[CALIBK12] Define Contemporary Fiction

[Larry & Tania Guyer]

Yesterday, my daughter brought a Language Arts issue to my attention, and I have to say I'm stumped. Her 8th grade teacher has assigned her students to do a book report, on either a realistic fiction or contemporary fiction book. My daughter chose Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer for contemporary fiction, and the teacher shot down her selection (in front of class), informing her that fantasy or science fiction does not qualify as contemporary fiction. Now, I suggested she just go with what the teacher says, and she has gone one to work on Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. Now, the mama bear in me want to argue with the lady, and point out that her instructions were not clear enough; she didn't define realistic or contemporary fiction on her handout. Here's the big question: How do you define contemporary fiction, especially for middle/high school students? Is it specific? Is it broad?

Thanks,
Tatiana Guyer
Librarian
Mayfield Junior School

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