Realistic fiction focuses on things that could really happen. Children are drawn to these types of books because the events happening in the lives of the people could really happen in their own lives or perhaps already are. Previously, realistic fiction usually only had happy endings and happy families. Today, however, the storyline includes not so perfect families and themes that are sad. These give the reader a sense of understanding of what other people are going through or perhaps understanding and appreciating that someone else understands what the reader himself is going through. While we do not want to take away the innocence of children that are not going through these issues, it is so helpful to children that are going through similar trials to understand that they are not alone. It also helps others to develop empathy for situations with which they formerly have not been familiar.
There are a few important things to look at when selecting realistic fiction. One thing to consider is whether or not the storyline is believable. If the storyline becomes unbelievable it becomes fantasy and will not provide much hope for someone in the situation. However, if it does provide hope that is tangible the reader will enjoy the story much more and may even be helped by it. This being said, it is important to select some realistic fiction that is not so serious and has humor.
Children need to be able to enjoy the humorous things in life as well and learn to laugh at themselves and with others. I think of the author, Gary Paulsen, in this situation. He had a rough time in his life and went to the library and found in the books relief from the harshness of his reality. We too, can provide reading experiences for students that will give them this hope. It is important to select stories that do this without forcing a moral theme that is obvious.
In realistic fiction, character is very important. If a reader is able to connect with the character she will remember this for many years. It is also important for us, as educators, to help students understand characterization and books and how to analyze how the author portrays a character and develops the character. It is important that the characters act and talk in the way that is appropriate for their age and station in order for them to be believable. It is also important that there is a wide variety of characters so that they do not become stereotypical.
To me, the beauty of realistic fiction is being able to address subjects that students face and portray them in a way that allows children to understand them. I feel that this support will help the students going through the struggles not only buy them feeling excepted by the one writing the book but by truly gaining acceptance through others understanding, thus changing the way society treats people. Bullying, disabilities, tough home lives, lack of acceptance, and the like are all able to be presented in a new light that will ideally cause people to look at these issues and those that are affected by them in a more understanding way.
Many times the stories include animals and caring for animals which helps the main character or protagonist to mature and sometimes overcome a destructive lifestyle. Realistic fiction could also be about sports and the struggles to succeed and gain acceptance there. Another popular theme is mystery because children can become the detective themselves as they are reading the story. This is also true with the adventure and survival. If survival techniques are portrayed in a way that is true, the reader may actually learn some things and these things may be helpful to them in other areas of life. Like in Hatchet, Brian learned that you have to shoot the arrow into the water in a different way because the water distorts the image. Brian also finds ways to keep the mosquitoes away and best ways to build shelter that will last. All of these things would be interesting for some readers and may even help them to feel smarter when they are doing simple things such as fishing or even diving for something in the swimming pool. Sexuality is also addressed in many books and this is a concern for some but can also be a comfort to those that have made choices in these areas and can be offered hope. These topics being addressed can also help those that are struggling with feelings or fears brought on by their bodies growing and maturing and don't have anyone to ask. This same aspect of having problems addressed in literature when not having anyone to turn to can also be crucial when making difficult decisions in life and decisions that are considered "coming-of-age" because of the long term effects. Parents and educators can help point children to these books when they see them struggling in a certain area.
Seeing character education not being taught in the homes as much as it was in earlier years, many are using realistic fiction to teach traits such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Being able to address these traits through literature takes the teacher out of the equation as being the one that is pushing this character reform and puts it in the hands of a book which may be more accepted by the student.
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