Here's why:
* Focus on real-life issues: The book tackles themes like family breakdown, poverty, homelessness, and the challenges of being a teenager in a difficult situation.
* Realistic characters and settings: The characters in the story are relatable and face realistic challenges. The settings are also grounded in reality.
* Emphasis on emotional realism: The novel explores the emotional complexities of its characters, their hopes, fears, and struggles.
While "Midnight" has some elements of suspense and mystery, it ultimately focuses on the realistic experiences of its characters and therefore falls into the genre of realistic fiction.