Realistic fiction has changed dramatically over the years. Formerly a sentimental, family-oriented story, today's realism focuses on today's problems and the protagonist's struggle to overcome them. Parents, once portrayed as protectors of the children, now often are cast as failures, needing help themselves. Yesterday's taboo subjects--drugs, sex, divorce, bigotry, abuse, death--are the themes that confront contemporary authors. Examining the vast body of realistic fiction for middle and upper grade students, several "problematic" themes appear repeatedly. This article presents an abbreviated discussion of relevant titles and authors recommended for booktalks and independent reading.