Realistic Fiction

Realistic Fiction-Ch. 10

What is realistic fiction?

Realistic fiction is a fictional story set in modern or contemporary times with a real setting, events, and characters.  Realistic fiction is believable and consistent with the real world. 

Criteria when choosing realistic fiction:

1. Are the characters, setting, events, and speech believable to the reader?
Does the story reflect the real world?
2. Does the theme occur naturally over time?
3. Are today's readers able to relate to the story and theme?
4. Can the reader learn something from the story? 

Things to consider:

• avoid stereotypes
• the book should avoid being "preachy"
• YA realistic fiction now covers topics that used to be considered taboo. Current YA realistic fiction covers sexuality, sexual orientation, family dynamics such as divorce and abuse, death, pregnancy, rape, and other topics important to teens.

Librarians need to be well educated on a variety of realistic fiction titles with a variety of  topics important to today's YA readers. One reason is that books can be used to help students that are going through difficult periods, and help them grow and relate to the world around them.  Another reason is to suggest books for pleasure and enjoyment.