YA Textbook Reflection Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Realistic Fiction

• Summary: Realistic fiction is also known as Contemporary Realistic Fiction (CRF) or Modern Realistic Fiction (MRF).  No matter how the term is coined, the storyline should always be believable and the characters, settings, and events reflect that of the real world.  Since realistic fiction follows the guidelines of realistic events, it completely separates itself from the historical fiction, fantasy, and science fiction.  In order to evaluate realistic fiction and decipher quality work, you must follow three guidelines. They are as follows:

1. Is everything consistent with the real world?  The story must be believable.
2. Does the theme happen naturally in the story?
1. More than one theme
2. Theme should emerge slowly and consistently throughout
3. Does the topic relate to modern readers?
1. Discusses sensitive and tough topics
1. Death/loss
2. Sexuality/sexual orientation
3. Changing family structure
4. Possibly once taboo but not anymore

Reflection/Response: Realistic fiction has many benefits for all readers and should be a staple on everyone’s bookshelves.  It portrays the realities of life so young adult readers can gain an in depth understanding of human problems and relationships.  It also allows young adult readers to see the world from a different perspective other than their own. Realistic fiction helps readers understand and take comfort in knowing that their problems are not unique and that other people go through similar things as them.  Like many other sub-genres of books, realistic fiction allows readers vicarious reading through the characters and gives the reader an experience they might not otherwise go through. Lastly, realistic fiction provides a framework for the development of personal responsibility and civic duty to make improvements in their own lives as well as the lives of others; also known as empathy.  As a librarian I feel it’s important to fill my shelves with books that not only accommodate all lifestyles, but also acquire books that will give the readers examples to how other people live their lives. Realistic fiction does just that; it gives real world advice and real world experiences with real world consequences or rewards.