YA Realistic Fiction

On The Come Up

By: Angie Thomas

I decided to read this book because it was by Angie Thomas, who wrote The Hate U Give and Concrete Rose. This book was definitely good, but not as good as either of her other books. If you like Angie Thomas and you enjoyed The Hate U Give, you will like On The Come Up. This book is about a young black girl named Bri struggling with school and a difficult home life. Her family doesn't have much money and her dad, who used to be a famous rapper, was murdered when she was young. When Bri releases her first rap song, it goes viral for all the wrong reasons and she finds herself being labeled as a hoodlum and a menace to society. I ADORED the main character- if you want someone you can root for, read this book. Bri has passion, fire, spirit, and talent, and she's not going to give up. This book was insightful and eye-opening, but not as emotionally compelling as The Hate U Give. That said, there's a lot to love about this book, and I really loved the characters and the insights I gained from On The Come Up. Read this book!-Gea

Going Viral

By: Katie Cicatelli-Kuc

I love the premise of this book but it wasn't executed as well as I'd hoped. Basically, during the Covid lock down this girl starts writing a story about her and her next door neighbor and it gets very popular. Everyone on the internet starts shipping them but the main character already has a girlfriend. The author does a good job of writing the unease a lot of us felt during the start of the pandemic and even now but other than that I was highly underwhelmed. This book was a quick read but not really something I'd recommend. Also, this book might be triggering to some people so if you are interested in reading this, do what is best for you.-Norah

Aces of Spades

By: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

This was one of those books that just made think. Like the kind where you stare at a blank wall for around 30 minutes or so. The day you just keep coming back to it; thinking about. Aces of Spades was amazing. I've never read a book like it ever before. It's set in a private school anywhere basically. In the author note Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé said that she wanted it to be shown that what happened in this school could happen anywhere. Anyways, two main character in alternating points of view, one is head prefect, golden girl Chiamaka and the other is a musical genius Devon who lives low. These two get wrapped in each other lives in this a dramatic thriller. Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé managed to write a suspenseful book that has these complex, but relative characters. This all while tackling the significant issues of institutionalized racism, classism, and homophobia. This book takes you on a whirlwind story, that you'll never forget. You shouldn't forget. Undoubtedly one of the best books I've ever read. -Annabelle

Crying Laughing

By: Lance Rubin

Let me start by saying stand-up comedy focused realistic fiction is amazing. This book is about Winnie, an aspiring comedian. Her dad used to be a comedian but quit when she was born. During the book you learn that her dad has ALS and Winnie tries to continue to find the humor in life, even though her dad is sick. She joins her school's comedy club and most of the book is her trying to find her place. I thought this book was amazing. It had so many different plots that all add something to the story. It was well written, and pretty freakin funny. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys realistic fiction or comedic books. Sidenote: it had an great romantic subplot.-Norah

Yes No Maybe So

By: Becky Albertalli, and Aisha Saeed

Let me start off by saying, I adore Becky Albertalli. She is absolutely one of my favorites. Aisha Saeed is fantastic as well. It makes perfect sense that a collaboration of theirs would be excellent. This is a book that has it all. Well crafted, relatable characters, a sweet romance, and a thoughtful well done plot. Basically, two teens start working on a campaign together. During this time they, one- start falling for each other. Two- they begin to realize how many issues face their small part of the world. Through out this book the two teens start fighting against the bigots in their community and get more involved to local politics. If you want a sweet romcom with a well done, layered plot this book is perfect!-Norah

Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda

By: Becky Albertalli

I adored this book and the entire series! It was funny, well written, and had such a humanity! I would recommend this book to any one. It was absolutely brilliant the way Albertalli wrote a slow burn in this technological age. She has continuously shown a shocking understanding of the average teenage narrator. I have reread the entire series multiple times, it’s so good!!-Norah

A Shot At Normal

By: Marisa Reichardt

This book had a perspective that I found very relevant in today's world. This book is about a girl who's parents don't believe in vaccinations. The main character ends up catching the measles and gives it to a baby. The baby doesn't make it. Once word gets out that it was her family's fault the whole town turns against them. The main character ends up fighting her parents in court for her medical freedom. This book is unique. There is no other book I've read that explores the idea of what happens to all the unvaccinated kids when they get older? The main character and side characters are very well written. The relationships are fully fleshed out and every one has a purpose. I would highly recommend this book!-Norah

Six Angry Girls

By: Adrienne Kisner

This book has everything you could ever want. There is feminism, knitting, diversity, mock trial, as I said in Book Nerds Podcast, "it's the kitchen sink of liberal topics". I adored this book. It is unique and the whole plot gets you fired up! The diversity with in the characters is some of the best I've ever read. This is the book you didn't know you needed in your life.-Norah

