Fantasy and Science Fiction  (Ch. 12)

Fantasy violates the laws of physical reality. 

• Things happen that could not normally happen in everyday life, such as talking animals, people that fly or do other things that are not possible
• Sometimes includes magic, monsters, fairies, elves, magical creatures, and magical places

Science Fiction is a sub-genre of fantasy.

• Some of the settings are: set in the future, outer space, and  advanced technology is usually embedded
• There are many categories and choices of Science Fiction such as:
  • Apocalyptic
  • Post Apocalyptic
  • Steampunk
  • Cyberpunk
  • Biopunk
  • Dystopic
  • Extra Sensory Perception
  • Robots/Androids/Cyborgs/Artificial Intelligence
  • Space/Aliens
  • Time Travel/Parallel Universes
  • Virtual Reality/Gaming
  
  
  Criteria :
• Characters must behave in believable ways
• Rules for the fantasy world
• Authors must help readers in "willing suspension of disbelief"
• Theme should have a universal truth

Resource for Science Fiction:

Sci Fi on the Fly: A Reader's Guide to Science Fiction for Young Adults by Karin Perry

Why are these sub-genres important?

Fantasy and science fiction appeal to many young adult readers.  Readers can live vicariously through the characters, who usually act and do things we can't do in real life.  They are able to see characters defeat the protagonist many times as well.  Science fiction has the appeal of robotics, futuristic places, and new worlds.  Dystopia worlds appeal to both sexes and have become very popular.  Librarians need to know the variety of fantasy and science fiction books available to young adult readers because of their appeal to these readers.