Chapter 10: Realistic Fiction

Sometimes referred to as Contemporary Realistic Fiction (CRF) or Modern Realistic Fiction (MRF).  The writing that makes up this subgenre of fiction is set in contemporary/modern times, with believable characters and consistent plots.
When evaluating Realistic Fiction for children it is important to consider:

• Consistency with real world and believability of characters.  
• Stereotypes- want to avoid them
• Theme- a good RF book has many and they should emerge slowly and consistently
• Modern readers- how does the book relate to them?

In reading many of the books from the list of books for our blog, as well as from the various authors and awards lists, I have come across several RF books that tackle tough subjects- subjects that absolutely would have been considered taboo in the libraries of my youth.  Although some of the subjects are not ideas that my personal values line up with, it has been interesting to get a window into the different topics and widen my view a bit.  I can see how this particular subgenre is extremely beneficial for young adults going through the crazy and weird and sometimes painful adolescence stage.  These books are ways to relate and feel NORMAL, as well as to open up eyes to the world and the differences that exist between people, but how in the end, we are all people!  This has always been one of my favorite genres and I think it is because of those relatable and "window into the world" elements.