The Tragedy Paper

by Elizabeth Laban
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Tim MacBeth is a seventeen year old albino on his way to a new school.  His stepfather has arranged his acceptance into a prestigious new boarding school and Tim's plan is to blend quietly into the background as he has in the past.  This all changes when he meets Vanessa, a beautiful senior, on her way to the same school.  Vanessa and Tim become friends and carry out a secret relationship that is basically invisible to those around them.  But looming over all the seniors is their final project:  The Tragedy Paper, the school's version of a senior year thesis.  Neither Tim nor Vanessa, realize how tragically their senior year will end.

Eighth Grade is Making Me Sick

by Jennifer L. Holm
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Realistic Fiction (scrapbook novel)

Ginny has big plans for her 8th grade year.  She'd like to make the cheer squad, fall in love, etc.  What she doesn't count on his pretty much everything that happens - her mom quits her job, her step-dad loses his, then their is the announcement that a new baby is on the way.  Could things get worse?  Yes! Now the family is moving from Pennsylvania to California where Ginny is going to have to start over. All she will have is her family and she's not sure that will be enough!

Endangered

by Eliot Schrefer
Lexile:  900
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Sophie's spending the summer with her mother in the middle of the Congo at the sanctuary where her mother rehabilitates bonobos.  Against her mother's wishes, Sophie rescues Otto, and thus begins a journey that will change her life in ways she  never expected.  When war comes to the Congo, Sophie finds herself alone.  She is determined to save Otto and herself as they make a dangerous journey to find safety.

I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011

by Lauren Tarshis
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Ben and Harry are visiting relatives in Japan, hoping that the trip there will help them overcome the loss of their father.  Instead of a restful vacation, they end up fighting for their lives.  A strong earthquake strikes the coastal village where they are staying.  This earthquake triggers a tsunami that is bearing down on the village. Will Ben and Harry be able to survive?