Becca Metcalf Holly Moore Kaitlyn Smith English 414A

 Literature written by a known author that is set either in a make-believe or imaginary world in which places, people, and creatures could not exist, and/or have events that could not possibly happen such as tiny people, talking animals, or traveling through time.  Often involve magic, a quest, and/or good vs. evil.

 Animal Fantasy  Toys and Objects Winnie the Pooh  Tiny Humans  Unusual Characters  Imaginary Worlds  Time-warp  Quest Tales  High Fantasy Lord of the Rings The Hobbit The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe  Science Fiction The Giver

 Plot Simple and predictable Character’s actions usually based on traditional roles rather than personal motives (ex: heroine always falls in love with the prince)  Setting Usually set in primitive times Symbolic rather than literal  Characters Usually a few human beings surrounded by non- realistic characters such as wizards/witches, dwarves, elves, trolls, goblins, animals, etc. Creatures are often villains

 Use of universal themes Good vs. evil Love Friendship  Fantasy objects These objects often become characters on their own (ex: Dorothy’s ruby slippers)

 Elements that violate the natural physical laws of our world. Alternate Realities  Magic (most basic element)  Other worlds Special geography or universe is established where magic may freely operate  Good vs. Evil: basis of myths; modern fantasy stories often have strong mythological basis  Heroism

 Special character types: may include characters that come from either legendary past or an author’s vivid imagination. Characters are rarely typical humans.  Objects: Characters in modern fantasy often employ magical props in order to accomplish their heroic or evil deed(s). Ex: magic wands

 When children read fantasy, they learn to visualize what they read.  Modern Fantasy helps children combine their background knowledge with the author’s words to create pictures and a movie in their minds.  This is extremely important because visualization strengthens our inferential thinking.  Visualization in reading is an important element of active reading, comprehension, and response

In what ways do you think modern fantasy could be used in the classroom? How would you use it within your own class?

Fairy Tales  Modern Fantasy

 “Choosing High Quality Children’s Literature/Modern Fantasy.” –Wikibooks, Open Books for an Open World.” Web. 19, Apr