5183 Fall 2024 Information Resources and Services for Children discussion
Reading Responses 7 (Wk 10: 10/21 - 27) FANTASY AND MAGICAL REALISM
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Remarkable Nichole (Nic) Blake undertakes an epic journey to save her father from wrongful imprisonment. Magic, self-discovery and adventure ensue as she navigates friendship, family relationships and understanding the unremarkable world she lives in and the Remarkable world from which she came.
Although Nic lives in a world full of magical beings and out of this world happenings, this fantastical context is just the backdrop for her very relatable struggles regarding her family, friends, and purpose. Although conflicted due to learning that her father had been untruthful about her mother’s absence in her life, Nic sets out on a journey to clear his name when he is arrested for kidnapping her. Along the way, Nic encounters both internal and external obstacles that test her courage and abilities, and by surmounting them she undergoes growth that underscores her humanity, and readers will recognize the truth in her experience.
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Alston, B. B., & Akpan, G. (2021). Amari and the Night Brothers: Supernatural investigations. 1. Balzer + Bray.
Twelve-year-old Amari is desperate to find her missing brother, but when she is invited to enter a secret supernatural world, her quest becomes much greater than what she believes she can handle.
I think the fantasy book Amari and the Night Brothers: Supernatural Investigations is “true” in the sense that the following experiences Amari has are understood by tweens all over: doubt from others, lack of personal confidence, and the feeling that there is more to this life than what is seen and felt. The supernatural realm described in the story includes creatures of all sizes, colors, and abilities who are working and living to stay on one of two sides– the side for overall well being and safety, or the side for power and control. However, Alston provides a true example in Amari who captures both sides; she is desiring to keep everyone safe, but she knows she has the ability to cause great harm. The choice she is forced to make has costly repercussions.
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Rowling, J.K. (1997). Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone. Scholastic, Inc.
Orphan Harry Potter, who has been raised by his aunt and her family, learns that he is a wizard and is invited to a wizarding school. Harry leaves his magic-hating family behind and makes friends with other wizards and has many adventures and misadventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is true to an extent. When people, no matter the age, live a tough or bad life they want to get away from that bad life. In some cases, they are able to leave or escape that bad life and move on to something that is better or that they believe is better. However, this idyllic life may not be all that seems, once the rose-tinted glasses are removed. Harry Potter grows up being neglected by the Dursleys, such as being forced to live and sometimes locked into the cupboard under the stairs. Harry wants nothing more than to be taken away from the Dursleys. His wish comes true on his eleventh birthday and is whisked away to the magical world. While Harry has, temporarily, escaped the Dursleys, Harry now has to live all of the expectations that come with being the Boy-Who-Lived.
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1. Soloy, L. (2023). The Hidden World of Gnomes. Tundra.
2. In "The Hidden World of Gnomes," Lauren Soloy invites readers into the enchanting realm of gnomes, exploring their whimsical lives and secretive nature through vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling. This charming book blends fantasy with nature, capturing the curiosity and wonder of young adventurers.
3. Yes, "The Hidden World of Gnomes" embodies a deeper truth despite its fantastical elements. Through its portrayal of gnomes and their hidden lives, the book reflects themes of connection to nature, imagination, and the importance of wonder in our everyday lives. While gnomes may not exist, the essence of their world encourages readers to appreciate the mysteries around them and to nurture their creativity. This blend of fantasy and relatable themes resonates with the human experience, illustrating how stories can convey profound truths about our relationships with nature and the magic we can find in our surroundings.
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Muñoz Ryan, P. (2020). Mañanaland. Scholastic Press.
All Max wants is to make his town’s fútbol team, and learn about his mother who left when he was very young. But when a family secret comes to light, and Buelo's stories start to sound more like fact than fiction, Max will have to decide if there are some things that are more important.
