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Often, fiction stories take us to a land of make believe and wonder. Through reading, you can
fight in daring duels, tour imaginary worlds, and defeat unknown evils. Occasionally, when the
book is really, really good, it can jump from the page and leave a lasting impression on the world
outside its library binding. Fiction stories have been a part of literature for as long as literature
has been around and can be broken down into many categories. One such category redefines the
Fantasy fiction is defined many ways, perhaps echoing the very nature of the genre itself. The
most common word that pops up during any Google search for a definition is unreal. Other
common words are imaginary and made-up. The Oxford dictionary uses the definition a
genre of imaginative fiction involving magic and adventure, especially in a setting other than the
real world (Fantasy, 2016). Put simply, if the story exists in a world that does not exist with
people doing things they typically cannot do, it may be safe to assume that it is fantasy fiction.
Then again, it might not. Like the real world, there are many gray areas where fantasy fiction is
concerned.
History
Fantasy fiction has roots going back as far as myths themselves. Homers Odyssey is believed by
many to be early fantastical fiction, along with Beowulf, Arthurian legends, and even some of
Shakespeares comedies (Brief History of Fantasy, 2016). With such a varied and rich history,
Elizabeth Griffin IST 612 Assignment 1 Professor Arnone
it can be difficult to grasp the entirety of the genre. Some believe that fantasy fiction can be
broken down into two different groups: early fantasy fiction and modern fantasy fiction. Early
fantasy fiction includes stories from Greek myths to fairy tales to tales about fairies themselves
and it remained this way for centuries. Modern fantasy fiction resembles what we read and
purchase in bookstores today. J. R. R. Tolkiens The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings are credited
with being the turning point in fantasy fiction (Behrens, 2015). One author cites Tolkien as the
pioneer of the genre as he was the first author to truly build a world entirely of his own creation
(Martinez, 2014). Following Tolkiens world formation, a new era of fantasy fiction was ushered
in. The genre grew to include more than just legends and fairy-tales. Entire universes sprang
forth from the pages thanks to authors like C. S. Lewis and his The Chronicles of Narnia. Soon
the genre made the jump from print to the screen and fantasy fiction continued to grow larger
Categorizing
While fantasy fiction is its own distinct category, it can be broken down into smaller
subcategories through many book venders. For example, online retailers like Amazon and Barnes
and Noble organize fantasy fiction into groups based on a more defined subject topic like magic
or the supernatural. Fantasy fiction is also closely partnered with science fiction. Many of the
beloved stories that end up on the fantasy fiction Must Read lists will pull double duty and end
up on science fiction lists with the same intent. Similarly, you may find fantasy humor or fantasy
horror stories. The editor of BestFantasyBooks.com argues that fantasy is not a single definite
genre but is instead a cohesion of many diverse, often wildly different, genres (The Complete
Guide to the Fantasy Subgenres. 2016). They then go on to offer a laundry list of subgenres
that include everything from Alternate History Fantasy to Swashbuckling Fantasy (The
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Complete Guide to the Fantasy Subgenres. 2016). In worlds of make believe, it is easy to
connect multiple genres while telling a story, though that makes the cataloging job of a librarian
more difficult.
Controversies
Fantasy fiction is not without its controversies. Each year, the American Library Association
(ALA) dedicates a week to celebrate books that have been banned from schools and libraries.
Many of these books are fantasy books. Common stories to appear on the banned books list
include titles like the His Dark Materials series or the Harry Potter series (Top 100
Banned/Challenged Books: 2000-2009, 2016). Books can be challenged for a variety of reasons
and the ALA writes Often challenges are motivated by a desire to protect children from
inappropriate sexual content or offensive language (About Banned Books. 2016). Fantasy
books are challenged often times because of what they are, twisted realities and places that do
not exist. Those advocating for banning books cite reasons like anti-religious viewpoints for
magic stories or anti-government sentiment for dystopian stories. While many librarians stand
firmly with the ALAs position to support a readers right to choose, including books that cover
controversial topics like magic or represent human issues through the use of talking animals may
lead to phone calls from irate parents. How each librarian chooses to handle these incidences
Curriculum
Fantasy fiction can connect to school curriculum in a variety of ways. Using the imagined
worlds, complex ideas can be explained through metaphor, helping students connect their
thoughts in new ways and making lessons easier to understand. In her paper, Melissa Thomas
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pointed out various topics covered in fantasy fiction that can help foster discussion with students
in meaningful ways. Some of these topics include gender roles, mythology and heroics, and
social commentary (Thomas, 2003). You can also use fantasy books to teach subjects that may
not immediately come to mind. Kristine Larson argued for the value of using fantasy literature in
astronomy education and outreach (Larson, 2009). Fantasy fiction is also important for students
to develop their own love of reading. In his article Learning from Fantasy, Jack Wilde points
out that students develop their own interests in reading (Wilde, 2004). Students tend to lose
interest in reading as they continue on in their education. By limiting what is offered at the
library, you inhibit a students ability to find stories they are intrigued by. Including genres like
fantasy fiction allows students the chance to continue to grow into a love of reading. Thomas
concludes her paper with it would be a shame to overlook fantasy literature in the classroom
simply because it retains that stigma of not being serious writing, when it is clear that works of
fantasy have merit in all fields of literary examination (Thomas 2003, Pg. 63).
