1. GET REAL!
Contemporary Realistic Fiction for
Middle and High School
NJASL Fall Conference
October 26, 10:00 – 10:50
2. • Elizabeth Burns
• New Jersey State Library Talking Book & Braille
Center
• www.njstatelib.org
• eburns@njstatelib.org
• 800-792-8322 Ext 804
3. • What is “contemporary realistic” fiction?
• Why do readers want it?
• Popular recent titles for grades 6 to 12
4. Contemporary Realistic
• More than a Problem Novel
• More than Bildungsroman
• Set in the world we know
– Not the 80s, 90s, or 00s
5. Concentrating on
• Titles from the last five years
• Today’s teens
• Not saying not to use or recommend books
written in 2010, 2000, 1995 –
• But if it’s written NOW and set THEN?
– Today’s 16 year old was 12; 2; not born.
– Today’s 13 year old was 9; not born yet.
6. • A Mirror or a Window
• Connect and Understand
• Sympathy and Empathy
• Safe Place to explore and learn
• “What If”
