Reality Rules!: A Guide to Teen Nonfiction Reading Interests

by Elizabeth Fraser

It's real, it's radical, and it rocks! Nonfiction has become the preferred genre for many teen readers, both male and female. This guide identifies some of the most popular nonfiction for today's teens, and organizes it into specific genres and reading interests that teens enjoy―from true adventure, sports and life stories, to do-it-yourself. More than 500 titles are described, with notes on classics, award winners, reading levels, read-alikes, and titles that especially appeal to boys and to reluctant readers, or are appropriate for book groups. This is an essential readers' advisory resource for anyone who works with teen readers, and a practical collection development aid. Grades 6-12.

Teens read nonfiction for pleasure as much or more than adults. In recent years, librarians have become increasingly aware of the appeal of this literature and the need to offer and promote it to teen readers. This guide focuses on titles created for teens and those with strong teen appeal. The author covers more than 500 titles published since 2000, also including benchmarks and perennial classics that teens continue to enjoy. For each title you'll find complete bibliographic information, a descriptive annotation, indications of award winners, reading levels, read-alikes, titles suitable for book groups, and books with extra appeal for boys. In addition, she identifies fiction read-alikes and sure bets for each subgenre (i.e., consider starting with).

A general introduction and chapter introductions discuss the appeals of the genre, working with teens, and issues related to nonfiction. This is an essential guide for any librarian who works with teens.

Genres: Nonfiction, Books About Books, Reference

264 pages, Hardcover

First published June 30, 2008

Reviews

[Julie Tomek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, these books give some great ideas for those working with books. Teachers, librarians, book clubs, and those crazy enough to add to their reading lists. This will provide some great insight as to what teens have found to be good reads. There is some insightful information on how to get these teens reading more, other than just handing them a book and telling them to read it. I like the fact that being respectful and check ourselves as adults with our points of view about teens.

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many different types and areas of nonfiction are divided in this book, explained, and then broken down into 5-15 books (generally) that are recommended for teens within that subject. Because the book was published in 2008 its relevance wanes each year, but there are many books that do not depend on recent publication to be beneficial to a collection. This would work well for collection development in weak areas of a teen nonfiction section or for compiling book lists for teens of different genres or areas of nonfiction.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic reference, considering buying it.

[Ilib4kids · Rating 2 out of 5]

028.55 FRA
Genreflecting Advisory Series

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great new entry in the Genreflecting readers advisory series by Libraries Unlimited!