Definition and Explanation of CRF

Contemporary Realistic Fiction (CRF):

What is CRF? -Takes place in modern day (contemporary); a situation or problem an elementary student could have (realistic); fictional story

-Themes range from simple plots such as the kid on the bus said I have nice shoes, being a picky eater, or going on vacation to more serious topics including divorce, drug/alcohol addiction, anxiety, nontraditional family structures. Anything that could happen to a child.

What is not CRF? -Talking animal stories are not considered CRF

-Anything that could not happen in real life cannot happen in CRF

A Deeper Look...

Characteristics of a CRF story:

- A realistic story--plot, characters, and setting--consistent with the lives of real people in our contemporary world.

- The age of the protagonist is approximately the same age as the reader, and similar to the reader in interests or situations they face.

- Is reflective of society and the child’s place in it.

- “CRF is derived from actual circumstances, with realistic 

settings and characters who face problems and opportunities 

that are within the range of what is possible in real life” 

(Children’s Books in Children’s Hands, 228).

Categories of CRF

Animals

Humor 

Sports

Mystery 

Survival

Adventure

Problem novels 

Series books