Chapter 9 Contemporary Realistic Fiction Guiding Questions: What do teachers need to know about contemporary realistic fiction? What kinds of books make up contemporary realistic fiction? How do teachers use contemporary realistic fiction in the classroom? This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: any public performance or display including transmission of any image over a network; preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; any rental, lease, or lending of the program. 9.1 Norton, Through the Eyes of a Child: 8e ©2004, 2007, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. ISBN:0137074018

Contemporary Realistic Fiction… Relies on relevant subjects, everyday occurrences, or extreme realism Contains characters that act like real people and animals that behave like animals Reflects the contemporary world as we know it Demonstrates character development as characters cope with problems such as growing up, family discord, survival, and inner-city tensions May include self, family members, society, or nature as antagonists 9.2 Norton, Through the Eyes of a Child: 8e ©2004, 2007, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. ISBN:0137074018

Evaluating Realistic Fiction Content is presented honestly Personal and social values central to our culture are exposed Authors value readers’ intelligence Language and syntax should match the characters and situations Tone should be hopeful Bias and stereotypes should be avoided Controversial topics are treated appropriately 9.3 Norton, Through the Eyes of a Child: 8e ©2004, 2007, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. ISBN:0137074018

Controversial Issues in Contemporary Realistic Fiction Sexism Sexuality Violence Profanity Family problems 9.4 Norton, Through the Eyes of a Child: 8e ©2004, 2007, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. ISBN:0137074018

Themes in Realistic Fiction Family life Desertion, divorce, remarriage, and single-parent families Growing up Peer relationships, physical and emotional changes Survival In nature, the inner-city reality, in a dangerous world Death People as individuals, not stereotypes Male/female, individuals who are physically different or have disabilities, the elderly 9.5 Norton, Through the Eyes of a Child: 8e ©2004, 2007, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. ISBN:0137074018

Guidelines for Selecting Controversial Fiction Avoidance of books that contain controversial topics is inappropriate Know what is considered controversial Determine the author’s viewpoint, and weigh the positive influences against the perceived negative influences Know and be able to explain your purpose for using a particular book Review and be able to discuss both sides of the censorship question

Subjects of Contemporary Realistic Fiction Animals Dogs, horses, and birds Mysteries Clues and suspense help readers develop powers of observation Sports Baseball, football, or flying Humor Ridiculous situations, exaggeration, and the unexpected 9.6 Norton, Through the Eyes of a Child: 8e ©2004, 2007, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. ISBN:0137074018

Multicultural Topics in Realistic Fiction African American Books: Virginia Hamilton, Walter Dean Myers, Nikki Grimes Native American Books: Mama, Do you Love Me?, Annie and the Old One Latino Literature: Leo Politi, House on Mango Street Asian and Asian American Books: Kira, Kira, Homeless Bird New Immigrants to the United States: Tangled Threads: A Hmong Girl’s Story, Home of the Brave, 9.7 Norton, Through the Eyes of a Child: 8e ©2004, 2007, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. ISBN:0137074018

Teaching with Contemporary Realistic Fiction Using role-playing Interdisciplinary units Motivational – building on students’ interests to get them to read more Developing questioning strategies Reader response Writing activities 9.8 Norton, Through the Eyes of a Child: 8e ©2004, 2007, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. ISBN:0137074018