Realistic Fiction

Real kids, Real Problems, in Real Places

Question:

Can this really happen????

Yes!

Ask yourself:

Can this really happen???

The answer should be –

YES!!!!!

Characters

• Realistic fiction presents fictional characters who behave in ways that are real.

Kids like us go to school, attend sporting events, have sleepovers, go on vacations, and go shopping.

Problem

• The main characters are involved in a conflict or dilemma.

Adult problems like divorce, job trouble, or parents with issues

Peer problems like fights, bullies, being shy, teasing or family sickness.

School problems like homework, bad grades, and teachers.

Description

• Places, events and characters are vividly described.

Setting

• The story takes place in modern times; a recognizable sort of place.

Plot

• The story has a plot that makes sense and ends with a solution to the problem.

The heroes solve their problem by learning something special about themselves.

Dialogue

• The characters’ words show their personalities and also move the plot along.

• “Why can’t Jenny give up her room?” I asked. “Why does it have to be me?”

• “She’s still a baby, Peter,” Mom said.» The War with Grandpa

Examples

» Blume, Judy Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

» Cleary, Beverly Henry Huggins; Ramona books

» Clements, Andrew Frindle; Jake Drake, Bully Buster

» MacLachlan, Patricia Arthur for the Very First Time

» Park, Barbara Skinnybones