the children being on their own. The appeal is the adventure of being alone and surviving as a team without any supervision. Also, being problem solvers might be appealing to the children as well.
Realistic Fiction
The Boxcar Children follows four orphan-runaway children who seek shelter in a red boxcar due to their fears regarding their newest guardian - their grandfather. Henry, the oldest, does odd jobs and runs into town for errands. Benny, Jessie, and Violet travel around to find food and resources.
I would say this book would be best suited for 3rd and 4th grade due to the length of the story and the children being on their own. The appeal is the adventure of being alone and surviving as a team without any supervision. Also, being problem solvers might be appealing to the children as well.
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/2/1/18216379/843068797.jpg)
Bridge to Terabithia: Katherine Paterson
Realistic Fiction
This story follows main character, Jess Aarons, who lives in a small town with his sister, May Belle. Jess is having a hard time adjusting to his new home and has big dreams of making it in the world as the fastest runner. Little does he know he has some competition. Leslie beats Jess and they become great friends. They create their own world known as their kingdom of terabithia. After becoming highly invested and attached to these characters, Leslie passes away and it is Jess' duty to understand how to overcome his grief.
This story is devastating. I sobbed the first time I read it. As a child, it's important to know and understand those feelings, but I certainly wouldn't do it as a read-aloud. I'd have them participate in the emotions that come with this story individually - so as not to embarrass anyone who might feel for the characters a bit stronger than other students.
Realistic Fiction
This story follows main character, Jess Aarons, who lives in a small town with his sister, May Belle. Jess is having a hard time adjusting to his new home and has big dreams of making it in the world as the fastest runner. Little does he know he has some competition. Leslie beats Jess and they become great friends. They create their own world known as their kingdom of terabithia. After becoming highly invested and attached to these characters, Leslie passes away and it is Jess' duty to understand how to overcome his grief.
This story is devastating. I sobbed the first time I read it. As a child, it's important to know and understand those feelings, but I certainly wouldn't do it as a read-aloud. I'd have them participate in the emotions that come with this story individually - so as not to embarrass anyone who might feel for the characters a bit stronger than other students.
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/2/1/18216379/341927802.jpg)
Fourth Grade Fuss: Johanna Hurwitz
Realistic Fiction
Main character Julio and his friends have loads of fun in fourth grade. However, in the upcoming months, they notice a serious change in atmosphere. Starting to be discussed is the statewide test. Julio and his friends are trying everything to make sure they can pass the test.
This is a great way to prepare your fourth graders for the standardized test. I'm not one to want to conform to "teaching to the test". However, in a system where that is what must be done, it is your duty as a teacher to make sure the students are settled in to the idea and not feeling too much anxiety.
Realistic Fiction
Main character Julio and his friends have loads of fun in fourth grade. However, in the upcoming months, they notice a serious change in atmosphere. Starting to be discussed is the statewide test. Julio and his friends are trying everything to make sure they can pass the test.
This is a great way to prepare your fourth graders for the standardized test. I'm not one to want to conform to "teaching to the test". However, in a system where that is what must be done, it is your duty as a teacher to make sure the students are settled in to the idea and not feeling too much anxiety.
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/2/1/18216379/807422559.jpg)
Grandpa's Teeth: Rod Clement
Realistic Fiction
This is a story about an old man whose teeth are apparently robbed. I didn't personally read this story yet, but it seems like a cute and quirky mystery that would hold my student's attention. And I am excited to get ahold of a copy myself.
Realistic Fiction
This is a story about an old man whose teeth are apparently robbed. I didn't personally read this story yet, but it seems like a cute and quirky mystery that would hold my student's attention. And I am excited to get ahold of a copy myself.
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/2/1/18216379/171262513.jpg)
Harry the Dirty Dog: Gene Zion
Realistic Fiction
This is a story about a wonderful dog named Harry, who loves to play and be with his family. Harry loves most things with the exception of bathing. One day, his family wants to give him a bath and he decides to run away. Upon Harry's return home, he had gotten so dirty, his family didn't recognize him.
