Chapter Ten. Realistic Fiction

Chapter 10. Realistic Fiction

Realistic fiction is also known as contemporary realistic fiction (CRF) or Modern Realistic Fiction (MRF). The base of these stories is set in contemporary or modern times.  They are believable. Everything within the story is consistent with the real world.  Characters, settings, and events are real. This, of course, separates these books from historical fiction and fantasy and science fiction.   

There are 3 questions that need to be asked in evaluating the criteria for these books:  

1. Is everything consistent with the real world in which contemporary kids live?  

These elements need to be taken into consideration in order for the story to be parallel with real life. Things such as speech and behavior and gender and cultural elements must all be taken into consideration. The purpose of this is to share realistic fiction and avoid all sorts of stereotypes. Even the way in which the characters dress plays an important role in this. All this is important in realistic fiction as to avoid stereotypes.

2. Does the theme emerge naturally from the story?  

Is it subtle and avoids a preaching or a didactic? Good realistic fiction covers more than one theme. Themes should be worked in inconspicuously, not beat into one’s brain. They should develop slowly and be consistent. We want the readers to become aware of the theme in a not too drastic way.

3. How does the topic or subject matter of the book relate to modern readers?  

One thing about realistic fiction is that it is indeed, realistic. It does so by covering difficult topics to handle such as death and loss, sexuality and sexual orientation, changing family structure, and so many similar topics. Topics that may have at one point been seeing as taboos and “unspeakable” truths about everyday life are now becoming more important subject matters in the books that target young readers. It is important to touch on issues that children are curious about and might otherwise be prevented from learning more.

I would say that of the different types of readings in which the youth can engage in, realistic fiction is possibly the one that is probably going to get their attention even more than anything else. Because some of these kids may not get to talk to other adults or professionals even about their insecurities and doubts and issues, it is important that they at least feel that whatever it is that they’re facing, they’re not the only ones. Paying close attention to this criteria will definitely get a collection of realistic fiction that is worthy of the readers’ attention.