Contemporary realistic fiction is imaginative writing that reflects modern life in conceivable ways. Children relate to realistic fiction’s address of contemporary issues, like new experiences with families, at school and within the self. By connecting with the characters, children are guided to better understand and come to terms with their own selves. Multicultural literature that is contemporary, as well as realistic, allows for children to develop their own cultural identities. Realistic fiction also helps children see the world from other perspectives, leading them in a way that discourages prejudice and stereotyping. Children’s contemporary, realistic fiction should continue to reflect our changing society, with depictions of a wide range of occupations, education, speech patterns, lifestyles and futures. Limitations should not be based in race, gender, age, ability or belief. Books that boast themes like justice, conflict resolution and friendship allow children to make connections across cultures, and the literature serves as a vehicle for socialization and change. Young learners are able to develop their own way of thinking as they follow the lives of others through stories. Experiences that children have not had are portrayed in realistic fiction, so students can develop a better understanding for those around them. The importance of cultural acceptance and understanding is clear for children’s development for success in the diverse, globally interdependent society we are becoming. Authors of realistic fiction are generally expected to write about their own culture, in which they can provide an authentic insider’s perspective. Writers from cultures different from the one they’re portraying are able to provide acknowledgment for issues of social justice and human rights, a worthwhile endeavor for the interdependent twenty-first century. Cultural context must also be considered when examining realistic fiction for any fantastical elements. When addressing new cultures in the classroom, the creation of a K-W-L Chart is beneficial for student learning. In the classroom, students share what they “Know” and what they “Want to Know” about a particular subject or group prior to reading. During the novel, students can add new knowledge to the “Learned” section of the chart. In this way, young learners are able to address and eliminate false conceptions. The inclusion of inappropriate subjects, such as violence, sexual relations and bodily functions, is often a source of controversy in considering children’s realistic fiction. A well-written story should focus on providing a perspective on the pain and suffering of humankind, as illuminated by a deep understanding of the characters. In evaluating contemporary realistic fiction, the honesty, universality and authenticity of the story and potential children’s enjoyment, based on their relation to the novel and its’ credibility, are considered. In my opinion, the most important factor would be the book’s ability to enlarge children’s points of view and encourage their appreciation for our multicultural, pluralistic society. By addressing controversial issues together in the classroom, children are guided to critique the past or the actions of others and develop the skills to later participate in problem-solving in the world. Using realistic literature that acts as a mirror of the child’s own experiences, as well as a window to develop empathy and respect for other worlds and perspectives, teachers can facilitate extended discussions to help develop the child’s conception of their lives and those around them. When choosing contemporary realistic fiction for the classroom, a teacher needs to consider the age and needs of the students, as well as how to offer a creative and meaningful learning experience. Contemporary realistic fiction allows young learners to better understand their own lives, themselves, the world and the lives of those around them. ReferencesAl-Hazza, T., & Bucher, K. (2008). Building Arab Americans' Cultural Identity and Acceptance With Children's Literature. The Reading Teacher, 62(3), 210-219.
Kiefer, B., & Tyson, C. (2014). Contemporary Realistic Fiction. InCharlotte Huck's children's literature: A brief guide (Second ed., pp. 200-227). New York, New York: McGraw-Hill.
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