Ellen Outside the Lines

 by A.J. Sass

Genre:  Realistic Fiction


Ellen knows that she is different then other kids.  In order for her to best function, she needs to have every detail planned out in her life. She has one best friend, Laurel, and they have planned to be in the same group during a class trip to Spain.  When Ellen learns that she and Laurel will not be in the same group, she is panicking that things will not work out okay.  Ellen learns to adjust to this and other changes throughout the trip and while she and Laurel have some ups and downs, Ellen learns that there are advantages to getting to know other kids too.  Ellen realizes that sometimes changes and surprises can turn out to be okay.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Turtle of Michigan

Image
 by Naomi Schihab Nye Genre:  Realistic Fiction Aref is discovering all kinds of things about his new home in the United States.  He is nervous about how different life is, but he is happy that he can be with both his mother and father again.  Aref is making new friends and getting to know his new state of Michigan and is especially excited about seeing his first snowfall and his parents have promised that they will get him a pet - a turtle, his favorite animal.  As life in the United States starts to feel more comfortable, Aref realizes that things would be perfect, if only his grandfather, Sidi, would have the courage to come and visit so that Aref could show him all of the things he is learning about his new country.  Will Aref be able to convince Sidi to come for a visit?
Read more

Join the Club, Maggie Diaz

Image
 by Nina Moreno Genre:  Realistic Fiction Now that Maggie has started 7th grade, it seems that all of her friends have figured out what they are good at.  And at home it is the same thing...her mom is finishing college, her older sister is a great runner and perfect in school.  Maggie has a hard time remembering things and her classes seem harder than ever.  She decides to join a bunch of clubs to help her figure out what she likes the best, but then she is so busy, she never gets to see her friends or support them in their activities.  Maggie feels like she is letting herself and everyone around her down. Can she come up with a plan to help make being a 7th grader her best year yet?
Read more

Honestly Elliott

Image
 by Gillian McDunn Genre:  Realistic Fiction Middle school has been tough for Elliott.  His ADHD impacts the way he learns at school and at home.  His parents have divorced and his dad and stepmom are expecting a baby.  His best friend, Malcom, has moved away.  It just feels like too much change.  He is trying to make new friends, but when he gets left out of a group project by the people he thought liked hanging out with him, he realizes that he is going to have to look for another solution.  That solution involves Maribel who also doesn't have a partner.  The two of them seem like complete opposites, but maybe if they put their strengths together, they can come out with a winning project.   
Read more