Evaluating Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Contemporary realistic fiction should meet the criteria of excellent literature in general. Conflicts that could really occur in our contemporary world should be integral to the plot, characterization, setting, and theme. In realistic contemporary settings, authors should thoroughly develop internal and external conflicts, creating credible stories through believable plots, good characterizations, meaningful themes, and effective styles.
Aspects of Excellent Realistic Fiction
(1) The content should be presented honestly. Sensationalizing and capitalizing on the novelty of a subject should be avoided.
(2) A story should expose personal and social values central to our culture, at the same time revealing how overt expression of those values may have changed.
(3) The story should allow readers to draw personal conclusions from the evidence. The author should respect the readers' intelligence.
(4) The author should recognize that today's young readers are in the process of growing toward adult sophistication.
(5) The language and syntax should reveal the background and the nature of characters and situations.
(6) The author should write in a hopeful tone. A story should communicate in an honest way that there is hope in this world.
(7) Children's literature should reflect sensitivity to the needs and rights of girls and boys without preference, bias, or negative stereotypes.
(8) If violence is included in a story, the author should treat the subject appropriately. Does the author give the necessary facts? Are both sides of the conflict portrayed fully, fairly, and honestly? Is the writing developed with feeling and emotion? Does the author help children gain a perspective about the subject?
(9) A story should satisfy children's basic needs and provide them with insights into their own problems and relationships.
(10) A story should provide children with enjoyment.
Aspects of Excellent Realistic Fiction
(1) The content should be presented honestly. Sensationalizing and capitalizing on the novelty of a subject should be avoided.
(2) A story should expose personal and social values central to our culture, at the same time revealing how overt expression of those values may have changed.
(3) The story should allow readers to draw personal conclusions from the evidence. The author should respect the readers' intelligence.
(4) The author should recognize that today's young readers are in the process of growing toward adult sophistication.
(5) The language and syntax should reveal the background and the nature of characters and situations.
(6) The author should write in a hopeful tone. A story should communicate in an honest way that there is hope in this world.
(7) Children's literature should reflect sensitivity to the needs and rights of girls and boys without preference, bias, or negative stereotypes.
(8) If violence is included in a story, the author should treat the subject appropriately. Does the author give the necessary facts? Are both sides of the conflict portrayed fully, fairly, and honestly? Is the writing developed with feeling and emotion? Does the author help children gain a perspective about the subject?
(9) A story should satisfy children's basic needs and provide them with insights into their own problems and relationships.
(10) A story should provide children with enjoyment.