From: Merri Lindgren <mlindgren>
Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2001 11:56:52 -0600

I've been able to compile a tempting reading list of fantasy for children and teens from the suggestions that have been made over the past week or so - - thanks to everyone who shared their favorites. I hope others find this useful as you help the young people around you find the books that interest them. I especially appreciated Steven Engelfried's comments about good fantasy that has "some familiar elements, but there are new concepts and characters we haven't met before." Truly original new fantasy fiction, that doesn't just walk through familiar territory yet again, is hard to find and so very welcome when it does appear.

Intrigued by Sylvia Engdahl's comment regarding the way in which
"almost all science fiction published in the past for young people ... takes a very negative view of the future," I've spent some time trying to find books which don't fit this characterization. I have to admit that I've been unsuccessful. To me, if appears as if that negative image of the future is used as the plot catalyst for most science fiction. Whether it is environmental degradation, political warfare, dissolution of family structure, or infrastructure collapse, that "problem" is central to the development of the story. The hope in this stories seems to come (usually) from the protagonist, who often must battle against huge odds to reach some greater good. If anyone is able to suggest a title which does show an optimistic future world, please bring it to our attention this week, as we move toward the conclusion of the November discussion. And of course, keep those fantasy book recommendations coming for the next few days!





Merri Lindgren, Librarian mlindgren at education.wisc.edu Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/ A Library of the School of Education, University of Wisconsin - Madison
Received on Wed 28 Nov 2001 11:56:52 AM CST