One thing that might be confusing for students is the name of the sub-genre itself. When I teach this genre, we discuss the word realistic vs. fiction and take note that they almost contradict each other. The word “real” in realistic is what throws them for a loop. After we read through some picture books together, they catch on quickly. We say fiction is fake stories. So, putting it together, we call it realistic fake stories.
It’s a believable, realistic story that the author made up. The characters is this sub-genre are also realistic, meaning they don't have magical powers. With students, I use non-examples when discussing characters and plot elements within this category. For example, we discuss well known characters from a variety of genres and identify what make them believable or unbelievable characters. We do the same thing for plot elements.
When evaluating fiction, consider whether the characters are relatable. Could the events happen in real life? Are the events consistent with the real world? The theme should slowly reveal itself through the text, rather than a more abrupt one as seen in some fables. Finally, how does the theme relate to modern readers?
While realistic fiction is the most popular when reading for pleasure, it also allows for a lot of text-to-self connections. One of the most touching books I have read was, Patricia Palocco’s Junkyard Wonders. Every time I read it, it make me tear up. It is about a little girl that struggles with reading throughout school and finds herself in a class that is different from the other kids. In the story, we see her experiences as kids tease her and the emotions she goes through as she struggles to find herself. All of the events are realistic and a lot of readers could probably relate to her struggles.
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