Final answer:
Contemporary realistic fiction books can provide children going through difficult times with comfort, understanding, and strategies for dealing with real-life challenges. These stories also encourage meaningful engagement with literature, reflection on personal issues, and development of resilience and empathy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Choosing a contemporary realistic fiction book for a child experiencing a difficult time can be very beneficial. These stories often involve characters facing and overcoming real-life challenges, which can provide comfort, understanding, and strategies for the young readers going through similar situations.
For example, a child dealing with the loss of a loved one might find solace in a story where the protagonist navigates through the stages of grief, ultimately finding a way to heal. By seeing characters confront their issues, children learn that they are not alone in their struggles, and this can foster resilience.
Additionally, by asking questions such as "How does the protagonist reflect and act to get out of his predicament?" and "What would you have done in the same situation?", we encourage students to engage with literature in a meaningful way, reflecting upon their own ideals and experiences. This reflective approach challenges them to consider personal emotional issues and moral dilemmas through the lens of the characters' experiences, enhancing their understanding and empathy.
Therefore, realistic fiction can be more than just a story; it can serve as a tool for healing and growth during tough times.