Best Realistic Fiction Books December 2024

Walk Two Moons

Thirteen-year-old Sal embarks on a cross-country journey with her grandparents, unraveling the mystery of her mother’s disappearance. As she tells the tale of her friend Phoebe, Sal discovers parallels in their lives, grappling with loss and self-discovery. Creech’s lyrical prose weaves humor and heartache, capturing the essence of adolescence. I found myself laughing one moment and tearing up the next, completely absorbed in Sal’s world. A poignant exploration of family, friendship, and the power of storytelling.

Ramona and her Father

Julie of the Wolves

Julie’s world shatters when she flees an arranged marriage, finding herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness. Desperate to survive, she forms an unlikely bond with a pack of wolves, learning their ways and language. As Julie navigates between two worlds—her Eskimo heritage and the modern world—she discovers her own strength and identity. George’s vivid prose brings the tundra to life, immersing readers in Julie’s journey of self-discovery and the raw beauty of nature.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian

Junior, a budding cartoonist, leaves his troubled school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white high school. This heartbreaking yet hilarious chronicle of his attempts to straddle two worlds captures the pain and confusion of adolescence. With wit and raw honesty, Alexie’s semi-autobiographical tale tackles poverty, bullying, and the complexities of modern Native American life. It’s a story that’ll make you laugh, cry, and ponder long after the last page.

The Summer of the Swans

Sara’s summer feels endless and dull until her mute brother Charlie vanishes one night. Suddenly, her world turns upside down as she frantically searches for him. Through this ordeal, Sara discovers inner strength and a deeper understanding of family bonds. Byars’ touching narrative captures the essence of adolescence, sibling love, and personal growth. With vivid characters and poignant moments, this heartwarming tale reminds us that sometimes, life’s most profound lessons come from unexpected places.

The Higher Power of Lucky

Lucky, a spirited ten-year-old orphan in Hard Pan, California, eavesdrops on 12-step meetings, searching for her own “Higher Power.” Haunted by her mother’s death and fearing abandonment by her guardian, Lucky navigates friendship, family, and the harsh realities of desert life. With a knot-tying obsession and a faithful dog by her side, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning that sometimes, the most powerful connections are the ones we forge ourselves.

Jacob Have I Loved

Sara Louise Bradshaw’s life on a tiny Chesapeake Bay island is overshadowed by her twin sister Caroline’s beauty and talent. As she grapples with jealousy and self-doubt, Louise finds solace in the island’s rhythms and her crabbing skiff. Paterson’s poignant coming-of-age tale explores the complexities of sibling rivalry, first love, and finding one’s place in the world. Through Louise’s eyes, we experience the bittersweet journey of growing up and learning to love oneself.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw

Greg Heffley’s back, and this time he’s in hot water with his dad. Frank’s had enough of Greg’s lazy ways and decides it’s time to toughen him up. From threats of military school to embarrassing father-son bonding attempts, Greg’s summer is shaping up to be a disaster. As he navigates the perils of adolescence and his dad’s expectations, Greg’s witty observations and stick-figure illustrations bring his world to life. Will he survive his father’s plans, or will this truly be the last straw?

Bud, Not Buddy

Bud’s journey through Depression-era Michigan is a heartwarming tale of resilience and hope. Orphaned and alone, this plucky 10-year-old sets out to find the father he’s never known, armed only with his suitcase of precious possessions and an unshakeable belief. Curtis weaves humor and history into a poignant adventure that had me rooting for Bud every step of the way. It’s a story that lingers, reminding us of the power of family, both found and biological.

Shiloh

Marty Preston’s life changes forever when he discovers a mistreated beagle pup in the hills near his home. Naming the dog Shiloh, Marty forms an instant bond, but soon faces a heart-wrenching dilemma. The dog belongs to Judd Travers, a mean-spirited neighbor known for his cruelty. Torn between his conscience and the law, Marty must decide how far he’ll go to protect Shiloh. This touching tale of a boy’s love for a dog explores themes of loyalty, compassion, and the complexities of right and wrong.