CONTEMPORARY REALISTIC FICTION: Contemporary realistic fiction contains literary works that are believable and set in the modern world. These works of fiction are believable in nature and contain characters who could potentially be real people. When it comes to the story and plot of this type of fiction, the story that has been crafted, while it is made up and false, could potentially take place. · Rooted in the Realm of Reality·

SELECTION CRITERIA:  Are there engaging and true-to-life, well-rounded characters who are both wise and foolish while they are growing and changing?  Is there an accurate reflection of the human condition and contemporary life without stereotyping?  Is there a sensitivity to all people regardless of sex or sexual orientation, race, religion, age, socioeconomic level, social group, or culture?  Does the plot appeal to young adults; address the challenges, hopes, and fears as well as the problems faced by contemporary adolescents; and offer hope for the future?  Does the plot ask young adults to consider or reconsider their own values and beliefs, inspire without providing “handy resolutions” (Aronson, 2001, p. 119), and not talk down to readers or tell them what to think?  Is the setting believable?  Is there an appropriate treatment of violence that never glamorizes violence, records it more graphically than necessary, or includes it gratuitously?  Does the language accurately reflect the characters as well as their educational status, social class, culture, and the place in which they live?

KEY AUTHORS:  Eve Bunting – Smokey Night  Jeff Kinney – Diary of a Wimpy Kid  John Green – The Fault in Our Stars  Judy Finchler – Miss Malarkey Doesn’t Live in Room 10  Katherine Paterson – Bridge to Terabithia  Laurie Halse Anderson – Speak  Louis Sachar – Holes  Patricia Polacco – Thank You Mr. Falker

EXAMPLES: Testing Miss Malarkey by Judy Finchler Follows a teacher and her class as they get ready for the big standardized test at the end of the year Kids today can relate it to PARCC and MSA testing Realistic illustrations, classroom and playgrounds look as they do in today’s society Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad, Day by Judith Viorst Published in 1972, but still relatable to children in today’s society Follows a boy on his terrible, horrible day Children today can relate their bad days Some of the things in the book happen to children today

EXAMPLES: Sunflower House by Eve Bunting Focuses on how magical summer can be for children playing in nature and admiring what’s around them Young readers can relate to playing with friends in the summer and letting their imagination run wild Portrays the idea of imaginary play houses and growing things Owl Moon by Jane Yolen Follows a girl and her father during the night searching for owls Represents the bond between a child and their caregivers Animal explorations

EXAMPLES: The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania Focuses on two best friends and their opinions of each other’s sandwiches. This book shows how fast gossip can spread and the lesson that words hurt. Young readers can relate to this book if they have been in an argument with someone they are close with, such as a best friend. An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco Focuses family and the love that holds them all together. Relates to young readers-Traditions, Memories, Family

EXAMPLES: The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson Two young girls who want to be friends, but are dealing with the segregation between Caucasians and African Americans It contains a setting that portrays actual issues in the world today Imitates a scenario that could have actually happened during this time period A Fine, Fine School by Sharon Creech The principle thinks his school is such a fine school, so he decides to make school in session on Saturdays, Sundays, during the summer, and on holidays. The idea of students going to school year around has been presented and brought up in the school system today The characters behavior in the book imitates how people would react to a situation like this in real life

EXAMPLES: Adele & Simon by Barbara McClintock About a brother and sister’s adventure home from school Adele is frustrated that Simon is carefree and careless Drawings are true representations of Paris A Fine, Fine School by Sharon Creech Tillie has to go to school everyday, year round Doesn’t enjoy going to school that often Wants to play with her brother and explore her own interests instead

WORKS CITED  good-realistic-fiction/ good-realistic-fiction/   w0/chapter9/evaluation_guides.html w0/chapter9/evaluation_guides.html  realistic-fiction.html realistic-fiction.html