Genre Study: Realistic Fiction

Tomás and the Library Lady

Written by Pat Mora

Illustrated by Raul Colón

A young boy from a migrant laborer family discovers the library. He forms a warm relationship with the librarian, who brings him books that fire his imagination.

SkySisters

Written by Jan Bourdeau Waboose

Illustrated by Brian Deines

On a cold winter night, two young Ojibway sisters walk out to Coyote Hill to see the SkySpirits. Eventually the SkySpirits appear, swirling colorfully across the sky-the Northern Lights.

Owl Moon

Written by Jane Yolen

Illustrated by John Schoenherr

On a colder winter night, a father and child go owling in the woods. Eventually, they have an encounter with a Great Horned Owl.

Dancing in the Wings

Written by Debbie Allen

Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Sassy is a talented ballet dancer, but because she is tall she never gets to perform onstage. Then a famous dance teacher visits her studio, recognizes her talent, and invites her to a prestigious summer dance festival.

Dumpling Soup

Written by Jama Kim Rattigan

Illustrated by Lillian Hsu-Flanders

Marisa, a Korean American girl living in Hawaii, celebrates the New Year with her extended family and helps make her family's traditional dumplings.