Best of
Realistic-Fiction

1987

Owl Moon


Jane Yolen - 1987
    The trees stand still as statues and the world is silent as a dream. Whoo-whoo-whoo, the father calls to the mysterious nighttime bird.But there is no answer.Wordlessly the two companions walk along, for when you go owling you don't need words. You don't need anything but hope. Sometimes there isn't an owl, but sometimes there is.Distinguished author Jane Yolen has created a gentle, poetic story that lovingly depicts the special companionship of a young child and her father as well as humankind's close relationship to the natural world. Wonderfully complemented by award-winning John Schoenherr's soft, exquisite watercolor illustrations, this is a verbal and visual treasure, perfect for reading aloud and sharing at bedtime.

Red Dog


Bill Wallace - 1987
     Adam and his family live in a lonely cabin in the mountains, facing the dangers of the wilderness alone. One day, Adam¹s stepfather announces that he must leave for a weeklong trip to Cheyenne. Adam is put in charge of the family. Everything goes smoothly until three cutthroat gold prospectors come crashing into the cabin and hold the family at gunpoint. Late that night, Adam manages to escape. Unfortunately, the men let the red pup loose, and the one thing that dog does best is track Adam...Will the pup lead the men to Adam? And if he does, can Adam still save his family?

There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom


Louis Sachar - 1987
    He tells enormous lies. He picks fights with girls. No one likes him—except Carla, the new school counselor. She thinks Bradley is sensitive and generous, and knows that Bradley could change, if only he weren't afraid to try. But when you feel like the most-hated kid in the whole school, believing in yourself can be the hardest thing in the world...

Please Don't Ask Me to Love You


Anne Schraff - 1987
    Available in Spanish as No me pidas que te quiera.

Sixth Grade Secrets


Louis Sachar - 1987
    She promises to keep the insurance secret, unless someone blabs. Gabriel, who never tells on anybody, would be a perfect member of Pig City. He wants to join, too. But when Laura asks him, something goes terribly wrong. Now there are two secret clubs in Mr. Doyle's class, and guess who's the head of the new one-Gabriel! Each club is determined to topple the other, and nobody's secrets are safe.

All Things Bright and Beautiful


Cecil Frances Alexander - 1987
    All things bright and beautiful; all creatures great and small; all things wise and wonderful, the incredible Ashley Bryan illustrates them all!

Sugar Isn't Everything


Willo Davis Roberts - 1987
    Sugar Isn't Everything is Wilo Davis Roberts' much-needed resource guide for young diabetics.A detailed description of juvenile-onset diabetes (Type I) using a fictional form in which eleven-year-old Amy discovers that she has the disease, learns to treat it and to deal with her anger, and finally accepts that she CAN live with it.

A Difficult Day


Eugenie Fernandes - 1987
    Waking up grouchy, Melinda's mood goes from bad to worse -- can anything save her day now? An understanding mom makes a grumpy mood go away in this reassuring story that reminds children (and their parents) that everyone has difficult days, and sometimes a hug is all you need to chase the blues away.

This Island Isn't Big Enough for the Four of Us!


Gery Greer - 1987
    Two girls camping on our island?Pete and Scott are horrified when they find Sunny and Jill camping with Jill's aunt on Turtle Island, the same "deserted" wilderness where Pete and Scott planned to have a few death-defying adventures. Alone. Every time the boys mess up, Sonny and Jill are there, taking the picture. This is war -- boys against girls!With the help of an eccentric recluse who lives on the island, the boys plan one final battle -- a wacky contest of wit, skill, and revenge -- to determine the champions of Turtle Island!

Baby-Sitters Club Mysteries Boxed Set #2


Ann M. Martin - 1987
    Mary Anne and the Secret in the Attic6. The Mystery at Claudia's House7. Dawn and the Disappearing Dogs8. Jessi and the Jewel Thieves

Sailing Smart: Winning Techniques, Tactics, And Strategies


Buddy Melges - 1987
    Buddy Melges, one of the world's best-known sailors, has at last set down his highly original thoughts on how to sail well. He covers the full range of sailing experience, from the general to the specific, the basic to the highly sophisticated. Melges's message is delivered in a bright, uncluttered manner by way of applications from his own sailing experience and through step-by-step instructions on everything from basic boat handling to expert on-the-course tactics and maneuvers. The book is profusely illustrated by the noted sailing artist Ted Brennan, and each drawing is accompanied by a cogent, in-depth explanatory caption.

Happy Birthday, Grampie


Susan Pearson - 1987
    Full color.

Paradise Lane


William Taylor - 1987
    Despite their differences, Michael and Rosie are drawn to each other, and a powerful, beautiful love develops.

Running Before the Wind


Linda Woolverton - 1987
    Thirteen-year-old Kelly finds running to be her only outlet for her confused feelings of love and hate for her abusive father, particularly after his sudden death brings both relief and guilt.