Pure Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Modern Fantasy

The line between Science Fiction and Fantasy is a thin one. Both types of genres are usually shelved together because authors tend to blur the lines between these categories. Science Fiction is usually set in the future, in space, on a different world, or in a different universe or dimension. These stories often tell about science and technology of the future. They can contain partially true fictitious laws or theories of science. They should not be completely unbelievable or they can venture into the genre of fantasy. The plot creates differences from those of the present day and the known past. Science fiction books include a human element, explaining what effect new discoveries, happenings, and scientific developments will have on us in the future. Fantasy is not a single, definitive genre. It is a cohesion of many diverse, often wildly different, genres. Fantasy fiction contains parts that are not realistic, such as magical powers, talking animals, etc. It is often characterized by a departure from the accepted rules by which individuals perceive the world around them. It represents things that are impossible (unexplained), and outside our known reality. This genre is all about make-believe. A book can often belong to the fantasy genre, as well as to another genre. Modern Fantasy books are tales of wonder and magic set in modern times.

When looking for quality books, making sure that the content is appropriate for the student's level is one of the most important things to consider. It's also important to make sure that the concepts or language used isn't too far above the instructional level of your students. These genres are excellent to use for teaching "what-if" scenarios in the classroom. They help students use their imagination and creativity. Using some good examples of mentor texts, students could then try to write their own far-fetched story.  Science Fiction  and Fantasy can also be used to teach science, as well as other content areas. An example would be to show students the movie "A Bug's Life" or "The Lion King" and use them to teach a lesson on biology.




Awards:
World Fantasy Awards 
The Hugo Awards

Author or Text Resources:
J.R.R. Tolkien
C.S. Lewis
Stephenie Meyer 

General Resources:
Fantasy Fiction Genre 
Science Fiction Genre 

Quality Teaching Ideas:
Fantasy Fiction Teaching Resources 
Teaching Science Fiction 
Using Science Fiction to Teach 


Some of my favorite book choices:
 
A Bad Case of Stripes
By: David Shannon 

Camilla loves lima beans but none of her friends do. She doesn't want the other kids to think she is weird or different, so she lies and says she doesn't like them either. Her lie causes her to turn colors and to change shapes. The doctors can't figure out what's wrong with her, and the only cure is for her to just be herself and admit that she loves lima beans! This is a great book for teaching students how to be themselves and not to worry about what other people may think. It can also be used to teach students how to ask questions, to show the author's point of view and purpose, to teach sequencing, and to talk about the concept of cause and effect.

Shannon, David. (1998). A bad case of stripes. New York, New York: Scholastic, Inc.

Grade level span: 2-3, Lexile Level: 540L, Grade Level: 3.5
Grade level span for class read aloud: K-3
Major themes addressed: individuality
Qualities of the writing: colorful illustrations that help tell the story, good sequencing, and cause & effect
Connections to local, national, or global issues:
Facets that might require support: Vocabulary terms (fretting, impress, relieved, ointment, distraction, contagious, prodded, virus, bacteria, fungus, bizarre), understanding the underlying theme
Support that might be needed:





Creepy Carrots!
By: Aaron Reynolds

Jasper Rabbit thinks that the carrots that grow in Crackenhopper Field are the best around. Each time he passes through he cannot resist pulling some and eating them. One day he begins hearing and seeing creepy carrots everywhere he goes so he stops eating them. The author does an excellent job of writing a story with unnatural slowness that has its own element of creepiness when read aloud. The book's finale is one of those twist endings that some kids will get but others will just enjoy the visuals. The illustrations give the scenes some real depth. It can be used to teach point of view, as well as cause and effect. This book would also work really well for instruction on beginning, middle, and end retelling. 

Reynolds, Aaron. (2012). Creepy Carrots. New York, New York: Simon & Schuster.  
Grade level span: K-1, Lexile Level: 410L, Grade Level: 2.3
Grade level span for class read aloud: K-2
Major themes addressed:
Qualities of the writing: the atmospheric black, white, and orange illustrations make the book, although the story as a read aloud is just as creepy with a twist ending 
Connections to local, national, or global issues:
Facets that might require support:
Support that might be needed: