(Relatively) Realistic Fiction

This is a huge  category within that of young adult (YA).  It's not something I was ever really into as why read about all the horrible problems of high school when I went to class with them?  Still, these are good books and can be used as a teaching aid.  Also check out my new favorite: Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which is told through the eyes of a fifteen year old autistic boy.  

Hope was Here* by Joan Bauer- I enjoyed this and my mom loved it (a quote from it was painted on our kitchen floor at one point).  Be warned: this book will make you want to eat sandwiches.  A coming of age story. 

As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner- the stories of family members as their mother is dying and their journey to bury her.  Each chapter is told by a different person.  Slightly confusing but with beautiful language. 

Seed folks by Paul Fleischman - centered around a city garden, many people tell their stories.  Very short.  One my mom bought for everyone. 

Speak* by Laurie Anderson- realistic teen fiction- something I absolutely loathe, however, I could deal with this.  A short important book dealing with the topic of rape.  Some public high school programs have even begun to include it in their required reading. 

Tangerine by Edward Bloor- about high school, moving, soccer, friends, family relationships, life, hope; not a long read, also a chinaberry book at one point.  His later book, Crusade, wasn’t as good.  Unlike most of the books above, there is a male protagonist, though it is good for everyone. 

Holes* by Louis Sachar- don’t really like this author much but this book is amazing.  The movie goes by the book pretty well (it passes Anna-Marika standards which is rather amazing).  Stories span generations and are interwoven.  Has its funny parts, spiritual parts, good all around.  The sequel is crap and shouldn’t be bothered with.