From: Melissa Henderson <mhenderson>
Date: Sat, 6 May 2006 14:03:45 -0500

As a children's librarian who is not now, nor ever has been, a fan of fantasy literature, the boom in this genre can be a bit frustrating to me personally. I try to read as much children's literature as possible in order to keep up and offer good readers' advisory service, but I struggle with reading in this, my least favorite, genre. That being said, there are several titles that I have read and enjoyed in recent years, specifically

  Juliet Dove, Queen of Love -- Bruce Coville
  Olivia Kidney -- Ellen Potter
  Wishes, Kisses and Pigs -- Betsy Hearne
  Word Eater -- Mary Amato

NOTE: What I think I like about all of these titles is that they are quite realistic, involving typical human kids who find themselves in very fantastical circumstances. One frustration is that these are all what I would consider "girl" books; does anyone have any recommendations for similar books that a boy might read? I do recommend the other Colville Magic Shop books to boys.)

  Sea of Trolls -- Nancy Farmer

NOTE: What I loved about this book is the history and the humor. I'm a big fan of this historical/cultural period (book takes place in 8th century Scandinavia). Plus there was a lot of sly humor, which I appreciated. I just sort of bleeped over the trolls and dragons. I have recommended this book to a boy who wanted a book with dragons, but I think he was put off by the length (459p); the length of most fantasy novels is a real challenge when trying to connect a child with a book, especially for a school assignment. Any ideas for short fantasy titles?

I look forward to hearing from others on ideas for non-typical fantasy books that I could add to my lists...

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 02:03:45 PM CDT