Chapter 10- Realistic Fiction

Realistic Fiction is sometimes known as contemporary or modern realistic fiction. These stories are set in contemporary or modern times. Realistic fiction gives an accurate portrayal of life today. Realistic fiction includes all the same elements of fiction but the elements are set in the real world and must be believable. 

To be considered Realistic Fiction, everything must be consistent with the real world in which contemporary kids live. The way the characters speak, their behavior and all other elements must be believable.  It is important when we consider these books that we take note to gender and cultural elements to avoid stereotyping. We must evaluate that the theme naturally emerges gradually throughout the story and that it is not explicit. Within the plot there can be more than one theme. Realistic Fiction books should deal with issues that modern readers will deal with or are dealing with when reading. They should be able to connect and relate to these situations. Some topics that are dealt with in these books include sexuality, death, changes in family, friendships, and relationships.

I found the criteria for evaluating Realistic Fiction books very informative and I believe as I continue to read the young adult book in this semester, this information will help me response to these books. I do enjoy reading realistic fiction books and have for a long time. I think it has a lot to do because I can relate to the situations going on in the books. For example, when I was in high school I remember reading Life in the Fat Lane by Cherie Bennett. I can’t recall how I came across it but I remember why I picked it. The book dealt with body image issues and that is exactly what I was going through at the time. I think as a librarian this will help me recommend books that users will be able to relate to depending on issues they are dealing with. Realistic books can offer readers a way to not only understand themselves through the character they are reading about but also it can show a universality to problems and feelings readers might be going through.