From: Susan Patron <spatron>
Date: Wed, 10 May 2006 09:42:18 -0700

I'd like to recommend The wand in the word: conversations with writers of fantasy, written and edited by Leonard S. Marcus (Candlewick, 2006). Marcus interviews 13 American and British authors, including Lloyd Alexander, Franny Billingsley, Garth Nix, Nancy Farmer, Philip Pullman...and we discover some interesting subtexts they have in common. He also includes lists of what THEIR favorite fantasies are, and wonderful photos of the writers in their youth.

Susan Patron Sr. Librarian, Juvenile Materials Collection Development Manager Los Angeles Public Library

-----Original Message----- From: ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.ad.education.wisc.edu
[mailto:ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.ad.education.wisc.edu]On Behalf Of Pamela Turner Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 8:53 AM To: ccbc-net at ccbc.ad.education.wisc.edu Subject: Re: [CCBC-Net] Adult Fantasy for Middle Schools

I've been reading with interest the comments posted about fantasy for youth. I know some people don't understand the appeal of this genre and look upon it as lit-lite. Yet fantasies can lead a child straight to classical works they would never otherwise touch. I was so entranced as a young person by The Chronicles of Narnia and LOTR that I started reading critical essays on the works...which led me to the literature that inspired my favorite authors. At 14 I read Paradise Lost, Paradise Regained, and Beowulf. My math teacher once confiscated a book I was reading during class, and I will never forget the look on her face when she saw it was The Divine Comedy.

I've also noticed that people who love fantasy are often very science-oriented. I think that's because fantasy delivers myth, something we all hunger for on a visceral level. Perhaps those who spend most of their time involved in coldy rational pursuits are particularly in need of a way to satisfy that craving, and a good fantasy can deliver. I think it was Ursula LeGuin who once said that though fantasy isn't real, the best fantasies are true.

Pamela Turner


----- Original Message ----- From: "Scally, Jude" <Jude.Scally at eu.dodea.edu> To: <ccbc-net at ccbc.education.wisc.edu> Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 3:42 AM Subject: [CCBC-Net] Adult Fantasy for Middle Schools


> Does anyone have any recommendation for Adult fantasy books for the
> Middle School? I love the David Eddings series and thought they would
> work. My 8th graders talk about reading Stephen King's The Stand, but
> I'm not sure that would work in a 5-8 middle school. What are your
> thoughts???
>
> Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Jude Scally
> Bitburg Middle School
> Bitburg Germany
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Received on Wed 10 May 2006 11:42:18 AM CDT