Great Middle Grade Reads discussion
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The Purpose of Fantasy
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The Purpose of Fantasy: A Reader's Guide
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Hi, Phillip, I'm happy to chime in with an endorsement for any readers, writers, teachers, parents to read your recent release. I did, and found myself nodding in agreement, jotting notes to return to well-loved books, and placing library holds on some new-to-me titles (I'm currently recommending Momo to everyone who will listen!).
Sandy
Here's a note about my new book. It's not solely about middle-grade books, but includes a number of them, and the discussion is valid for middle-grade books in general (discussing values in books) and of interest to this group (I hope!)
The Purpose of Fantasy: A Reader's Guide explores the spiritual/philosophical underpinnings of the field of fantasy literature (with an emphasis on books generally considered to be children's books).
With an intro about fantasy lit in general ("Is It Escapist?", etc.), followed by a look at twelve outstanding fantasy books, it holds up to the light a key purpose of fantasy: to ask spiritual or philosophical questions and explore creative approaches to matters of faith and belief, right and wrong, and other deeply held, intangible values.
Books discussed: Momo, Tuck Everlasting, The Silver Chair, The Wind in the Willows, The 13 Clocks, Charlotte's Web, The Little Prince, Finn Family Moomintroll, The Rope Trick, Gifts, The Last Unicorn, The Ocean at the End of the Lane.
(A number are pretty solidly middle-grade. A few trend to YA, and the last two in that list are adult.)
While most are clearly known as children's books, The Purpose of Fantasy explicitly discusses the question: "Are Children's Books Only for Children?" (Short answer: no.)
As the author, I personally feel the book is good for anyone interested in writing or reading, not just avid fans of fantasy, as it talks about the underlying themes of value we find in the best books.
Your feedback is warmly welcomed!
I'm a past acquisitions editor for The Writer Books, where I edited many books of advice for writers. I'm now a writer and freelance editor here in Milwaukee. I've written a previous book on fantasy lit, A Guide to Fantasy Literature: Thoughts on Stories of Wonder and Enchantment, and other works on writing and culture.
Note: there is a softcover edition ($14.95) and an inexpensive
Kindle edition ($3.99). Thanks for your interest, and I hope the book proves of some value to you in your reading adventures!