RA RA Read: Real Girls, Real Friendships and Best Frenemies

Somewhere between 9 and 12 some girls get really into realistic fiction. Not to say that boys don't read these books - some do - but they usually require a different booktalking technique which I'm not going into now. Most of these books deal in the emotional growth of their protagonists as they start to change how they relate to their family and friends, awareness of the world around them, or dealing with issues like death, divorce, new schools, etc. The ages are just approximations of course - there's nothing particularly teen in any of these and the most they get into romantic relationships is some possible crushes and maybe a kiss. There are lots and lots of great books in this genre, but I'm just going to mention a few that I recommend frequently and some newer titles.

Young Middle Grade

• Author
• Claudia Mills
• Cupcake Cousins by Kate Hannigan (series)
• Calli be gold by Michele Hurwitz
• Meena by Manternach (series)

Middle Grade

• Authors
• Sharon Creech
• The Battle of Darcy Lane; My Life in Dioramas by Tara Altebrando
• Amelia Rules by Jimmy Gownley (series) (graphic novels)
• Ruby and Olivia by Rachel Hawkins
• The Summer I saved the world in 65 days by Michele Hurwitz
• Boys are dogs by Leslie Margolis (series)
• Willow Falls by Wendy Mass (series)
• The Winnie Years; Flower Power by Lauren Myracle (series)
• Secret Language of Girls by Frances O'Rourk Dowell (trilogy)
• Center of everything by Linda Urban

Middle Grade with Diversity
Some of the titles above are diverse as well, but in these it's a more central part of the story

• Authors
• Hena Khan
• Diana Lopez
• Jennifer Torres
• Kelly Yang
• Out of my mind by Sharon Draper
• The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond by Brenda Woods

Updated March 2020