ABSTRACT
This chapter defines realistic fiction and explains why it remains a dominant force in literature for young adults. Works of realistic fiction for young adults are grouped both by themes and by subgenres. The chapter then focuses on works that explore multiple types of diversity, including gender and sexual diversity as well as socioeconomic, physical, mental/emotional, and cultural diversity within the United States and beyond. Examples of realistic fiction with metafictive characteristics are described. Finally, a variety of teaching ideas for using realistic fiction are presented, including the use of picture books, audiobooks, anticipation guides, and author websites as well as having students write questions for characters, engage in role-playing from a character’s perspective, and doing author research.
