What are some of the best middle grade realistic fiction books?

Well, 'The One and Only Ivan' is a great middle grade realistic fiction book. It's based on a true story of a gorilla in a shopping mall. It shows Ivan's life in captivity and his dreams. Also, 'Ramona Quimby, Age 8' by Beverly Cleary is very popular. Ramona is a relatable character who experiences all kinds of things at her age like school problems and family dynamics.

Some great ones are 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio. It tells the story of a boy with facial differences and his journey in a mainstream school. Another is 'Because of Winn - Dixie' by Kate DiCamillo. It's about a girl and her dog and how they bring a community together.

Well, 'Ramona Quimby, Age 8' by Beverly Cleary is quite popular. Ramona is a very relatable character for middle - graders. Also, 'Bridge to Terabithia' by Katherine Paterson. It deals with friendship and loss in a very real way. 'Holes' by Louis Sachar is another great one. The story about the boys at the camp is full of mystery and character development.

One great book is 'Because of Winn - Dixie' by Kate DiCamillo. It tells the story of a young girl and her dog, and how their friendship helps her make new friends and deal with her mother's absence. Another is 'The One and Only Ivan' which is about a gorilla in a mall and his journey towards a better life. And 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio is also very popular, which focuses on a boy with facial differences.

One great realistic middle grade fiction book is 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio. It tells the story of Auggie, a boy with facial differences starting school. Another is 'Because of Winn - Dixie' by Kate DiCamillo. It's about a girl and her dog and how they change a small town. And 'The One and Only Ivan' by Katherine Applegate is also wonderful. It's based on a true story of a gorilla in a shopping mall.

Middle grade realistic fiction often has relatable characters. For example, the characters might be kids facing common problems like making friends or dealing with school bullies. The settings are usually places kids know, like schools, neighborhoods or family homes. The stories also tend to have simple yet engaging plots that can teach kids important values like honesty and kindness.

One great example is 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman. The illustrations add a spooky and magical touch to the story. They bring to life the graveyard setting and the unique characters. Another is 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio. The simple yet powerful illustrations enhance the emotional impact of the story, especially when it comes to showing Auggie's face and expressions. 'The Tale of Despereaux' also has wonderful illustrations that capture the charm of the mouse and the fairytale - like world it inhabits.

One great example is 'Harry Potter' series. It has engaging characters like Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The magical world J.K. Rowling created is full of wonder and adventure, which appeals to middle - grade readers. Another one could be 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians'. It combines Greek mythology with modern - day settings, making it both educational and exciting for kids in that age group.

One great example is 'Number the Stars' by Lois Lowry. It's set during World War II and tells the story of a girl in Denmark who helps her Jewish friend. Another is 'The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963' by Christopher Paul Curtis which gives a vivid picture of an African - American family's journey to the South during a turbulent time in American history. And 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' by Mildred D. Taylor is also excellent, exploring racism in the South in the 1930s.

You can start by reading reviews from other middle - grade readers or educators. They can give you an idea of which books are engaging and meaningful. Another way is to check if the book has been recommended by libraries or reading programs. Books that are popular among middle - grade classes are often good middle grade realistic fiction. For example, if a book has been used in a school's reading curriculum for years, it's probably a great pick.