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This article discusses the rising popularity of urban, or street, literature among teenagers. These novels are not often found in libraries of high schools because of their settings in urban environments and their graphic depictions of sex, violence, and drugs. Some books which are mentioned are "Death Before Dishonor," by 50 Cent and Nikki Turner, "The Coldest Winter Ever," by Sister Souljah, and "Never Die Alone," by Donald Goines. INSET: Selectin' & Collectin' Urban Lit.

The article discusses a controversy among librarians over street literature. Street literature is literature sold on street corners, usually among African Americans. Vanessa Morris, a street literature columnist for the publication, was interviewed by a reporter for the "New York Times" newspaper on the subject. However, an anonymous blogger at the publication's website said street literature is not worthy to be put in libraries.

In this article the author reflects on a piece by African-American writer Nick Chiles, published on the op-ed page of "The New York Times" in January, 2006. In that article Chiles condemned the current state of African-American literature claiming that much of it glorified criminal life and was sexual in nature. Fialkoff surveyed librarians around the country on the subject and found that there is great demand for what is known as "Street lit." The author states that she sees little difference between street lit and other forms of popular fiction.

This article provides a list of popular street literature novels including "The Coldest Winter Ever," by Sister Souljah, "Push," by Sapphire, and "Let That Be the Reason," by Vickie Stringer.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Street Fight" in the July 2008 issue.