Readers' Advisory Guide to Street Literature

Vanessa Irvin is an Associate Professor of Library Science at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina. With a frontline librarian career spanning over four decades, Dr. Irvin teaches reference and information services, public libraries, and reading response theory for librarians. Vanessa's research focuses on integrating cultural heritage methodologies with librarians' work practices for professional learning and development.

"Accessible chapters about the history and characteristics of street lit clearly define the differences between it and other types of urban fiction. Irvin provides ample examples of classics (pre-1990s), modern classics (1990s–2000s), and contemporary works, through which she demonstrates how library workers can develop inclusive collections, conduct effective reader’s advisory, and create engaging displays and programming ... As evidenced by the popularity of New York Times–bestselling books such as Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give, street lit continues to be a reflection of readers’ realities, making this readers’ advisory guide a must-purchase for library professionals." — Library Journal (starred review)"Irvin's guide to street lit follows the basic format of the ALA Editions series, introducing readers' advisory staff to popular genres, including readalikes, key authors, and appeal factors. But she notes that while the first edition was intended to 'explain, almost justify' street lit as a literary genre, the second is intended to solidify its place in the canon. With this in mind, chapters have been rearranged, and a new epilogue has been added to situate the street lit in a historical and literary tradition that extends back to the urban narratives of Charles Dickens and Stephen Crane ... Practical, accessible, and inspiring, this guide is highly recommended for public library staff, whether they work in large urban areas or small towns." — Booklist

• Series Introduction by Joyce Saricks and Neal WyattForeword by Kafi D. KumasiIntroduction: The Canonical Agency of Street LitChapter 1: History of Street Literature in American CultureChapter 2: Characteristics of Street LitChapter 3: Understanding, Classifying, and Defining Street LitChapter 4: Readers’ Advisory Approaches to Street LitChapter 5: Collection Management Considerations for Street LitChapter 6: Library Programming for Street LitChapter 7: Reading Street Lit as a Literacy PracticeEpilogue: Street Lit’s Enduring LegacyAppendix: Street/Urban Literature: A Foundational CollectionReferencesIndex