Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Hatchet
Author: Gary Paulsen
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Grades: 6-12
Hatchet is shelved as a Contemporary Realistic Fiction novel because it showcases the sudden life changing events of an ordinary young boy. The extreme situations that Brian faces is a result of a two seater plane crash where the pilot dies of a heart attack. Out of fear, he chooses to take over the flight and ride out the jet fuel. Two hours late, Brian is forced to crash near an island into water. There he is marooned and has to make due with the only thing he has, his hatchet.
This novel, although seemingly unrealistic, can be characterized as realistic because the main character is not pre-wired with some background knowledge on survival. He continually references back to his classes and things that his school teacher's have taught him to apply as a survival technique. This unique situation can be relatable to young kids who go through an extreme in a struggle towards adulthood.
I think this is appropriate for young and old minds alike to read. It is a light read and picks up very quickly in the beginning. It can be very inspiring for young readers as they are coming of age. It forces you to think in the "what if" state of mind. And even shows the reader how quickly you have to take on all responsibilities and ownership of your own mistakes when independent. It truly helps you appreciate all that you have.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
Author: Derrick Barnes
Illustrator: Gordon C. James
Crown is a Contemporary Realistic Fiction picturebook because is is about a young boy and how his new hair cut makes him feel. There is something about that new cut that puts you in a good mood. That refreshed, "I can take on the world",
I am my best self," kind of mood. Well, this can be very relatable for the black community because they hold a high esteem to their hair cut. And from what I gather from the book, they are treated as their best self in the barber chair. So in turn, it bleeds into self confidence.
This book was written in poetic verse. It uses current slang which truly makes this a contemporary and realistic work of art. The pictures are beautifully made. They look like oil paintings. My favorite illustration was of a black man looking at his reflection in the mirror. The illustrator chose to use dragged brush marks to distinguish the difference between what looked like two men on the pages at first glance to a smudged reflection.
I was impressed by this book. It was also noticed by others on many accounts. It received the Ezra Jack Keats award for new writers. Also, the Caldecott Honor for illustrations. The Coretta Scott King award for an african-american authors writing about african-americans. As well, the book received a Newbery Honor award for its distinguished writing. This one I found the most interesting, because not always will you see a picturebook in the Newbery category. I would recommend this to others and use this in my classroom.
This novel, although seemingly unrealistic, can be characterized as realistic because the main character is not pre-wired with some background knowledge on survival. He continually references back to his classes and things that his school teacher's have taught him to apply as a survival technique. This unique situation can be relatable to young kids who go through an extreme in a struggle towards adulthood.
I think this is appropriate for young and old minds alike to read. It is a light read and picks up very quickly in the beginning. It can be very inspiring for young readers as they are coming of age. It forces you to think in the "what if" state of mind. And even shows the reader how quickly you have to take on all responsibilities and ownership of your own mistakes when independent. It truly helps you appreciate all that you have.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
Author: Derrick Barnes
Illustrator: Gordon C. James
Crown is a Contemporary Realistic Fiction picturebook because is is about a young boy and how his new hair cut makes him feel. There is something about that new cut that puts you in a good mood. That refreshed, "I can take on the world",
I am my best self," kind of mood. Well, this can be very relatable for the black community because they hold a high esteem to their hair cut. And from what I gather from the book, they are treated as their best self in the barber chair. So in turn, it bleeds into self confidence.
This book was written in poetic verse. It uses current slang which truly makes this a contemporary and realistic work of art. The pictures are beautifully made. They look like oil paintings. My favorite illustration was of a black man looking at his reflection in the mirror. The illustrator chose to use dragged brush marks to distinguish the difference between what looked like two men on the pages at first glance to a smudged reflection.
I was impressed by this book. It was also noticed by others on many accounts. It received the Ezra Jack Keats award for new writers. Also, the Caldecott Honor for illustrations. The Coretta Scott King award for an african-american authors writing about african-americans. As well, the book received a Newbery Honor award for its distinguished writing. This one I found the most interesting, because not always will you see a picturebook in the Newbery category. I would recommend this to others and use this in my classroom.
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