This genre is sometimes called contemporary fiction as it deals with settings that include the present day scenarios. The characters, settings, and plot are believable. The elements must be consistent with the present day real world. Carefully consideration should be given to gender roles and cultural stereotypes.
Themes and subject matters may cover sensitive matters especially when the audience is teens and young adults. Their world is full of changes and conflict. Stories written for them should include the same to be considered realistic.
My reflections
As I read these novels, I see that the realistic fictions deal with love, friendship and finding a role or spot in society. Some of the subject matters are sex, rape, and drug use. Authors include these because the characters are teenagers and those are some of the themes in real teenage lives. Teens are more apt to read stories where the characters are going through the same types of conflict as they are. The solutions that the characters find for these problems are eye opening. I am getting insight into how young adults think. It has been a while since I thought my whole existence revolved around friendships and finding a mate to share life with. These books remind me how teens have tunnel vision when it comes the world. Everything revolves around how others will perceive them.
How I will evaluate
As I look for realistic fiction books to add to my collection, I will look for books that have themes of finding love, friendship, feeling alone or misunderstood. Books should include language that is consistent with the language we hear today. Books that include slang should be approached cautiously as it changes quickly and it can date a book. Not every YA realistic books should be sad and have moody characters. They can be upbeat and hopeful as long as they are consistent with how teens conquer the world today. I definitely think social media and digital media sources should be included in any text to be considered realistic.
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