Realistic Fiction
A classification of literature containing stories that could happen in the real world, in a time and setting that is possible, and with characters that are true to life, yet drawn from the writer’s imagination. It is characterized as historical or contemporary based upon the time period of publication (Contemporary begins at 1960). Experts define categories of realistic fiction using aspects of theme (e.g., survival, friendship, diversity, tolerance, environmental preservation, courage, freedom, justice).
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Alyssa Satin Capucilli
On his first visit to the city, Biscuit, an excited yellow puppy, sees tall buildings, hears loud buses, and tries to say hello to everyone he meets.
Lexile Level: 230
Guided Reading Level: C
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Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Mr. Tanen loves his ties, but when his school runs out of money to build a new playground, he decides to sell his ties in order to raise the needed money.
Lexile Level: 440
Guided Reading Level: L
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Paula Danziger
A bit worried about what will come with the start of a new grade and a new teacher, Amber Brown heads to school with her friend, Justin, to face whatever comes her way.
Lexile Level: 300
Guided Reading Level: K
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Joan Holub
Three young cooks have fun making their own pizza, cleaning up their mess, and eating hot slices!
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Norton Juster
A little girl loves going to her Nanna and Poppy’s house because their kitchen window is a magical portal to a world of discovery and imagination, in a delightful story that celebrates childhood and the love of family.
Lexile Level: 760
Guided Reading Level: K
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Ezra Jack Keats
Little Peter tries very hard to learn how to whistle for his dog.
Lexile Level: 410
Guided Reading Level: L
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Jean Little
Emma finds out how hard it is to be a big sister when her family adopts a four-year-old boy named Max.
Lexile Level: 200
Guided Reading Level: J
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Shirley Neitzel
A young girl names all the clothes that she must wear to play in the snow.
Lexile Level: NP
Guided Reading Level: K
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Peggy Parish
A literal-minded housekeeper causes a ruckus in the household when she attempts to make sense of some instructions.
Lexile Level: 120
Guided Reading Level: L
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Patricia Polacco
Grandma finds a way to dispel her grandchild’s fear of thunderstorms.
Lexile Level: 630
Guided Reading Level: M
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Cynthia Rylant
Although Henry’s cousin Annie likes his dog Mudge, she decides that a bunny will be a perfect pet for her.
Lexile Level: 180
Guided Reading Level: J
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Bernard Waber
A little boy is excited at the prospect of spending the night at his friend’s house but worries how he’ll get along without his teddy bear.
Lexile Level: 310
Guided Reading Level: L
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Gertrude Chandler Warner
Because they do not want to be separated, four orphaned children run away and live in an old abandoned boxcar.
Lexile Level: 490
Guided Reading Level: O
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