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Realistic Fiction

 

realistic fiction label

 

 

Realistic Fiction includes imagined stories that reflect real life as it is lived today. 


Fiction is the lie that tells the truth, after all.
Neil Gaiman, author

Characteristics

Setting: Realistic Fiction is set in the present or recent past. Stories are set in places that are real or could be real.

 

Plot: Problems or events of the story could really happen.

 

Characters: Characters behave like real people and deal with realistic problems or real issues.

 

Themes: Themes could relate to a variety of problems or issues that readers may face in everyday life.

Subgenres

Adventure and Survival: These stories usually involve danger and the characters must survive in the wilderness or under other extraordinary circumstances.

 

Coming of Age: Stories about a protagonist's growth from youth to adulthood. These stories usually emphasize dialogue or internal monologue over action.

 

Family and Friendships: Stories that focus on the challenges and joys of the relationships of characters among family and friends.

 

Humor: Usually light-hearted, comical stories intended to make the reader laugh.

 

"Issue" Books: Fictionalized stories about challenging or controversial subjects such as violence or substance abuse.

 

Romance*: Romance stories center around relationships or romantic love. (*Romance is often considered its own genre.)

 

School Life: A common subgenre of young adult fiction, these stories focus on the everyday trials and tribulations of life for young people at school.

Authors

  • Randa Abdel-Fattah
  • Laurie Halse Anderon
  • Joan Bauer
  • Meg Cabot
  • Sharon Creech
  • Sarah Dessen
  • Jack Gantos
  • John Green
  • Carl Hiaasen
  • Will Hobbs
  • Gordon Korman
  • Ann M. Martin
  • Wendy Mass
  • Walter Dean Myers
  • James Patterson
  • Gary Paulsen
  • Mitali Perkins
  • Jason Reynolds
  • Rainbow Rowell
  • Pam Muñoz Ryan
  • Louis Sachar
  • Jerry Spinelli
  • Rachel Vail
  • Jacqueline Woodson
  • Nicola Yoon
  • Ibi Zoboi

Realistic Fiction Poll

What is your favorite kind of Realistic Fiction
Adventure and Survival: 42 votes (51.22%)
Coming of Age: 5 votes (6.1%)
Family and Friendships: 1 votes (1.22%)
Humor: 2 votes (2.44%)
Issue Books: 2 votes (2.44%)
Romance: 9 votes (10.98%)
School Life: 5 votes (6.1%)
All!: 10 votes (12.2%)
Something else: 6 votes (7.32%)
Total Votes: 82

Notable Realistic Fiction

Adventure and Survival

Coming of Age

Family and Friendships

Humor

"Issue" Books

Romance

School Life

Realistic or Historical Fiction?

Is there a cut-off date for when a book should be considered Realistic (contemporary) Fiction or Historical Fiction?

 

If a book is set in the recent past, but focuses on a specific historical event, should it be considered Historical Fiction?

 

What if a book is set several decades ago, but the story could take place today, should the book be considered Realistic Fiction?

National Book Award Finalists and Winners

Resources