Realistic fiction is one of the most relatable genres for young readers. The stories are made up of plausible settings, characters and events. The story remains fiction because it didn’t actually happen. Realistic fiction can be broken into categories like adventure, mystery, humor, animals, sports, family, and growing up.
Reading realistic fiction books has many benefits
for young readers. Because of the reality of the story line children can gain a
more in-depth understanding of problems and relationships. They also help children
face their problems because they know their problem is not unique to them and
they are not alone in the world. These books can even extend a frame of reference
and allow children to see the world from different perspectives.
Another use of realistic fiction is to address,
explain, or introduce controversial issues. When death or divorce take place in
a child’s family the child might not understand what’s happening or how to
feel. Reading a story about a character dealing with the same problem can help the child get through that difficult time. Appropriate stories can also assist is discussions
about moral choice, challenges, abuse, homelessness, poverty, sexism, and
sexuality.
Realistic fiction can also be used cross curriculum
in the classroom. A great way to introduce or add to a lesson is with some literature.
This can be done in math, science, or social studies. Many realistic fictions
children’s books can relate to those topics and be incorporated into a lesson
or used in a read aloud to increase student back ground knowledge, or review
past content. Intertwining subject areas is beneficial all learners and often suggested
by administration.
Notable authors in children’s realistic fiction include: Louis Sachar, Judy Blume, Katherine Paterson, Cynthia Rylant, and Julius Lester.
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