[CALIBK12] Define Contemporary Fiction

[McVey, John]

Tatiana,  I would use this as an example (perhaps just a reminder, no names) to your principal and staff as a whole of the usefulness of a coordinated effort to consult with teachers when addressing assignments that will impact the library-or visa versa.  I would suggest that when an assignment such as this is planned, that the library be contacted for a head's up, if nothing else, and perhaps an effort to see what is available, and just what the teacher is asking the students to do.  Some basic definitions would be helpful-regardless of the assignment or subject matter.  Many times, what one teacher (or administrator) has in mind is just not what gets communicated to the students, library, parents, etc.  We've all been there.

John McVey
Library Technician
North School, K-8, YRE
Tracy

From: calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu [mailto:calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu] On Behalf Of Larry & Tania Guyer
Sent: Monday, October 06, 2008 11:52 AM
To: calibk12 at lists.sjsu.edu
Subject: [CALIBK12] Define Contemporary Fiction

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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