increasingly difficult to ensure the library collection suits the students needs as they are at
varying stages of development. Some students will be reading childrens books, some students
will be reading young adult novels, and some students will be in the middle. As such, including
fantasy books that cover all three relative age groups will ensure that there is something for
everyone. Keeping this in mind, along with the wide variety of subgenres, it is likely that a well-
developed fantasy section will make up a significant portion of your fiction collection. In
addition to considering reading levels, overall literacy rates across the nation can indicate areas
of weakness. According to The Nations Report Card of 2015, put out by the National
Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), a lower percentage of 8th grade students are
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reading at or above a basic level compared to 2013. The report went on to state that 8th grade
students reading at or above proficient only accounts for 34% of the students surveyed (NAEP -
2015 Mathematics & Reading Assessments, 2016). These statistics indicate within the last two
years, there has been a slip in the number of students reading at a basic level. While there is no
guarantee that the inclusion of fantasy fiction will solve this serious problem amongst literacy
Conclusion
In Fantasy fiction, readers are transported into new worlds and introduced to new concepts. They
ride on the backs of dragons, battle dark wizards, and myths are brought to life. Fantasy fiction is
not only an enjoyable read but also a genre that can benefit curriculum and allow students to
reach new understandings. While librarians must find a balance of genres that best suits their
community and its needs, it is important not to forget to include fantasy fiction. In fantasy
stories, anything is possible, and the same should be said for libraries.
Activities
Activity One
Description: In this activity, the librarian will begin a story and the students will write an ending
using what they know about fantasy genres. Students will be asked to include multiple characters
and have the beginning, middle, and conclusion of a small plot included in their short story. The
writing prompt will present the students with the basics for a fantasy world and they will be
asked to come up with the rest. Students can volunteer to share the plot of their story with the
Elizabeth Griffin IST 612 Assignment 1 Professor Arnone
class following the completion of the activity. The librarian can partner with the English
Goal: The goal of this activity is for students to write short fantasy stories to demonstrate that
they understand the genre. Students will also demonstrate their abilities with creative writing
through this activity. With further development, this activity can comply with Common Core
Standard W.6.3 W.8.3 depending on the short story requirements. The librarian can partner with
the English department, Art department, or Media department for this activity.
Materials: This activity requires a pre-written prompt, spare loose-leaf paper, and spare writing
utensils.
Motivational Value: As students have more creative freedom over their short stories, this will
increase their motivation to complete the activity. Also, as students can volunteer to share their
Activity Two
Description: Using online creation tools like Canva.com, students will make posters based on the
villains of their favorite fantasy books. These posters can be wanted posters, posters for seeking a
roommate as if they were the villain themselves, or something of their own creation. Students
will select any villain from a fantasy book they have read and create the poster to share with the
class or group. Students will need to include vital information about the villain such as a name,
location, and some key facts about their character. They are also welcome and encouraged to
Goal: The goal of this activity is to allow students creative freedom while demonstrating that
they understand what a fantasy book is. As students will be selecting the villains of fantasy books
themselves, they will demonstrate their understanding of what books fall under that category and
what books do not. Students will also demonstrate if they can create media that is easy for others
to understand and view. Upon further development, this activity can support Common Core
Materials: This activity requires a computer and internet access and the ability to print the
Motivational Value: Students will have creative freedom, not only in designing their posters, but
choosing the subjects of those creations as well. As a result, this will increase their satisfaction
and their motivation to accomplish the activity task while making it presentable. As students will
share their creations and see them hung around the library, they will be more inclined to create
quality works.
