Textbook Assignment #3

Eleazar Resendez

October 5, 2014

LSSL 5370

Textbook Assignment #3

Cleary, B., & Zelinsky, P. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. New York: Morrow.

In her book, Dear Mr. Henshaw, Beverly Cleary presents a story of boy in a town that exemplifies what a character and setting should resemble in the contemporary realistic fiction genre. The main character, Leigh, shows all the levels of emotion that every person can recall having at some point in their adolescence. He laughs and cries and at times even the reader can feel the character’s plight.

 The setting couldn’t be more befitting. A large portion of readers can relate to growing up in a sleepy, no-name town, while those who don’t can still have a clear picture of it due to the vivid details in Cleary’s descriptions. For the city dwellers, Cleary offers a glimpse into an outsider’s perspective of the ‘big city.’

Draper, S. (2010). Out of my mind. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

In her book, Out of my mind, Sharon Draper presents the story of a young girl trying to make the best out of her life while coping with cerebral palsy.  The characters as well as the theme of this book, is what puts it in the contemporary realistic fiction genre.

 Draper does an exceptional job of presenting the characters as real people. The reader can easily relate to having the different types of teachers the main character describes. The theme is also very relatable to readers of all levels. Though, we are all unique, there is always a sense of commonality among classmates growing up.

Lord, C. (2006). Rules. New York: Scholastic Press.

In her book, Rules, Cynthia Lord presents the story of a girl trying her best to enjoy her summer while caring for her autistic younger brother. The plot and style of this book is what allows it to fit right into the contemporary realistic fiction genre.  

The plot is very realistic and even relatable for most readers. Like many adolescents her age, Catherine at times finds it difficult to balance her life between family and friends.  The style of this book is particularly interesting because it does not contain chapter numbers, and there are integral parts of the book that seem to be “penciled” in as well.

Pastis, S. (2013). Timmy Failure: Mistakes were made. London: Walker.

In his book, Timmy Failure: Mistakes were Made, Stephan Pastis presents the story of a boy, and his wild imagination. The Gender and culture, as well as the style of the book make it a unique example of the contemporary realistic fiction genre.

The Gender and culture aspect of the book is evident in that the main character’s nemesis is female, and Timmy’s sidekick happens to be male. This correlates with the character’s age as well. The style is unique in that the book makes it a point to lighten the mood with the illustration it uses. Pastis also makes the book his own by using font that resembles the writings of a child of Timmy’s age.

Paterson, K., & Diamond, D. (1977). Bridge to Terabithia. New York, NY: Crowell.

In her book, Bridge to Terabithia, Katherine Patterson presents the story of a conflicted boy struggling to find his place among his family and peers. The plot and setting are characteristic of the contemporary realistic fiction genre. 

The plot plays out as a typical true life story should. It has its twists, and it shows how the main character overcomes the loss of his friend in the end and thus resolving the conflicts within himself. The setting is also very realistic. Small town folk can definitely relate to letting ones imagination flourish when viewing the large expanse of wilderness around these rural areas. In readers in the inner city can agree with the pressures of fitting in among classmates, and living up to parent expectations.

Urban, L. (2007). A crooked kind of perfect. Orlando: Harcourt.

In her book, A crooked kind of perfect, Linda Urban gives us a glimpse into the life of a young girl who want to become a famous pianist. The theme holds true to the book’s genre in the sense that Zoe, the main character, is a typical 10 year old girl dealing with age appropriate issues such as being popular in school.

Gender and culture are also within the contemporary realistic fiction’s genre and this can be seen in the development of the supporting characters. The mother works a typical a 9 to 5 office job, and her father is a stay-at-home dad. It is important to note, this trend is becoming more and more accepted in American culture.