Blog Post #6 Realistic and Contemporary Realistic Fiction

 

The Water Princess - Contemporary Realistic Fiction

by Susan Verde (Author), Georgie Badiel (Author), Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)

Awards: 

ALSC Notable Children's Books, 1995-2023. Commended, 2017.

ILA Teachers' Choices Reading List, 2015-2020. Selection, 2017.

Junior Library Guild Selections, 2012-2022. Elementary Selection, 2016.

An inspiring story about a young girl and her daily journey to obtain water for her family is told in The Water Princess. The story follows Princess Gie Gie, an African child who walks miles each day with her mother to a water well. The reader can follow Gie Gie's tiring journey as she visits the well, meets her friends for a short time, and travels home, only to repeat it the next day. In the same way that a young girl can walk to find a basic necessity, readers can also be encouraged to be resilient to face challenges in their daily lives. 

The Day You Begin - Realistic Fiction 

by Jacqueline Woodson (author) and Rafael Lopez (Illustrator)

Awards: 

ALA Notable Children's Book WINNER.

ALSC Notable Children's Books WINNER.

Jane Addams Children's Book Award WINNER.

New York Times Editors' Choice WINNER.

Notable Books for a Global Society Award WINNER.

Rigoberto, an immigrant from Venezuela, introduces himself to the class, and other students laugh, but he later meets Angelina and discovers he is not the only one feeling out of place.Young readers can connect to this poetic picture book by the way Woodson captures those relatable times when children may feel different from their peers due to their native tongue, skin tone, or the "different" food they pack for lunch. Rafael López's stunning artwork and Jacqueline Woodson's poetic words honor the courage it takes to venture out when you feel like an outcast. Woodson also helps us remember that when we step out, take a leap of courage, and start to tell our story, sometimes people are willing to listen and learn more. This book gives insight on differences that may be shared between people. I think this resonated with me because there is always a time in your life when you feel like you may not fit in, but it is important to embrace that and remember that it’s a good thing to be different.