Activity Three
Description: Teaching fantasy can be difficult as fantasy fiction overlaps often times with other
genres. In this activity, students will compare the fantasy genre to another genre. This will be
especially useful for genres fantasy books typically crossover with. For example, students will
compare fantasy and science fiction using a Venn Diagram. Students can list examples of books,
descriptions of the genres, and discuss what makes them different. This can be done multiple
times comparing fantasy to a variety of different genres such as horror, humor, or historical
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fiction. This activity can be done as a class or in small groups. The librarian can partner with the
Goal: The goal of this activity is to ensure that all students know how to identify different books
based on their genre. Students will be able to determine if the book they are reading is fantasy,
Motivational Value: Students will be working together as a class or in small groups to compare
and contrast the two different genres. This way, students who are more confident in their answers
can offer their ideas while more hesitant students can be active listeners. All students will
Annotations
Gaiman, N., &McKean, D. (2010). The Graveyard Book. New York: Harper.
Neil Gaimans The Graveyard Book is the story of Nobody (Or Bod), a young orphaned boy who
grows up in a graveyard under the watch and care of a few friendly spirits. Bod needs to learn
how to navigate the world of the living and the dead based on everything hes learned from the
things that bump in the night. Gaimans The Graveyard Book is an award winning novel that
promises support of Common Core standards and entertains students ages 9 and up.
Patterson, J., & Charbonnet, G. (2009). Witch & Wizard. New York: Vision.
In Witch &Wizard, the first of James Pattersons new Witch & Wizard series, readers are
introduced to 15-year-old Wisty and her older brother Whit. Wisty and Whit are taken from their
family under The New Order and soon learn they possess magical powers that set into motion
adventures that may just lead to them saving the world. There are currently five books in the
series and students ages 10 and up will be entertained for hours reading about Wisty and Whit
and their magical adventures.
rich with heart and characters who would do anything to protect those they care most about. With
strong male and female characters, a compelling plot, and unexpected twists readers ages 12 and
up will love this story.
Barron, T. A. (2004). Child of the Dark Prophecy. New York: Philomel Books.
In Child of the Dark Prophecy, by T.A. Barron, the mythical world of Avalon is reimagined as a
tree with seven realms. As the first book in The Great Tree of Avalon series, Child of the Dark
Prophecy sets the stage for the adventurous tale of the true heir of Merlin and the person destined
to destroy Merlins legacy: Avalon. Barrons world is full of myth and mystery and richly
developed characters students are sure to love. This is the perfect fit for students ages 12 and up
with a preference for mythical stories with a twist.
Gidwitz, A. (2010). A Tale Dark and Grimm. New York: Dutton Childrens Books.
Adam Gidwitzs novel is a new take on a few classic (and grotesque) fairy tales. Hansel and
Gretel stumble into not only their own story, but a few others as well and come face-to-face with
enemies, old and new. They quickly learn that in order to reach a happily ever after, theyre
going to have to take the narrative into their own hands. This humorous book for students aged
10 and up shows readers that not all fairy tales (Grimm or otherwise) are as simple as they seem.
Hatfield, R., & Call, G. (2015). The Book of Storms. New York: Henry Holt & Co.
Nature comes to life in the first of Ruth Hatfields trilogy series, The Book of Storms as readers
follow along with Danny ONeills journey to save everything he holds dear. With a protagonist
that can connect to nature, Death personified, and mysteries that need solving, this book brings
something new to the fantasy genre. The Book of Storms is a good fit for students ages 10 and up
but the magic Hatfield brings to life is great for all ages. This story will have you waiting for
more.
McCullough, K. (2014). School for Sidekicks. New York: Feiwel & Friends.
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In a world where superheroes and villains actually exist, Evan Quick proudly proclaims himself
a fan. When it turns out that he too has some supernatural skills, hes sent to the only place for
kids like him: the Academy for Metahuman Operatives or the School for Sidekicks. Evans about
to learn that it isnt really as easy as being a hero or a villain. This story is a great fit for kids ages
10 and up looking for a fun superhero themed book. Kelly McCulloughs hilarious tale of heroics
and adventure will snag the attention of any reader looking for a world to get lost in.
Works Cited
About Banned & Challenged Books | Banned & Challenged Books. (2016). Ala.org. Retrieved
from http://www.ala.org/bbooks/about
Behrens, K. (2016). Myth, Fairy Tales, & Children: A Brief History of
Fantasy.Blog.bookstellyouwhy.com. Retrieved from
http://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/myth-fairy-tales-children-a-brief-history-of-fantasy
Fantasy: definition of fantasy in Oxford dictionary (American English) (US).
(2016). Oxforddictionaries.com. Retrieved from
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/fantasy
Fantasy 100 - Brief History of Fantasy. (2016). Fantasy100.sffjazz.com. Retrieved from
http://fantasy100.sffjazz.com/admin_histor
Larsen, K. (2009). Hobbits, Hogwarts, and the Heavens: The use of fantasy literature and film in
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