The document discusses reality literature, a genre of fiction also known as urban fiction or street fiction. It provides definitions of the genre, traces its origins, describes common book features, and discusses why teens love it and why some libraries seem to dislike it. It also offers suggestions for how librarians can encourage the genre and ideas for programs related to reality literature.

1. Get Real: Reality Literature for Teens Presented by: Keshia Garnett Portia Latalladi Tamela Chambers

2. Program Overview What is Reality Literature? Where Did The Genre Come From? Book Features Why Do Libraries Seem To Hate This Genre? Why Do Teens Love This Genre? How Can Librarians Use and Encourage the Enthusiasm About This Genre? Program Ideas Where to Get More Information Questions?

3. What is Reality Literature? Many names, same genre Hip-Hop Fiction Street Fiction Urban Fiction Ghetto Fiction Ghetto Lit Gangsta Lit

4. Where Did this Genre Come From? Every generation needs its storytellers James Baldwin Richard Wright Donald Goines Iceberg Slim Rakim Slick Rick Lil Wayne Notorious Big Reality literature had fallen off in the late 80’s and early 90’s, since the stories were being told through hip-hop lyrics It re-emerged slowly and, somewhat apathetically, through self-publication because established publishers did not believe in the genre

5. Book Features Most titles contain all of the following: Young, first-time authors Urban setting Generally characters of color Use of slang and profanity Attention-getting cover art Plots include drugs, drug dealing and graphic sex and violence Mostly paperback and self-published Many end in tragedy

6. Why Do Libraries Seem to HATE this Genre? Its not well-written with, sometimes, little character development It overshadows other works of better literary quality Once its checked-out, it never returns It creates and reinforces stereotypes All the storylines are the same Each book is by a different author; its hard to keep up Many of the books are not being professionally edited Its difficult to display books with the often “colorful” cover art

7. Why Do the Teen LOVE this Genre? It represents what many see everyday Gang violence Drug dealing Irresponsible sex lives It speaks in a language they understand and can relate to Slang Profanity It addresses problems they struggle with Unplanned pregnancies Death of friends and acquaintances Dysfunctional families Absentee fathers It has characters that look like them and have the same aspirations Quick access to luxury items Brand name clothing

8. How Can Librarians Use And Encourage The Enthusiasm About This Genre? The genre has already done the hard part; it has reluctant readers READING. The rest is up to you. Allow patrons of all ages to be comfortable asking for the titles Books often have titles that are a bit risqué Create book displays that show patrons you’d enjoy discussing the books Keep the books on the shelf Order multiple copies of each title Place books in a high-visibility area Stay abreast of new titles Check out publisher website, Essence Bestsellers, Amazon booklists Listen to what patrons are requesting Design programs around the genre

9. Program Ideas Got Issues? Read and Relate Book Discussion. Select an Reality Literature title to read and discuss. Engage the teens in conversation about the book and how the issues presented in the book relate to present social issues. Serve snacks. The Usual Suspects Create a game in which characters from selected Reality fiction titles are profiled. Have the teens match the profiles with the correct books for prizes.

10. Where To Get More Information? Popular Publishers Triple Crown Publications - www.triplecrownpublications.com Urban Books – www.urbanbooks.com Life Changing Books – www.lifechangingbooks.net Strebor – www.streborbooks.com Other imprints – Atria, Dafina Review Sites Raw Sistaz – www.rawsistaz.com Urban Book Source – www.theurbanbooksource.com Street Fiction – www.streetfiction.org QBR: The Black Book Review – www.qbr.com African-American Literature Book Club – www.aalbc.com

11. Where to Get More Information (con’t) Popular authors differ among regions and even among cities in the same region Nikki Turner Vickie Stringer Noire Teri Woods Shannon Holmes K’wan Foye T.N. Baker Tracy Brown Chunichi Wahida Clark Keisha Irvin Rap Artist partnering with writers (50 Cent and Snoop Dogg)

12. Questions?