I think this places emphasis on the importance of knowing that sometimes... You have to do things you don't want to do. I might use this if the students are misbehaving for long periods of time. And I would have them all line up at the front of the room for a brain break, and I would read them this book. And I would explain that sometimes, we just have to get through things to live happily and healthily.
Realistic Fiction
This is a story about a wonderful dog named Harry, who loves to play and be with his family. Harry loves most things with the exception of bathing. One day, his family wants to give him a bath and he decides to run away. Upon Harry's return home, he had gotten so dirty, his family didn't recognize him.
I think this places emphasis on the importance of knowing that sometimes... You have to do things you don't want to do. I might use this if the students are misbehaving for long periods of time. And I would have them all line up at the front of the room for a brain break, and I would read them this book. And I would explain that sometimes, we just have to get through things to live happily and healthily.
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/2/1/18216379/414235250.jpg)
Junie B. Jones Loves Handsome Warren: Barbara Park
Realistic Fiction
This story is one of many in a series entitled Junie B. Jones. It takes place during Junie B.'s kindergarten year. Junie B. is head over heals for this boy, Warren. It's a light-hearted tale that shows how love can make you do silly things.
This is a fun read for younger girls, I think. Younger boys might not see it quite as compelling as the young ladies in the class.
Realistic Fiction
This story is one of many in a series entitled Junie B. Jones. It takes place during Junie B.'s kindergarten year. Junie B. is head over heals for this boy, Warren. It's a light-hearted tale that shows how love can make you do silly things.
This is a fun read for younger girls, I think. Younger boys might not see it quite as compelling as the young ladies in the class.
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/2/1/18216379/419007184.jpg)
Just Plain Fancy: Patricia Polacco
Realistic Fiction
This story surrounds a young Amish girl named Naomi, who is desperate to have something "fancy" in her life. Her and her sister are stumbling through the fields searching for eggs when they came to notice one that seemed quite different. The egg hatches and the girls name it "Fancy".
The message in the story is meaningful, but may be controversial in a public school setting, as it surrounds two Amish girls, which is a form of Christianity.The message also infers appreciation of god's simple work. I don't know if I would read this to my students.
Realistic Fiction
This story surrounds a young Amish girl named Naomi, who is desperate to have something "fancy" in her life. Her and her sister are stumbling through the fields searching for eggs when they came to notice one that seemed quite different. The egg hatches and the girls name it "Fancy".
The message in the story is meaningful, but may be controversial in a public school setting, as it surrounds two Amish girls, which is a form of Christianity.The message also infers appreciation of god's simple work. I don't know if I would read this to my students.
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/2/1/18216379/634694073.jpg)
The Lemonade Club: Patricia Polacco
Realistic Fiction
Lemonade is a fictional story that focuses on two best friends, Traci and Marilyn. Marilyn begins to show some changes, however, when she starts losing weight. But as things worsen, the story, of course, finds a way to make you feel lighthearted yet again. And as beautiful events unfold, this story restores your faith in humanity piece by piece.
I believe this would be a great way to explore the idea of true friendship in a writer's workshop environment. A good prompt might be, "this was how the world showed Marilyn how much they cared about her, how would you show your best friend that you cared about them?" I also believe this might be an uplifting story for someone struggling with cancer.
Realistic Fiction
Lemonade is a fictional story that focuses on two best friends, Traci and Marilyn. Marilyn begins to show some changes, however, when she starts losing weight. But as things worsen, the story, of course, finds a way to make you feel lighthearted yet again. And as beautiful events unfold, this story restores your faith in humanity piece by piece.
I believe this would be a great way to explore the idea of true friendship in a writer's workshop environment. A good prompt might be, "this was how the world showed Marilyn how much they cared about her, how would you show your best friend that you cared about them?" I also believe this might be an uplifting story for someone struggling with cancer.
