Summarizes 10 books recommended for young adult readers in the genres of fantasy, supernatural phenomenon, and science fiction. (MM)

Reviews books of fantasy and science fiction for young adults. Points out that fantasy exercises the imagination, helps readers clarify genuine problems, and allows for escape from everyday reality at the same time that it generates hope. (EL)

Defines the boundaries between "realist" literature and science fiction and fantasy. Describes science fiction writing assignments. Mentions science fiction and fantasy books suitable for the uninitiated reader. (RS)

Addresses two misunderstandings about science fiction and fantasy: that fantastic literature is not serious; and that modern scientific civilization neither has nor needs mythology. Argues that values can be transmitted through science fiction and fantasy, which are modern-day forms of mythology. (RS)

Discusses what makes fantasy writing and science fiction easy. States that, for the writer, science fiction and fantasy allow more freedom to develop the story. Asserts that science fiction allows adolescents to explore their concerns in a seemingly safe and removed way. Notes that it is difficult to write believable and consistent stories for…

Explores the author's experiences writing fantasy. Establishes the values of both science fiction and fantasy for the writer and the reader. Asserts that fantasy is not "escapist" and empowers a young reader against the day when real powers come into that reader's hands. (PRA)

Topic 8, Our Contemporary World: Problems and Issues, in a theme issue on Teaching World History Through Science Fiction, presents this short story to motivate discussion on dehumanization, resulting in a society where the single driving force is order and unity and promptness and clocklike precision. (JB)

This curriculum guide contains course descriptions (for minicourses and semester-long courses), outlines, and class projects for teaching science fiction and the supernatural in junior and senior high schools. The eight course descriptions include objectives, methods, activities, and resources and materials. Lists of science fiction books and…

Topic 2, The Age of Charlemagne, from a theme issue on Teaching World History Through Science Fiction, motivates student discussion on tampering with history. The story is an excerpt from Thus We Frustrate Charlemagne, copyright in 1967. (JB)

Gives responses of six practicing teachers to the question, "Who is your favorite writer of science fiction or fantasy?" Provides citations, plot summaries, and/or thematic overviews of some of the authors' works. (HB)

Draws on Milton's "Paradise Lost" and on motifs found within Gnostic mythology and the poetry of William Blake to explore how Philip Pullman reworks the Judeo-Christian myth of the Fall in his trilogy, "His Dark Materials." Finds at its center "Dust": a conventional metaphor for human physicality in which good and evil, and spirit and matter…

An annotated bibliography of 45 critical and reference works dealing with science fiction. (DD)

Contains criteria for recommending adolescent science fiction and fantasy literature and an annotated list of such reading materials. (RL)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 12 interesting and exciting science fiction and fantasy books for adolescent readers. (KEH)