The kids just finished a book that they loved for being very convincingly realistic, with a protagonist that wasn& #39;t perfect, having layers they didn& #39;t immediately spot and having a mixed (not all happy) ending. Can anyone recommend more that are similar? Age category 8-12.

Ok so when I said about it being "very convincingly realistic" I mean the sort of thing that passes for a true story.

As awesome as fantasy novels are, they aren& #39;t what I& #39;m searching for this time. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💛" title="Gelbes Herz" aria-label="Emoji: Gelbes Herz">

You really delivered on this, guys. Thank you everyone who made such great suggestions https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💛" title="Gelbes Herz" aria-label="Emoji: Gelbes Herz">

I have ordered 5 of the books you recommended, from second hand sellers, so in total I& #39;ve only spent £12.25.

I am making a list of other titles to come back to too.

Correction, 7 books, £16.80.

(It& #39;s Mum-instincts isn& #39;t it, if they say they like reading XYZ you go oh ok, and get more XYZ!! https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😆" title="Lächelndes Gesicht mit geöffnetem Mund und fest verschlossenen Augen" aria-label="Emoji: Lächelndes Gesicht mit geöffnetem Mund und fest verschlossenen Augen">)