Perfect on Paper

By: Sophie Gonzales

“This book was absolutely incredible! All of the characters were so well written. It had an excellent plot that was focused and simple. One of the first books I’ve read that truly addressed internalized biphobia. This book also makes you think about the ways you interact with people and if you are stopping yourself from making the most out of your happiness. I would 100% recommend this book!”-Norah

Boy Meets Boy

By: David Levithan

I adored this book! It is hilarious, brilliant, and every other good adjective ever! Everyone should read this book! It is set in a small town that is very close to a utopia for all LGBTQ+ people. It has two main plotlines. The narrator, a gay teen boy who is in the center of a love triangle and trying to figure that out. The other plotline focuses on the main character's friend Tony. Tony lives just outside of the amazing town. He is gay but his parents refuse to accept him. His storyline is all about standing up to his parents, he does this in a truly admirable way but I won’t spoil it.This book is so funny I was cracking up the entire time I was reading it. The high school has motorcycling cheerleaders, their homecoming queen is a transgender drag queen named Infinite Darlene who is also the star quarterback. Finally, their GSA was created to teach straight kids how to dance. I mean, literary gold!I think it is really important to mention that homophobia and transphobia, and biphobia are not excluded from this book, they just don’t take the center stage like they usually do in LGBTQ+ novels. Also, biphobia is actually mentioned which is huge!One last thing, I read the 10th anniversary edition which has an author Q&A in the back as well as an Infinite Darlene short story which was incredible. I would highly recommend trying to get the 10th anniversary edition if you want to read this.-Norah

Fangirl

By: Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl is an amazing, relatable book! The main character has anxiety and is struggling with that as she goes through her freshman year of college. She’d rather sit inside and write fanfiction (the story is clearly based on Harry Potter and the Drarry ship) than actually socialize. But as the book goes on she grows and changes with the help of her roommate, a love interest, and her twin sister. This book is an ode to fandom communities everywhere. Also, as a bonus, may I just say the love interest is… excellent!-Norah

Fan Art

By: Sarah Tregay

The adorableness, I am dying!!!!!!! This book is just, squeeeeeeeeee! A boy falls for his best friend while struggling to try and be ‘out’. The Japanese Club at his school tries to set them up. The slow-burn romance is so worth it! Basically, this book was the fluffiest slow-burn romance ever and it is just. I can’t even. Don’t let the cuteness fool you though, there are real discussions in this book and an interesting moral dilemma that will make you think. Would highly recommend this book!!-Norah

That's Not What Happened

By: Kody Keplinger

This book was very gripping, emotional, and intense. Not for the faint of heart. After a mass school shooting, the six surviving witnesses are obviously traumatized. The main character, Lee, whose best friend Sarah was killed in the shooting and made into a martyr after a false story about the shooting got loose, is determined to tell the world the truth about what happened to her friend. The writing itself wasn't fantastic, but the plot and idea was very creative and well-executed. It would be incredibly difficult to author a book like this. The author did a terrific job of pulling you into the characters' world and making you feel what they felt. The author did such a terrific job, in fact, that the stupid book stressed me out for days, and even after I put it down, I was still anxious because of everything that happened in that story. This is a wonderful book that will mess with your sleep schedule and give you a fresh perspective on many aspects of the world.-Gea

Turtles All the Way Down

By: John Green

This book was great. It was probably not my favorite and I originally read it thinking it was a mystery. The mystery aspect of the book was highly disappointing to me though. It was made around the mysterious disappearance of a billionaire. It was far more of learning about a girl who has OCD, and how she pretty much falls in love with the son of the billionaire Davis. John Green did a great job implementing her struggles, and I think this is a wonderful read. -Annabelle
This book was hard to read. Not because of the story or because I didn't understand it. But because John Green so successfully wrote how it feels when your anxiety spirals out of control. The story itself is okay, not amazing. But the way John Green makes you feel like you are the main character having a panic attack and truly makes you understand the perpetual anxiety that some people suffer from is incredible. This book was difficult emotionally and the story is not good enough to where you NEED to suffer through this book emotionally. But if you want an angsty, sad read. This is a book for you.-Norah

The Fault in our Stars

By: John Green

The Fault in our Stars was an overall exceptional book. It takes anyone who reads it on a journey with Hazel, a cancer fighter. When Hazel starts to go to support group, she meets Gus and they very quickly become friends. This book is about their story and everything that happens as their relationship develops. Gus even uses his "wish" for Hazel, something that cancer patients get to use to do anything they want. He chooses to take Hazel to go meet her favorite author in Amsterdam. This Young Adult novel is so beautiful and can ever start a few tears. -Delaney

