Contemporary Realistic Fiction

What is Contemporary Realistic Fiction?

"Realistic Fiction may be defined as imaginative writing that accurately reflects life as it was lived in the past or could be lived today. Everything in the story can conceivably happen to real people living in our natural physical world" (Charlotte Huck's Children's Literature, Kiefer, Barbara Z., p. 390).

 

There are five main values that Contemporary Realistic fiction offers children.  The first value is it helps children understand the realities of life, human problems, human relationships, which helps them understand themselves. The second value helps children view the world from a different perspective and help them develop compassion and understanding of other people.  The third value helps children understand that they are not alone in the world and are not the first to have faced these same problems and issues. The fourth value brings to life experiences that child has not encountered yet. The fifth value helps children prepare for the living while dealing with death.  As children read these stories they are able to make meaning out of their own lives and shape their own thinking about life.

Evaluating Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Evaluating Contemporary Realistic Fiction

 

Think about these items when evaluating Contemporary Realistic Fiction for the classroom: (Charlotte Huck's Children's Lterature by Barbara Z. Kiefer, page 396)

 

1.  Does the book portray the realities of life of today's children?

2.  Does the book express issues and problems of growing up in today's world?

3.  Does the story have universal applications?

4.  Are the character's convincing and credible?

5.  Are controversial topics dealt with in a open way?

6.  Does the author provide motivation and show afterthoughts of negative behavior?

7.  Are stereotypes avoided?

8.  Does the book correctly represent the culture depicted in story?

9.  Does the book help children develop their own personal view points and appreciation for the changing society?

Themes of Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Becoming One’s Own Person

- Living in a Family

- Living with Others’

- Growing Toward Maturity

 

Coping with Problems of the Human Condition

- Physical Disabilities

- Developmental and Learning Disabilities

- Mental Illness

- Aging and Death

 

Living in a Diverse World

- African American Experiences

- Books that Extend Understanding of Diversity

- Understanding World Cultures

Popular Realistic Fiction

Humorous Stories

Animal Stories

Sports Stories

School Stories

Mysteries