Tunnel/Jacobs: Children's Literature Briefly (Chapter 11)

Chapter 11 is about contemporary realistic fiction. Tunnel and Jacobs explain that this type of fiction tells a story that did not happen but could have happened. There is no fantasy (has an element that is not of this world) in contemporary realistic fiction, everything that happens is possible. The authors further explain that this type of fiction is the most popular of all, because it is about possible life events. Almost everyone can relate to contemporary realistic fiction in one way or another. Yet, Tunnel and Jacobs do emphasize that everyone is not equally represented in this genre. They mention that many groups are underrepresented. For instance, there is very little contemporary realistic fiction regarding hearing impaired citizenry. This reality creates two problems. First of all, deaf people may not feel that they are a part of normal society, plus it does not allow the rest of the world to learn more about their plight. This is an unfortunate circumstance that truly discriminates against individuals with physical impairments. Yet, Tunnel and Jacobs further indicate that aside from physical and mental handicaps, some social groups are also underrepresented when it comes to race, religion, or regional location.