Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Myers, W.D. (1988). Scorpions. New York: Harper & Row, Publishers.

Walter Dean Myers is an outstanding and well-known author for young adults. This book, Scorpions, was a Newbery Honor Book. Scorpions is about two young boys, Jamal and Tito, who have trouble at school and with other kids. They do not want to be members of a gang but there is so much pressure from the members of the gang as well as Jamals brother, Randy, who is in prison. Their lives are tragically changed when they get a gun from one of the gang members. This book is excellent for middle school students - it could teach them about conflict resolution and peer pressure.

Farmer, N. (2002). The House of the Scorpion. New York: Antheum Books.

The House of the Scorpion has been awarded many numerous book awards including the Printz award, a Newbery Honor Book, and also the National Book Award Winner. This story takes place in the future and the primary character is a clone. Not only is he a clone, but a clone of El Patron the leader of a corrupt drug empire. At our school, we use this book as a novel study in seventh grade science and the kids love it. A modern science fiction tale, the scientific facts are mostly accurate and this book is an outstanding addition to the Life Science Curriculum.

Selznick, B. (2007). The Invention of Hugo Cabret. New York: Scholastic.

Brian Selznick is one of my favorite authors and illustrators. His drawings are a integral part of the story. It combines a picture book with a novel about an orphan and thief, Hugo. Hugo lives an undercover life in a Paris train station. He meets a cast of mysterious characters and his life story takes an interesting turn. This book would be wonderful to open a unit on inventions or inventors. You could also use it to teach character education and learn more about orphans. This book is a 2008 Caldecott Medal Winner.