I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

By: Erika Sanchez

I loved this book. This is mature, so ask, but good all the same. Erika Sanchez made this book focus on one idea but brings in tons. The book highlights the following, ethnicity, mental health, and immigrants. The amount of beauty and diversity in this book is amazing. I recommend this to anyone that is really willing to read a good book.-Annabelle
This book was amazing! Definitely wait until you're older to read, or ask your parents. I would highly recommend this book. It is a very honest story that focuses on hard topics like, immigration, death, mental health, and being a minority. The cast of characters is extremely diverse in race, ethnicity, and sexuality. Characters butt heads for extremely different opinions. This book makes to question what you believe, and makes you think hard.-Norah

Wild Bird

By: Wendelin Van Draanen

Wild bird is a short book, but that doesn't mean I enjoyed it any less! Fair warning: this book mentions drug and alcohol use. The main character Wren Clemens has a problem with drugs and is sent to a wilderness camp in the desert. The wilderness camp is like a therapy camp. She's angry and bitter when she gets there, blaming everyone but herself. This book is full of emotion, I could tell what the character was thinking and feeling. You must read this book to know what happens! I really loved this book, it kept me entertained and was never a dull moment! -Lena

The Running Dream

By: Wendelin Van Draanen

This book was emotional, heartfelt, and inspiring. In The Running Dream, the protagonist, Jessica, has just been involved in a tragic accident and had to get part of her leg amputated. As a track star, being told "you'll never run again" shatters Jessica. As she begins to recover from the amputation, she and her school start a fundraiser to buy her a special prosthetic leg for running. Along the way, she meets a girl named Rosa, who has cerebral palsy, and they become friends. This is a heartwarming story of a girl's who has to revive her dreams after being crushed. I read this book very quickly- it was a sweet and gripping read. This book is for anyone, especially runners!-Gea

How We Roll

By: Natasha Friend

This book deserves a 5 out of 5 stars! An incredible story of two teens who have been through a lot are dealing with a lot. One has alopecia, the other is an above-the-knee amputee. Both believe the world is out to get them and everything is against them, and at times it is. They bond over this and together grow and change. It was a unique take on the classic, "everything is changing how do I deal story-line".-Norah

Beverly, Right Here

By: Kate Dicamillo

This book is about a girl named Beverly, running away from home and trying to make things work on her own, but the people living near her are making it hard. I really liked the characters in this book and how they developed. At the beginning of the book, Beverly was dull, trying to avoid as much human interaction as possible. But as the book went on, she slowly turned into a more friendly and social person. I also liked how the author turned a story that felt a little boring at first, into something very interesting just from Beverly's thoughts and interactions. I would definitely recommend this book to readers who like a more calm and heartfelt story.-Jessie

The Hate U Give

By: Angie Thomas

This book made think. It was a hard topic that the author conveyed really through a lot of amazing characters. I read this book in 4th grade and I am going to say I probably should have waited a little longer, but I think I turned out okay. Angie Thomas hit it out of the ballpark with this book. I totally, 110% recommend this book!-Annabelle
This book is amazing! It really makes you think and the characters were really thought through. I love this book! You honestly need to read it!-Bella

Every Last Word

By: Tamara Ireland Stone

Every Last Word is a book about a teen girl, named Samantha, and her everyday struggles with OCD. Samantha goes to high school and tries to be as normal as possible, especially around her popular and toxic friend group. Samantha meets a girl named Caroline, and she introduces Sam to a poetry club in the basement of their school, and Samantha slowly starts to open up to the members and befriend them. I liked that this book had a main character with a mental illness because I feel like those types of people are easily overlooked, but I feel like the book could have represented the topic better. The book gave off a "romance fixes everything" vibe, which isn't always true. Other than that, it was a good read, with nice character development. I would recommend this book. (There is some mild language and mature parts in this book.)-Jessie

My Sister Rosa

By: Justine Larbalestier

"My Sister Rosa" is about a teen boy, Che, and his trouble-making little sister, Rosa. After moving to New York, Che tries to adjust to the new lifestyle and tries to control Rosa from playing mind games with people for her own enjoyment. Rosa looks and sounds normal on the outside, but on the inside, she is a mentally ill girl, and only Che knows about it. This book was a pretty typical teenager story, with a unique twist. The book does get a bit dark at times, but it was still good. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique psychological storyline.-Jessie

Everything, Everything

By: Nicola Yoon

This book is the perfect medical romance. Teenager, Maddy has a disease know as Bubble Baby disease or SCID. This pretty much means that her immune system sucks and she can't leave her house or she would get sick and die. When Olly moves in, her new neighbor, things start to change. They become friends and Maddy starts to want things she knows he can't have. This heart-wrenching book is full of love, sacrifice, and disappointment with an amazing plot twist at the end. If you're searching for a great new book, I recommend it.-Delaney

Untwine

By: Edwidge Danticat

This was a beautiful story of the difficulty of losing a loved one. It was about twins that were in a car crash and only one survived. I think that this was a great story if you are struggling to cope or knowing how to feel about loss. But if you are a person that cries over everything (Cough, Annabelle, Cough) you will be sobbing the entire time.-Norah

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