LSSL 5385 Textbook Reflections Chapter 11

Chapter 11 Realistic Fiction 

Realistic fiction also known as contemporary fiction or modern realistic fiction. The stories are believable due to the fact they are set in contemporary or modern times. What separates these books from historical fiction, fantasy fiction, and science fiction is that the characters, settings, and events are real. There are several characteristics of realistic fiction. The setting is an actual representation of the world around us. The setting could exist; it is vivid and accurate deception. The author uses extreme realism, it contains believable stories and occurrences.

Everyday language is present. The author uses dialogue that make the characters seem genuine and relatable. The plot contains conflict and tension as well as a resolution. The solution is believable because of the events that happen with the characters. The narrative structure and elements are presented in a time ordered sequence. Finally, it allows its readers to easily identify with characters and their experiences.

         Some of the common themes in modern contemporary fiction are death and dying, family life, sexuality, discovering one’s own identity, family life, and sexual orientation. Readers can connect because of the easily identifiable themes. Readers can learn from their experiences and compare how they have handled the same experiences. Realistic fiction focuses on solving problems, voyages, self-discovery, and coming of age. The author can also use humor, angst, silliness and drama.

         Realistic fiction is a large genre of YA literature. So why do teens enjoy reading realistic fiction? They read it to work through problems, issues, and ideas that they face in their own lives through literature. Teens want to explore how people who are different from them live, think, and feel. Due to the humor and drama of real life appeals to them more than the word-bending turns of fantasy, science fiction, or horror. Realist fiction allows readers to mirror the experiences that they see in their lives.

         There are many notable popular writers in realistic fiction. Chris Crutcher uses sports of all sorts to help his characters find their ways in the world. Sometimes his characters they’re running from something or sometimes to it. He has a wonderful ability to be intense, outspoken, and funnier than the dark themes. Some of his most popular Whale Talk or Staying Fat for Sarah Brynes.

         When reflecting on this chapter of realistic fiction I know that these are the books that I am drawn to. I love realist fiction because it allows the readers to experience the emotion, up and downs and complexity of life. I feel like as an educator I need to in tune with the life experiences that my students are going through. I want to connect to their feelings and emotions so that I can develop a relationship with them. I teach in an inner city low income Title 1 school. My students experience extreme poverty and complicated home life.  I am also an African American woman who is living in a time where race, injustice is on the nightly news and happening every day. Through the book I will be able to recommend them to students and hopefully build a bridge with these novels.