Reel Reading: Realistic Fiction

Do you enjoy a good binge fest over books, TV series or films? Join us to talk about all things binge-worthy in our virtual club just for teens.

Reel Reading is a teen-specific book, film and TV club meeting virtually on the fourth Tuesday each month at 7 p.m. via Zoom. This club is for ages 13-18 and each month will have a genre or theme to explore. Register for our next session here.

Teen Street Team member Jackie is our guest blogger for this month, and talks about her favorite parts of realistic fiction novels:

Fiction has always been my favorite book genre. I love being able to read about a fantasy world filled with adventure and excitement. I also like pretending that I’m the one living in the fictional world that I’m reading about, because I get to connect with the characters. I was first introduced to realistic fiction in elementary school, after reading a book that my social studies teacher gave me. Realistic fiction is different from normal fiction because, although the events in the story were possible, they didn’t actually happen.

Out of My Mind was a book that I would read from cover to cover, over and over again. It’s about a girl named Melody, who was born with cerebral palsy, a disease that keeps her from being able to move and talk. Despite being confined to a wheelchair and unable to talk, a visit to the doctor reveals that she’s extremely intelligent. Regardless, she’s overlooked by her classmates who are unable to see past the wheelchair. Melody tells the story from her point of view as she deals with the ups and downs of life.

This book was so heartwarming and wholesome – perfect for readers of all ages. Since then, there have been countless realistic fiction books that I still enjoy today. More realistic fiction books include:

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – Print Book and eBook

Wonder by R. J. Palacio – Print Book and eBook

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas – Print Book and eBook

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky – Print Book and eBook

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven – Print Book and eBook

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han – Print Book and eBook

Interested in talking about your favorite realistic fiction books or just curious to learn more? Come to our Reel Reading meeting on February 23 at 7 p.m. where we’ll talk about our favorite books, answer some fun “Would You Rathers,” and introduce new titles for everyone to check out! Register to join us here. For more Reel Reading recommendations, check out previous blog posts.