CCBC-Net Archives
Re: Reading Real: Realism in YA Lit
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From: Merri Lindgren <mlindgren_at_education.wisc.edu>
Date: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 10:56:48 -0500
I am intrigued by Maggie's observation about the shift in realistic fiction from a focus on self-reliance to one of collaboration. Paging through CCBC Choices 2014, I found multiple examples of that premise, from *Rose Under Fire* by Elizabeth Wein (Rose's survival at Ravensbruck is utterly dependent of the help she receives from other prisoners) to Bill Konigsberg's *Openly Straight* (while Rafe's attempt to redefine himself at a new school seem initially successful, his facade eventually threatens a relationship and he develops a renewed appreciation for his peers' support) . The lone title that teemed with themes of relentless isolation and alienation was *Black Helicopters* by Blythe Woolston -- and it's exactly those life parameters that lead to Valley's introduction to the outside world while wearing a vest full of explosives.
I'm curious to hear if others think this accurately represents current realistic young adult fiction. What other trends and characteristics have you noticed?
Merri
Date: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 10:56:48 -0500
I am intrigued by Maggie's observation about the shift in realistic fiction from a focus on self-reliance to one of collaboration. Paging through CCBC Choices 2014, I found multiple examples of that premise, from *Rose Under Fire* by Elizabeth Wein (Rose's survival at Ravensbruck is utterly dependent of the help she receives from other prisoners) to Bill Konigsberg's *Openly Straight* (while Rafe's attempt to redefine himself at a new school seem initially successful, his facade eventually threatens a relationship and he develops a renewed appreciation for his peers' support) . The lone title that teemed with themes of relentless isolation and alienation was *Black Helicopters* by Blythe Woolston -- and it's exactly those life parameters that lead to Valley's introduction to the outside world while wearing a vest full of explosives.
I'm curious to hear if others think this accurately represents current realistic young adult fiction. What other trends and characteristics have you noticed?
Merri
--
Merri Lindgren, Librarian
Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
School of Education / UW-Madison
4290 Helen C. White Hall
600 N. Park Street
Madison, WI 53706
608-263-3930
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Received on Wed 09 Jul 2014 11:01:43 AM CDT
