Realistic Fiction Archives - A Glass of Sweet Tea

Book Spotlight: The Benefits of Being An Octopus (Middle Grade Fiction Novel)

I can’t figure it out!

I read The Benefits of Being an Octopus book months ago, and have wanted to talk about it since then but I just can not figure out how to.

Have you ever desperately wanted to express something, then opened your mouth to speak on it, and all of a sudden your thoughts jam?

(Brain jam…is that a thing? If not, let’s coin a new phrase.)

Well, that’s how this has been for me.

I don’t think I’ll ever have the right words, and again, it’s been months, so here goes nothing.

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The Benefits of Being An Octopus (by Ann Braden)

♥ It’s a Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Novel.

♥ It gives us a peek into poverty and the family struggles that follow.

Book Review: Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie (Realistic Teen Fiction Novel)

Important.

That’s the one word I’d use to describe this book.

Heads up: Affiliate links ahead, which means I could earn a small fee if you make a purchase using one of these links.

Synopsis

Book Cover of Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick, a teen, family fiction novel. — **Title**: Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie | **Author**: Jordan Sonnenblick | **Genres**: Teen Fiction, Family Fiction, Realistic Fiction | **First Published**: 2004

Meet 13 year old Steven Alper – he’s starting 8th grade, loves drumming, and has a crush on the cutest girl in school: Renee.

Steven lives with his mom, dad, and his annoying little brother: 4 year old Jeffery.

All is well.

Until it’s not, when Jeffery is diagnosed with cancer.

With their world upended, we follow the Alpers as they as they navigate this unexpected terrain.

And we experience it all through Steven’s eyes.

Book Review: A Heart in a Body in the World (Realistic Fiction YA Novel)

A searing, raw, honest, and unflinching portrait and exploration of grief.

Heads up: Affiliate links ahead, which means I could earn a small fee if you make a purchase using one of these links.

Synopsis

Book Cover of A Heart In A Body In The World, by Deb Caletti, a Young Adult Fiction Novel. — **Title:** A Heart In A Body In The World | **Author**: Deb Caletti | **Genre**: Young Adult Fiction | **Year Published**: 2018

17 year old Annabelle Agnelli has been through something BIG. So big that it’s upended her entire world.

Grieving, she decides to run from Seattle to Washington, DC.

Why? Because she has to do something.

Anything.

She runs because she’s tired of sitting still.

She runs because she has to keep on living.

Read the official synopsis…