From: Melissa Henderson <mhenderson>
Date: Sat, 6 May 2006 14:03:23 -0500

Whenever I think about the fantasy genre, I often become bogged down in trying to clearly define what books fall into this category. For example, what about books that are quite realistic, except that that main characters are talking animals? For example, Michael Hoeye's Hermux Tantamoq series seems more like a classic adventure story with Linka, the daring aviatrix; Tucka, the dangerous cosmetics tycoon; and Hermux, who just wants to focus on his timepieces (and Linka). Okay, so they're animals that live in a very human society, but that's the only fantastical element...does it still count as a fantasy?

Similarly, there are the time travel books that are fantastical only in the method of transportation. Dan Gutman's baseball card adventures, Jon Scieszka's Time Warp Trio, and Maya Williams' "The Golden Hour" all focus heavily on the historical fiction, with a bit of fantasy thrown in to get the kids back in time. I have to admit that I've recommended all of these to kids who had to read fantasy and either didn't like the genre, only read sports books, or are looking for a short fantasy for their monthly genre book report. Was I stretching the genre too far?

And what about the Alex Ryder series? This books seem quite fantastical, but they seem to be categorized more as adventure than fantasy.

What are your thoughts on the titles above and where to lump them?

Thanks in advance!

Melissa Henderson Children's Librarian




-----Original Message----- From: ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.education.wisc.edu
[mailto:ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.education.wisc.edu] On Behalf Of Kathleen Horning Sent: Friday, May 05, 2006 1:11 PM To: Subscribers of ccbc-net Subject: [CCBC-Net] Fantastic Fiction: New Fantasy Literature


It's time to begin our CCBC-Net discussion for the first two weeks of April: New Fantasy books for Children and Teens
  Are you feeling overwhelmed by new fantasy trilogies? Burdened by yet another book to read about an apprentice in some far-off or far-out land? It's hard not to notice the explosion in new fantasy offerings, which range from mundane to marvelous. Among the many new works of fantasy published in recent years for children and teens, what are the fantasy books*stand alone title, trilogy, or ongoing series*that really stand out to you and the young readers in your lives?
  Kathleen T. Horning, Director Cooperative Children's Book Center University of Wisconsin-School of Education 4290 Helen C. White Hall 600 North Park St. Madison, WI 53706
  horning at education.wisc.edu Voice: 608-263-3721 Fax: 608-262-4933 www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/


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Received on Sat 06 May 2006 02:03:23 PM CDT