Contemporary realistic fiction is defined as imaginative writing that accurately reflects life as it could be lived today. It focuses on problems and issues of modern living. The dividing line between contemporary realistic fiction and historical fiction is 1950. Realistic fiction provides children with understanding of human relationships and themselves. It helps children expand perspectives and reassures them that others face problems too. Evaluation criteria for realistic fiction includes honestly portraying children's lives, illuminating issues of growing up, having convincing characters, and avoiding stereotypes.

1. Contemporary
Realistic Fiction

2. Definition
Kiefer (2010 describes realistic fiction as
• realistic literature containing “imaginative writing that
accurately reflects life as it was lived in the past or could
be lived today” (p. 390)
• focuses on the problems and issues of living today
• the dividing line between contemporary realistic fiction
and historical fiction is set at the 1950s (anything written
after the 1950s that meets the definition above is
considered realistic fiction)

3. Values of Realistic Fiction
1. Provides children a better understanding of human
problems and human relationships, including a greater
understanding of themselves and their potential
2. Helps children expand their points of view by gaining
others’ perspective
3. Reassures young people that they are not the only ones
facing problems

4. Values of Realistic Fiction
(cont.)
4. Illuminates experiences that children have not had
5. Some books may serve as preparation for living
6. Serve as possible models (good and bad) for coping
with human problems

5. Issues Relating to
Realistic Fiction
1. What is real?
2. How graphic must the provided descriptions be?
3. Do they perpetuate bias and stereotyping?
4. What must the author’s background be?
5. What is age-appropriate when categorizing realistic
fiction?

6. Evaluation Criteria
• Does the book honestly portray the realities of life for
today’s children?
• Does the book illuminate problems and issues of growing
up in today’s world?
• Does the story transcend the contemporary setting and
have universal implications?
• Are the characters convincing and credible to today’s
child?

7. • If violence or other negative behavior is part of the story,
does the author provide motivations and show
aftereffects?
• Does the author avoid stereotyping?
• Does the book truly represent the experience of the
culture depicted?
• Does the book help children enlarge their personal points
of view and develop appreciation for our ever-changing
pluralism in society?
Evaluation Criteria (cont.)

8. Title Author Description
Frindle Andrew Clements A school story focusing on the
relationship between a student
and his teacher.
Because of
Winn Dixie
Kate DiCamillo A heart-warming story about a
10-year-old girl and her dog, and
how their relationship opens her
up to a new world.
Holes Louis Sachar A humorous story of Stanley
Yelnats and other wacky
characters in a Texas reform
camp.
Å Few Quality Realistic
Fiction Titles