CCBC-Net Archives
Enchantress from the Stars
- Contemporary messages sorted: [ by date ] [ by subject ] [ by author ]
From: Merri Lindgren <mlindgren>
Date: Tue, 06 Nov 2001 09:02:52 -0600
Thanks to Monica and Jean for opening our discussion of science fiction and fantasy by pointing out the powerful influence of the Harry Potter books on children as readers of fantasy, and on publishers, as they make choices on new books and re-issues of older works. Having set the stage with that acknowledgment of the current breadth of interest in the genre, let's move on to a focused look at
"Enchantress from the Stars" by Sylvia Engdahl (Walker, 2001; Atheneum, 1970).
Jonathan related how "Enchantress" floored him in his initial reading. I recall feeling much the same way, when I first read it in mid?olescence, as I sought out any accessible science fiction with female characters. As I began to re-read it earlier today, I'm struck initially by the description of the Anthropological Service's version of a "Prime Directive," a concept which Star Trek in all its incarnations has made familiar to many of us, and the way in which that device sets up an inevitably fascinating relationship between groups of people as they interact. I'm also impressed by the sense of timelessness that "Enchantress" successfully evokes. Much of my childhood science fiction feels clunky and obsolete when I re-visit it now, with descriptions of futuristic technology or society that already feels nostalgic. What do other readers recall of their earlier readings of "Enchantress" and has anyone re-read it more recently? How do you feel the book stands among its more contemporary peers? Have you shared this book with young readers, and what are their reactions?
As we discuss "Enchantress from the Stars," be thinking of other recently published science fiction and fantasy books for children that you'd like to bring to this discussion later on this month. Have you discovered any exceptional new books? What trends do you see in the genre as it relates to its intended audience; is the age range of readers widening? Is anything still missing from this recent science fiction/fantasy publishing surge?
Merri Lindgren 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 Tue 06 Nov 2001 09:02:52 AM CST
Date: Tue, 06 Nov 2001 09:02:52 -0600
Thanks to Monica and Jean for opening our discussion of science fiction and fantasy by pointing out the powerful influence of the Harry Potter books on children as readers of fantasy, and on publishers, as they make choices on new books and re-issues of older works. Having set the stage with that acknowledgment of the current breadth of interest in the genre, let's move on to a focused look at
"Enchantress from the Stars" by Sylvia Engdahl (Walker, 2001; Atheneum, 1970).
Jonathan related how "Enchantress" floored him in his initial reading. I recall feeling much the same way, when I first read it in mid?olescence, as I sought out any accessible science fiction with female characters. As I began to re-read it earlier today, I'm struck initially by the description of the Anthropological Service's version of a "Prime Directive," a concept which Star Trek in all its incarnations has made familiar to many of us, and the way in which that device sets up an inevitably fascinating relationship between groups of people as they interact. I'm also impressed by the sense of timelessness that "Enchantress" successfully evokes. Much of my childhood science fiction feels clunky and obsolete when I re-visit it now, with descriptions of futuristic technology or society that already feels nostalgic. What do other readers recall of their earlier readings of "Enchantress" and has anyone re-read it more recently? How do you feel the book stands among its more contemporary peers? Have you shared this book with young readers, and what are their reactions?
As we discuss "Enchantress from the Stars," be thinking of other recently published science fiction and fantasy books for children that you'd like to bring to this discussion later on this month. Have you discovered any exceptional new books? What trends do you see in the genre as it relates to its intended audience; is the age range of readers widening? Is anything still missing from this recent science fiction/fantasy publishing surge?
Merri Lindgren 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 Tue 06 Nov 2001 09:02:52 AM CST
