Chapter 7, Realistic Fiction

In this chapter, I learned the variety of identifying clues that helps to determine if a good fiction book you are reading falls under the realistic fiction genre. This can be a hard genre to identify because the lines between reality and fiction are so blurred. This is because so many elements of the story, from plot and setting to the characters are to realistic and plausible, it makes the reader wonder and/or believe the story could have been true. The book states and I agree," that a good realistic book lies in its credibility" (Joy of Children Literature, page 174).  To reach this an author must be able to present story without undo biases and stereotypes of the characters. The issues presented must have depth and emotional connections to it.

Below are some good reference sites with tips on how to identify good
realistic fiction:              

Characteristics of Good Realistic Fiction by Education.com

Genre Characteristic Chart by Scholastic





The chapter talked about a book titled The Bread Winner, by Deborah Ellis
This book talks about two girls in two vastly different countries, living to vastly different lives. Though fictional, through the authors ability to write so intimately about the lives of these two girls, bringing these fictional characters to life, the reader gains compassion about human complexity and interaction with the world around them. 




Using realistic fiction in the classroom is useful when wanting to connect students to events going on in the world. Reading a story that they can identify similarities between the characters and  the plots and events, provides us a way to scaffold concepts in a deeper more thorough way.


Realistic fiction also provides a way for controversial and sensitive issues to be explored.

Info Soup


Tips for teacher when utilizing realistic fiction in the classroom:

• Know you schools policy and seek approval if question or doubt exists.
• What book are you personally willing to fight for?
• Evaluate your own personal biases on topic.  
• How does the book influence you?
• Maintain open communication with parents on books reading in the classroom.
• Stay current on recommendations from books available and their reviews.
• Horn Book Magazine
• School Library Journal

List of good realistic books for 2013:

Good Reads 2013