Some of the important subjects that are dealt in these books are friendship between children from different backgrounds and about boys and girls who deal with aspects of life when they are growing up. The other subjects include children growing up in foster families or facing life with adoptive parents. Accounts of schooldays are also quite favorite among the young people who readily identify themselves with the characters of the books. It is the instant connection with the characters that makes the books popular among children. The books can also deal with children and young people in adverse situations, like when they face a family crisis like death or deadly diseases. Most of the books are known to deal with tough situations like survival in the face of crisis or children of dysfunctional families. Another common topic that is frequently touched upon is mental and psychiatric illness.
It is always not always the storyline, the “problem novels” as many of the adults prefer to call it are a way of teaching the children about certain aspects of life which are not always positive or for that matter enjoyable. But the sensitive issues are dealt with extra care and during the formative years the young minds are ready to take up the challenge to face the subjects that are otherwise considered unpleasant. Many of the books from all over the world deal with problems that are an integral part of everyday life.
Some of the favorite realistic fiction books for children are:
Squashed by Joan Bauer
On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer
The Burning Questions of Bingo Brown by Betsy Byars
The Tulip Touch by Anne Fine
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes, Louis Slobodkin
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate Dicamillo
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
Realistic fiction as a genre was first introduced in Europe and later came to U.S.A. in the 1840's.
Some of the earlier realistic fiction books are:
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Heidi by Johanna Spyri
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
As the realistic fiction contains no fantasy or supernatural elements there is no romanticized version of things. The characters are not only portrayed in a realistic manner, the language also shows boldness and candor. The overall presentation should give an essence of honesty and originality and the portrayal should be done in a believing manner. The stories are exceptionally well-written and are especially meant for students in the fourth to sixth grades.The realistic fiction books allow the children to have a glimpse of the real world and help them to grow. The books can be an integral part of their learning process.