There are several important themes. The theme of family can be strong in these stories. For example, in 'Watership Down', the rabbits form a kind of family unit as they travel together. The theme of nature and the place of animals in it is also key. These stories often show how animals interact with the natural world around them. And then there is the theme of courage. Animals in these stories, like the ones in 'The Incredible Journey', show great courage in the face of danger and the unknown.
The main themes can vary a lot. In some realistic fiction animal stories, there is a theme of adaptation. Animals need to adapt to new situations, like in 'Black Beauty' where the horse has to adapt to different living conditions. Another theme is the relationship between animals and humans. Sometimes it's positive, like in some parts of 'Black Beauty', and sometimes negative, like in stories where animals are mistreated by humans. There is also often a theme of the animal's own identity and how they fit into their world.
Survival is a major theme. Characters in WW2 realistic fiction often have to fight for their lives, like in 'The Book Thief' where Liesel Meminger struggles to survive in a war - torn Germany. Another theme is heroism. Ordinary people become heroes, as seen in 'Unbroken' where Louis Zamperini endures great hardships. And there's also the theme of loss, of family, friends, and a way of life, which is prevalent in many such stories.
Since I don't know the content of 'the drum realistic fiction', I can't be sure about its main themes. But in general, realistic fiction often deals with themes like family, relationships, social issues, and personal growth.
If we assume it's Carl Sagan's 'Contact', one main theme is the search for meaning. The idea of making contact with aliens makes humans reevaluate their place in the universe. Another theme is faith. The main character has to deal with her scientific beliefs and the more spiritual or unprovable aspects of the contact experience.
One characteristic is that they often give animals human - like qualities while still maintaining their animal nature. For example, in 'Charlotte's Web', Charlotte can think and communicate like a human, but she still spins webs and acts like a spider in many ways. Another is that they usually have a plot that is centered around the animals' lives, whether it's survival, friendship, or something else.
One main theme is family. Despite the difficult circumstances, the characters are exploring the idea of what family really means. Another theme could be redemption. The protagonist might be seeking a form of redemption for past actions.
The theme of community also often comes up. After a tornado, people in the community come together to help each other. In 'The Tornado' by Theodore Taylor, the neighbors support one another, showing that in difficult times, the community can be a source of strength and comfort. It also shows how people can overcome differences and work towards a common goal when faced with a disaster like a tornado.
One of the main themes is identity. Characters often struggle to define themselves within different cultures. Another theme is cultural clash. For example, when characters move from one country to another, they face differences in values, traditions, etc. Social inequality is also a theme. This can be related to race, class, or gender within the multicultural context.
The main themes in 'Knuffle Bunny' realistic fiction are love and comfort. The Knuffle Bunny represents a source of love and comfort for the child. It's something that makes her feel safe. And there is also the theme of communication. The girl tries to communicate to her parents that the bunny is important to her, and at the end, they understand how much it means to her.
In 'To Kill a Mockingbird' as a realistic fiction, the theme of empathy is key. Scout learns to see things from others' perspectives, like Boo Radley. The story also deals with the theme of small - town gossip and how it can affect people's lives. Moreover, the exploration of the legal system as it exists in a racially divided society is a theme. The trial of Tom Robinson shows the flaws and biases within the legal system.
One popular one is 'Watership Down' by Richard Adams. It tells the story of a group of rabbits and their journey to find a new home. The characters are well - developed and the story is full of adventure. Another is 'The Call of the Wild' by Jack London. It shows the transformation of a domestic dog into a wild one in the harsh Alaskan wilderness.