Chapter 8 Realistic Fiction
What is Realistic Fiction? Presents moral challenges in a here-and-now setting Derived from actual circumstances Realistic settings and characters Problems and possibilities that are within the range of possibilities Problems raise moral questions
Characters Resemble real people Live in a place that is or could be real Participate in a plausible, if not probable, series of events Presented with a dilemma that is of interest to children Discover a realistic solution
Value of Realistic Fiction Feel that they are not alone Learn to reflect on their choices Develop empathy for other people See life experiences beyond their own Take a humorous, enjoyable look at life See themselves reflected in literature
Evolution 1719 Defoe, Robinson Crusoe 1826 Cooper, Last of the Mohicans 1868 Alcott, Little Women Horatio Alger, Ragged Dick 1890’s Twain, Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn Black Beauty, Secret Garden, Pollyannna, Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew
From New Realism to Diverse Perspectives After WWII fiction about and written by a diverse population began to appear. Are contemporary books too realistic?
Categories Self Discovery, Growing Up - Dear Mr. Henshaw Families - Shiloh, Joey Pigza Looses Control Interpersonal Relations - Harriet the Spy School - Nothing but the Truth Sports - The Moves Make the Man
Categories Continued Nature and Animals - Dogsong Survival - Hatchet, Julie of the Wolves Romance & Sexuality - Absolutely Normal Chaos Exceptional Children - Summer of the Swans Moral Dilemmas & Responsiblity
Categories Continued Social Diversity & Society - Yolanda’s Genius Death and Dying - Bridge to Terabithia Mystery Books - The Westing Game, From the Mixed-up Files of ….. Humorous Books - Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Categories Continued Series Books Multicultural/International - A Step from Heaven
How Realistic Fiction Works Makes reader believe that what is described might really happen Details are very meaningful and makes the plot believable Must help the reader find significance and purpose in life Encourages one way of seeing events more so than any other - gives a slant Point of view creates the slant
Criteria for Evaluating and Selecting Realistic Fiction Do the characters resemble real people Are the events plausible Will children readily grasp the insights and are they lead by action and not the author’s explicit instruction Are the descriptions of people accurate, given the historical and social setting
Criteria Continued Does the plot avoid the manipulative devices of sentimentality and sensationalism Is the style pleasing, engaging Is the plot resolution believable - not contrived to end in a certain way Is the story imaginative or original Do the events, descriptions or styles of speech demean people
Criteria Continued Does the author avoid being condescending to children Does it give children something to think about