Chapter 11 : Realistic Fiction

Summary

This chapter talked about YA Realistic Fiction and how to evaluate it.  Realistic Fiction is set in modern/contemporary times.  It should be believable, and consistent with what is going on in the real world.  That is what separates it from the science fiction and fantasy genres.

As for the criteria in evaluating realistic fiction, the chapter talked about 3 areas.

1. Is the book consistent with what is going on in the real world?  Do the behaviors/elements of the story mirror what is going on with YA readers in the present time?  Realistic fiction also avoids stereotypes.
2. Does the theme emerge naturally in the book?  There may be more than 1 theme, but it should be developed slowly over time.
3. How does the book and it’s theme relate to modern day?  These books should tackle tough issues that were not talked about in the past, such as sexuality and life/death choices.

Reflection

I have found, especially through my reading for this class, that realistic fiction is the genre I think that has changed the most since I was a YA reader myself.  Because tackling tough issues is not as “taboo” as it was years ago, authors are writing about them more and more.  Lily and Dunkin for instance, is a book that could help many a YA reader struggling with those issues, but would not have been one that was as readily available, or even written about, years ago.  

As a librarian, I need to know the topics that are covered in different realistic fiction books, so that I can recommend the right books to the right students.  I also need to know which students would be able to handle which topics and which students would not.   I also need to keep myself on the “pulse of the times,” and know the current issues/problems that YA students are going through.

This chapter helped me to evaluate realistic fiction my making me realize more about the themes that they can address.  I need to pay attention to those in my readings and how they need to be consistent to what is going on in the real world, as well as the fact that the book may have more than 1 theme.