Realistic Fiction & Contemporary Realistic Fiction Reads

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 I recently read the sweetest picture book named, "Be Kind" by Pat 

Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Jen Hill. This book  falls into the 

realistic fiction category. Realistic fiction creates imaginary characters 

with situations that depict our world and society. Realistic fiction 

portrays characters as coming to understand themselves and others. Be 

Kind, helps us look at the question- "what does it mean to be kind?" 

When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmates 

contemplate how to make her feel better and what it means to be kind. This lovely and moving story 

explores actions a child can do to be kind, and how each act, big or small, can make a difference and 

help a friend. The pictures are rich with practical ways we can show kindness to those around us. This 

is a great book to discuss what it means to be kind and talk about empathy. I love that the book 

acknowledges that it is not always easy to be kind, but is always the best choice to make. 



New Kid is a book that was recently in the news in TX because a parent 

wanted it banned from schools in a specific district. This prompted me to 

look into the book. I then decided to buy the book and read it; which I am so 

glad I did.  This book received the John Newbery Medal, 2020. 

While this is a graphic novel, it falls under the genre of
 
contemporary realistic fiction. This novel is honest and shows the realities of starting over at a new 

school, where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real. Seventh-grader Jordan loves to draw and 

his drawings are more of a cartoon in style. His drawings depict his life experiences. The comic art is 

dynamic and really adds to the telling of the story. Jordan desires to fit in while encountering ignorance 

and prejudice, not just from students but also from teachers at the school. Jordan struggles to stay 

connected with his friends from the neighborhood as well the new friends he is making. I enjoyed 

seeing Jordan grow and transform through the different experiences, he encountered during the school 

year. At the end of the school year, Jordan tells his parents that he has become a new kid. There are 

many wonderful discussions that can arise from the reading of this book- such as what helps you get 

through new and challenging experiences, sensitivity to people from different cultures or backgrounds, 

as well as how to treat others who mistreat you. 


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