Contemporary realistic fiction is writing that gives an accurate portrayal of life today. As a genre its content has been changed a great deal since the mid 1960s, causing controversy in books of this particular form of literature. Realistic books offer readers opportunities for understanding themselves, for seeing life realistically as it is for some people, for showing the universality of problems and feelings, for providing role models, and for preparing for living. Issues focus on what is real, the degree of graphic portrayal of life, stereotyping, the author's background, and the categorization of literature.

Themes within literature are based on maturing through the stages of childhood as the child relates to family, friends, and the complexities of self. Many books are concerned with problems: physical, developmental, mental, age, and earth. Through books, children meet other members of the pluralistic society and realize the effect of religious, regional, and international differences. Popular realistic fiction includes books of humor, animals, sports, and mysteries.