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/2/1/18216379/977090791.jpg)
Liar Liar: Gary Paulsen
Realistic Fiction
This story follows a young man named Kevin, who is an extraordinarily brilliant liar. He becomes so good at it, he even has the reader fooled at times. But as time passes, Kevin's lies become a bundle of messes. He fakes illnesses, skips class, and lies to his friends, family and teachers. Of course nothing good comes from it!
I think someone should have handed me this book my freshman year of college... Understanding that telling the truth in the end is actually much simpler would have been very valuable information. Not proud of any of it.
Realistic Fiction
This story follows a young man named Kevin, who is an extraordinarily brilliant liar. He becomes so good at it, he even has the reader fooled at times. But as time passes, Kevin's lies become a bundle of messes. He fakes illnesses, skips class, and lies to his friends, family and teachers. Of course nothing good comes from it!
I think someone should have handed me this book my freshman year of college... Understanding that telling the truth in the end is actually much simpler would have been very valuable information. Not proud of any of it.
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/2/1/18216379/328907118.jpg)
Little Tim and the Brave Sea Captain: Edward Ardizzone
Realistic Fiction
Author's Craft: Conflict Resolution; Critical Thinking; Decision Making
Character Traits: Self-Confidence; Self-discipline
"Little Tim lives by the sea. Two of his best buddies, the old boatman and Captain McFee, spin such exciting yarns about the sailor's life that Tim's determined to cast away. But his parents insist he’s much too young. His break comes sooner than he thought when he’s accidentally-on-purpose left behind during a visit to a steamer. Little did he expect the hard work, stormy sea, and sinking ship to come!" - Picture Book Database Summary
Realistic Fiction
Author's Craft: Conflict Resolution; Critical Thinking; Decision Making
Character Traits: Self-Confidence; Self-discipline
"Little Tim lives by the sea. Two of his best buddies, the old boatman and Captain McFee, spin such exciting yarns about the sailor's life that Tim's determined to cast away. But his parents insist he’s much too young. His break comes sooner than he thought when he’s accidentally-on-purpose left behind during a visit to a steamer. Little did he expect the hard work, stormy sea, and sinking ship to come!" - Picture Book Database Summary
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/2/1/18216379/865037644.jpg)
No Fighting, No Biting!: Else Holmelund Minarik
Realistic Fiction
Author's Craft: Conflict Resolution; Story within a Story
Literary Devices: Simile; Metaphor
Character Traits: Conduct of Life; Self-discipline
This book compares two characters, Willie and Rosa, to two alligators. Their schema about alligators is developed through their cousin Joan, who creates stories that they like and dislike.
Realistic Fiction
Author's Craft: Conflict Resolution; Story within a Story
Literary Devices: Simile; Metaphor
Character Traits: Conduct of Life; Self-discipline
This book compares two characters, Willie and Rosa, to two alligators. Their schema about alligators is developed through their cousin Joan, who creates stories that they like and dislike.
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/2/1/18216379/955464741.jpg)
Owl Moon: Jane Yolen
Realistic Fiction
This story depicts a father and his young daughter owling throughout the woods on a cold winter night. The books use of imagery is astounding, and the pictures do not cease to please the eye. It has you traveling alongside of these characters throughout the story.
I think this book emphasizes bonding with the people you love and care about. I believe this book would be great to teach visualization. I also think it would be a great end of afternoon brain break read-aloud. Something the students could just enjoy.
Realistic Fiction
This story depicts a father and his young daughter owling throughout the woods on a cold winter night. The books use of imagery is astounding, and the pictures do not cease to please the eye. It has you traveling alongside of these characters throughout the story.
I think this book emphasizes bonding with the people you love and care about. I believe this book would be great to teach visualization. I also think it would be a great end of afternoon brain break read-aloud. Something the students could just enjoy.
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/2/1/18216379/305666442.jpg)
The Relatives Came: Cynthia Rylant
Realistic Fiction
This story implies the importance and relevance of family. It is about a big family reunion in a small-town setting, and how the family is sad to leave each other. However, they remember that they will return to each other again in the following summer.
