Literature has been a consistent source of entertainment throughout history, capturing the attention of adolescents and adults alike since the early days of the novel. Novels, much like other forms of entertainment, have grown and matured over the years, so much so that contemporary fiction seems to have blossomed into a separate branch of literature, rendering it almost indistinguishable from classical fiction. A modern teenager, when presented with a choice between the renowned classical novel Anne of Green Gables, and the contemporary novel Speak, would choose Speak, because of one undeniable fact. They have a better chance at connecting with the protagonist of a modern novel than they do at forming a real bond with a character from a completely different time period. Anne of Green Gables, while a classic, illustrates an outdated tale of an average adolescent girl. In contrast, Speak delves into the mind of a teenage rape victim. Unfortunately, Speak has the more relatable subject matter for the teens of the 21st century. America is experiencing a Renaissance in the field of literature because young adult fiction is exploring mature topics such as racism and sexual assault, which is …show more content…
Contemporary novels are diverse in both protagonists and subject matter, which appeals to modern adolescents. In her critical essay, Karen Coats argues that “...the conventions of children’s literature change with the changing conception of children and what they need and want” (Coats, 5). Young adult literature, referred to by Coats as “children’s literature” is being forced to evolve with its target audience, which is the diverse demographic of today’s teens. Adolescents of the 21st century have little in common with adolescents of the 18th, 19th, or 20th centuries, making it difficult for students to see themselves in place of the