Realistic fiction is a popular genre with children. Although it is described as untrue, it reflects contemporary places, people and situations that may be real. Since our society is diverse and human nature is complex, realistic fiction reflects all of the sensitive topics common in our world: divorce, death, abuse, sexuality, and poverty. Some of the benefits of realistic fiction are that it can offer children the opportunity to observe the decision-making process when it comes to moral issues. It also allows children to understand that many problems that they face are problems that others are facing as well and they are not alone.
The following are categories of realistic fiction:
Survival/Adventure: Exciting fast-paced plot with the conflict often between person and nature. Characters control much of the action and change as a result of the action.
Mystery: Marked by suspense with fast-paced action and logical solution that is foreshadowed through the presentation of clues. Action centers on finding an answer to the focus question: who did it? What happened? Where is it?
Humor: Characters are involved in funny situations and the actions that follow heighten the humor.
Animals: Characters grow and change as a result of a realistic relationship with an animal.
Sports: Action revolves around the tensions and thrills that accompany particular sport.
Family: A strong need for family, both traditional and nontraditional, is depicted as characters show responsibility, loyalty, or unity to overcome conflicts.
Growing Up: Characters cope with increasing independence from adults and confront the accompanying conflicting feelings and difficult choices and challenges.
The core of good realistic fiction is in its credibility: How believable are the characters and the setting? Is the plot believable and is the theme meaningful? Realistic fiction should include characters that act like real people that show change and development throughout the story.
Realistic Fiction Books for your Classroom Library
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