Tina Woodward

3-12-05

LS 560

Historical Fiction and Contemporary Relalistic Fiction Pathway

Contemporary Realistic Fiction:

1.Contemporary Realistic Fiction; FAMILY LIFE. Williams, Vera B. A Chair for Mother. Harper Children Books, 1982.

This story takes place in an urban setting. Rosa, her mother, and grandmother are apartment dwellers who lose all they own in a fire. There are many themes throughout the book, responsibility is one. The family knows that saving monet is a responsible way to meet their needs and wants. Also, woven throughout the text is the idea that a loving family is more important than material possessions.

2.Contemporary Realistic Fiction; GROWING UP. Lowry, Lois. Anastasia Krupnik.Yearling, 1984.

Anastasia Krupnik is a confused ten year old whose life is in turmoil because nothing seems to go her way. Lowry writes in an easily identifiable style. Her colorful descriptions and believable dialogue makes this an entertaining read. Preteens can identify and put themselves in Anastasia’s character. For young readers who are just now trying to find their niche, the character of Anastasia shows them that their experiences are a normal part of growing up.

3.Contemporary Realistic Fiction; SURVIVAL. Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet.Simon Pulse, 1987.

Hatchet takes place near a lake in the Canadian woods where Brian is stranded after a plane crash. This book is rich with themes, motifs, and symbolism. A theme that is most evident is man vs. nature, this is a theme common in most of Paulesn’s work. Paulsen writes about Brian’s struggle with nature as well as his capability to live harmoniously with nature. His encounter with the wolf and bear provide a good example. While Brian initially fears these animals, he soon realizes that they do not intend to harm him. He establishes a sort of trust with the animals, and soon develops the ability to listen to his instincts in determining whether or not he faces danger.

4.Contemporary Realistic Fiction; PEOPLE AS INDIVIDUALS, NOT STEREOTYPES. Paterson, Katherine. Bridge to Terabithia. Harper Trophy, 1977.

The setting of Bridge to Terabithia is a small, rural town. Jess Aarons befriends an odd newcomer, Leslie Burke. Characterization is an important element to this work. Leslie opens up a world of imagination and learning for Jess that will change him forever. Leslie is a determined and headstrong female character with spectacular ideas. The influence Leslie had on Jess enables him to cope with tragedy and loss in the end.

5.Contemporary Realistic Fiction; POPULAR STORIES. Wilson, Rawls. Where the Red Fern Grows. Doubleday, 1961.

Billy lives on a farm and desperately wants two good coon hounds. After working hard and saving his money, he is able to buy Old Dan and Little Ann. Plot is a key element. The plot of this book consists of adventure after adventure, each one a little more dangerous than the last. To survive each adventure, Billy and his dogs have to be increasingly determined. Rawls shows the strong love that develops between the boy and his dogs. Supporting Billy’s love is his parents’ love for him. There is a chain of love linking all of the characters in the book.

6.Historical Fiction; THE CIVIL WAR. Polacco, Patricia. Pink and Say. Philomel Books, 1994.

It is evident from the start that the setting of this book is during The Civil War in a war torn southern state. Characters Pinkney and Sheldon are realistic for their time period. Pink is a young slave fighting for "his war" while Say is an Ohio farm boy who was never supposed to see action and was both mentally and physically unprepared for the toll it would take on him. An obvious theme apparent throughout the book is the quest for freedom is a difficult and costly one. An especially touching tribute occurs at the end when the author reveals aspects concerning the authenticity of the book.

7.Historical Fiction; THE WESTERN FRONTIER. MacLachlan, Patricia. Sarah Plain and Tall.Harper and Row Publishers, 1985.

The setting is a western prairie home which is occupied by a motherless family. Anna and Caleb’s father sent a letter for a mail order bride because he realized that his children need a mother and he needs a wife to help him raise them. Characterization is an important element because Sarah who comes from Maine, demonstrates qualities of a strong, self-less female protagonist. She left her home and all she loved for a new experience with a family she barely knows. Hardship is a central theme and appears in more than one place in the book. The mother died in childbirth and the family was forced to go on without her. Sarah’s difficulty adjusting to prairie life, and elements such as drought and fire test this new family’s strength.

8.Historical Fiction; EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY.Bunting, Eve. Train to Somewhere.Clarion Books, 1996.

In 1877, Train to Somewhere is taking 14 orphan children west from New York City in hopes that they will be adopted by Midwestern families. The setting for the most part is on the train. This is important to the story because so many orphans during the late 1800’s to early 1900’s made these long trips across numerous states hoping to find a family to adopt them. The train shows young readers how different life was for children during this time period.

9.Historical Fiction; EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY. Taylor, Mildred. Dial Books, 1987.

It is clear from the events in the story and the character’s Southern dialect that it is based in Mississippi in the year 1933. Characterization is an important element in the work. Tom Bee presents himself as a quiet and proud character who is no stranger to humiliation and injustice. Mr. Bee was responsible for saving the life of John Wallace who grew up to be a storekeeper. At the time, the boys agreed to be friends and call each other by their first names. As a grown man, John Wallace reacts badly when Tom Bee addresses him by his first name in public. The character of Tom Bee faced a number of racial indignities similar to the ones most African-Americans faced before the Civil Rights Movement.

10.Historical Fiction; LAST OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. McKissack, Patricia C. Goin’ Someplace Special. Antheneum Books, 2001.

This story takes place in a southern town during the 1950’s at the hight of the segregation era. The main character is Tricia Ann who is trying to reach her "special place" on her own without the help of her grandmother. The southern dialogue used between Tricia Ann and the people she encounters help make her character more realistic. Plot is a key element. Tricia Ann is not as accepting of the segregation policies as others. The journey she is on takes her through many aspects of unfair examples of segregation until she reaches her final destination, the public library where "all are welcome."