Here's why:
* Based on real experiences: While the book is fictionalized, it draws heavily on Paulsen's own experiences canoeing down the Mississippi River. This grounding in reality adds a layer of authenticity.
* Focus on survival and nature: The story centers around the protagonist's journey of survival in the wilderness, navigating the challenges of the river and the natural world.
* Realistic characters and relationships: The characters in the story are presented as believable individuals, with their own motivations, struggles, and relationships.
* Themes of self-discovery and resilience: The book explores themes of self-discovery, overcoming adversity, and the human spirit's capacity for resilience.
While "The River" could be considered adventure fiction due to its focus on the protagonist's journey, it's primarily classified as realistic fiction because of its strong connection to real events and its portrayal of everyday human experiences in the context of the natural world.