I think I would keep this in the library for a fun read. I don't believe I would use it for any formal lessons, unless something arose in the classroom that would make it more relevant and meaningful.
Realistic Fiction
This story implies the importance and relevance of family. It is about a big family reunion in a small-town setting, and how the family is sad to leave each other. However, they remember that they will return to each other again in the following summer.
I think I would keep this in the library for a fun read. I don't believe I would use it for any formal lessons, unless something arose in the classroom that would make it more relevant and meaningful.
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/2/1/18216379/235304664.jpg)
Strega Nona's Harvest: Tomie DePaola
Realistic Fiction
This is a story about an older woman named Strega Nona, who happens to be a wonderful gardener. Her neighbor Anthony wants to know how she has the ability to grow her garden so large. So she teaches him the ways, and includes sending three kisses to the moon. Anthony works hard, and his garden grows phenomenally.
This is a great lesson about working hard at whatever it is you would like to achieve in life. The only way to get something you want is to work for it. Anthony represented this lesson quite well. It also speaks about respecting and admiring your elders, and remaining humble to the learning process.
Realistic Fiction
This is a story about an older woman named Strega Nona, who happens to be a wonderful gardener. Her neighbor Anthony wants to know how she has the ability to grow her garden so large. So she teaches him the ways, and includes sending three kisses to the moon. Anthony works hard, and his garden grows phenomenally.
This is a great lesson about working hard at whatever it is you would like to achieve in life. The only way to get something you want is to work for it. Anthony represented this lesson quite well. It also speaks about respecting and admiring your elders, and remaining humble to the learning process.
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/2/1/18216379/335279572.gif)
Thank You, Mr. Falker: Patricia Polacco
Realistic Fiction
This is the story about a struggling reader in school who is getting bullied and teased. And how a teacher's unconditional kindness and support can re-define school for that struggling student. It is a thank you from that type of learner.
This is a beautiful story. I would recommend reading this aloud in the beginning of the year during the community building time. It will help students understand that they will all learn at different speeds and circumstances, and there is not one correct way in doing so. I think it will help prevent any issues - and as a teacher, preventative behavior management is one of the most effective forms!
Realistic Fiction
This is the story about a struggling reader in school who is getting bullied and teased. And how a teacher's unconditional kindness and support can re-define school for that struggling student. It is a thank you from that type of learner.
This is a beautiful story. I would recommend reading this aloud in the beginning of the year during the community building time. It will help students understand that they will all learn at different speeds and circumstances, and there is not one correct way in doing so. I think it will help prevent any issues - and as a teacher, preventative behavior management is one of the most effective forms!
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/2/1/18216379/633103899.jpg)
100 Days and 99 Nights: Alan Madison
Realistic Fiction
This story surrounds the character Esme, a child whose father has left for a tour of duty in the military. It depicts well the effects this may have on a younger child, especially if that child has even younger siblings. Some of these children may feel burdened quite often with household and life responsibilities.
Coming from a personal standpoint, my cousin Kayla's father is currently in Iraq on a tour of duty. And she has a tough younger brother named Karson. You can see that it in her eyes and lack of spirit that his leave has been really difficult on her. This would be a perfect personal suggestion from either you or the counselor to give to the child coping, and it may help them understand their feelings.
Realistic Fiction
This story surrounds the character Esme, a child whose father has left for a tour of duty in the military. It depicts well the effects this may have on a younger child, especially if that child has even younger siblings. Some of these children may feel burdened quite often with household and life responsibilities.
Coming from a personal standpoint, my cousin Kayla's father is currently in Iraq on a tour of duty. And she has a tough younger brother named Karson. You can see that it in her eyes and lack of spirit that his leave has been really difficult on her. This would be a perfect personal suggestion from either you or the counselor to give to the child coping, and it may help them understand their feelings.