The use of realism is valuable in children's literature when it fulfills these requirements: the subject is familiar to children; the characters are convincing; and the story is interesting, presents a hopeful solution, and deals courageously with the issues that touch the lives of the young readers. Relevant realism responds to the curiosity, intelligence, and sensitivity of today's children, children who are free to make choices and who are faced with alternatives in their personal decisions. Through identification with the struggle of a particular character or the revelation of different living styles, human motives, or elusive emotions, a young reader can develop self awareness, make thoughtful decisions, or face new encounters. (MAI)