Fictional Texts in the Classroom: Realistic

Literacy genre concerned with, or based on what is real, practical, or characterized by things as they really are, resembling or simulating life and representing current times and concerns.
Realistic fiction deals with many complex problems and situations from understanding sexual orientation to dealing with family problems.
The characters in the novel should be believable and their language and actions should be appropriate for the setting of the story and reflective of the culture and social class in which they live.
Authors have to beware of the fine line between stereotyping and realistic, objective writing
They challenge readers to learn the importance of moral and ethical behavior by drawing their own conclusions after they consider the events and facts from their personal perspectives using their moral and ethical judgments

Often times you can find a realistic fiction book that teaches a lesson or provides a positive role model that young adults can emulate.
They reflect life and focus on the conflicts that young adults face
Here are some specific activities that can be done with young adults reading a realistic fiction book:

Identify with characters who have similar interests and who must deal with similar problems
Realize that, while their problems and challenges are difficult, they are shared by other adolescents
Extend their horizons and broaden their interests
Better cope with grief, fear, and anger as they read about other young adults or characters who have dealt with adversity

Hoops by Walter Dean Myers

Reference Information

Grade Level

Themes

Qualities of Writing

Would be liked by many with an interest in basketball
Let's readers see what life in Harlem is like
Dialogue is well written and realistically represents the setting and characters in which the author is portraying
Depending on the type of town or school that you teach in, this book could be relatable to many students and could provide them with a motivational story on how to be determined to improve the quality of life

Difficult Components of the Text

The heavy slang used in the text can make reading difficult at first. Once the reader gets into it though it becomes more natural.
However, any low level reader or non-English student would find this book ver challenging and confusing

In Too Deep by Amanda Grace

Reference Information

Grade Level

Themes

Qualities of Writing

This book can be related to by many high school teens, especially the grls
The book is about a senior in high school who goes to a party and a huge rumor about her seeing raped gets started.
She is torn with timing a time to tell the truth. Once she tells the truth, everyone is mad at her for lying, making her life miserable
Rumors and dishonesty are common issues in middle school and high school

Difficult Aspects of the Text

The topic of rape is often pretty thick and hard to read about.
This would be a hard book to use as a required reading because of it's heavy content, especially for middle school age students.

Fictional Texts in the Classroom