E.L.L.

REALISTIC FICTION

Reading levels are indicated: “beginning” is for readers who are starting to learn English, while “intermediate” and “advanced” are for readers with some experience in the language. Click on the cover art to order the title from Amazon.
As Brave As You
 by Jason Reynolds
When two city bred boys go to live in the country with their grandparents one summer, they learn a lot about chores (including picking up dog poop), family, and the real meaning of bravery. (beginning)
Long Way Down 
by Jason Reynolds
“Jason Reynolds’s fiercely stunning novel that takes place in sixty potent seconds—the time it takes a kid to decide whether or not he’s going to murder the guy who killed his brother.” -from Amazon (advanced)
Because of Mr. Terupt  
​by Rob Buyea
Seven 5th-graders at Snow Hill School relate how their lives are changed for the better by their rookie teacher. Sequel: Mr. Terupt Falls Again. (beginning).
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
by Stephen Chbosky
Charlie is a "wallflower"-- he observes his high school world from a distance-- until he meets some new friends that change the way he (and they) see things. (8th or 9th grade rated , YA) (advanced)
Absolutely Almost
By Lisa Graff
He’s not the smartest kid in school or the best at art or sports, but Albie is very determined to figure out what he excels at. (intermediate-advanced)
Fish in a Tree
By Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Ally has always tried to disguise her dyslexia but acting out, until a teacher helps her to see her true abilities. (beginning)
The Cruisers                                       
​by Walter Dean Myers
Students caught in the middle of a mock Civil War learn the true cost of freedom of speech when they use their alternative newspaper, The Cruiser, to try to make peace. First in a series. (intermediate)
Swindle                                             
​by Gordon Korman
After a collector cons him out of a valuable baseball card, Griffin puts together a band of misfits to steal the card back. First in a series. (intermediate)
Chained                                                                            
​by Lynne Kelly
Hastin leaves his village in India to work as an elephant keeper, but many challenges await him, including trying to keep Nandita, a sweet elephant, safe from the cruel circus owner. (beginning)
My Life As a Book                                              
 by Janet Tashjian
"Reluctant reader" Derek spends summer vacation learning a surprising amount, even though he doesn’t complete his summer reading list. First in a series. (beginning)