Realistic Fiction Genre Study Not true—it’s fiction— BUT it COULD really happen in real life to a real person in a real place!

Elements & Characteristics Real characters with real problems solved in a realistic manner in a real world setting Most often based in the present or recent past. The events raise questions or problems that a reader might face in real life

Elements & Characteristics Set in modern times Events are not true, but they could be Characters represent people you might know Real world, real place (or could be a place), realistic setting Everyday language About people, their problems, and their challenges. Themes dealing with basic truths of human nature

Elements & Characteristics Events are based on a conflict or problem that could happen in real life. Events raise moral questions that readers might face in real life. Readers learn a lesson or a value. Challenge readers to learn this lesson by making their own conclusions after they consider the events and facts from their own perspectives using their own moral and ethical judgments.

Characters Seem like real people Behave as people or animals do in real life Live in a place that could be real Participate in a series of events that could probably happen Are presented with a problem or dilemma and discover a realistic solution Face problems and possibilities that are within the range of what is possible in real life Are believable as real people Their language and actions are appropriate for the setting of the story and reflective of who they are.

Examples Tales of A Fourth Grade Nothing (Judy Blume) Because of Winn Dixie (Kate DiCamillo) Hannah Montana, Suite Life of Zack & Cody, That’s So Raven Holes (Louis Saacar) Frindle and The Janitor’s Boy (Andrew Clements) Make Way for Ducklings (Robert McClosky) The Boxcar Children (Gertrude Chandler Warner)

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