This story takes place in a fictional world. Max lives in a relatively peaceful country, but the neighboring country of Abismo is in turmoil. Max soon finds out that his family are involved with a network of guides that lead the oppressed fleeing Abismo to safety. So much about Max’s character and journey are “true.” He is a boy that wants to be given more trust and responsibility, and he doesn’t understand why his dad is so protective. All he wants is to make the town’s fútbol team. Once he leaves home (unbeknownst to his family) to lead a small girl to safety, he learns that the world is not quite what he thought it was. He learns that not all people are inherently good and want to help others like his family. There is so much more I could say about what makes this story “true.”
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Riordan, R. (2005). The lightning thief. London, Puffin.
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Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is considered a troubled youth and is about to be kicked out of yet another school. However, there are more pressing matters for Poseidon's son. Monsters of Greek myth are coming after him, but after getting to a special camp for demigods, he and his new friend Annabeth and old friend Grover set out on a quest to prove Percy's innocence, return Zeus's lightning bolt, and get his mom back.
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I think that the Lightning Thief is “true” in the themes of the book and some of the characterizations. One theme is wanting to fit in, Percy has never really fit in with the other kids at his schools, and he starts to struggle with his new identity as he starts to find out who he is. I think many readers relate to trying to understand who they are in a changing world. Finding your identity and place in the world is rough, and in a world where there are mythical monsters, it is harder. Also, many kids can relate to Percy because of his ADHD or Dyslexia, and they can see themselves in Percy. I could talk about Percy Jackson for ages, but I think what's true is how relatable Percy is as a person/character.
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Elf Dog and Owl Head
1. Anderson, M. T. (2023). Elf dog & owl head. Penguin Random House. https://doi.org/10.1353/bcc.2023.0058
2. A young boy, Clay O'Brien, sets out to explore the woods during a COVID era like quarantine. He meets a young elf-hound, Elphinore, and embarks on a multi-world adventure.
3. There are always glimmers of the truth in any story shared. While Elf Head & Dog Head might not have taken place in the real world, the main character Clay's journey touches upon many of the hardships children faced during the pandemic. Clay talks about the isolation and loneliness he experiences due to quarantine. He explores those feelings of loss through a magical adventure with creatures outside of his known reality. During the pandemic, many people used imagination to escape their realities. This book makes that escapism a reality for the main character. Elf Dog & Owl Head could be used to help children process what they experienced during COVID. Due to this potential, the story is at its core true.
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A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans1. Yep, L., Ryder, J., & GrandPré, M. (2016). A dragon’s guide to the care and feeding of humans. Yearling, an imprint of Random House.
2. Winnie and her mother move into her great aunt Amelia’s mansion when they are named her sole heirs. However, Aunt Amelia bequeathed a dragon along with her wealth. When Winnie accidentally brings her sketches of magical creatures to life, they must find and capture them before they are seen by too many non-magical folks.
3. I do believe that it was “true” in the sense that the little girl, Winnie has lived a very much modern reality up until the start of the novel. She has a human grounding that is a relatable sounding board and catalyst for explanations of the mythical and fantastical elements of the story. While developing their connection, Winnie and Ms. Drake together process their mutual grief over the death of Winnie’s Aunt Amelia. There is an element of logic to the fantasy as well, with practical explanations of some of the magic. The practical mechanics help blend a sense of true-ness and fantasy.
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1. Dahl, R. (2013). James and the giant peach (Q. Blake, Illus.). Puffin Books.
2. James Henry Trotter dreams of playing with other children down by the sea, but his horrible aunts won't let him. When a magical peach starts growing in his garden, he meets new friends and goes on an unbelievable adventure.
3. I like this quote a lot because it highlights the importance of all stories, and especially fantasies. James has a terrible childhood and searches for a sense of belonging, which he doesn't find until something completely ridiculous and unrealistic happens. James becomes wealthy in New York City and has plenty of other children to play with by the end of the book, but what really matters is the fact that he has found happiness because of this new adventure. When reading this story, children can find hope in the escapism aspect of James's journey and know that there is always hope for their happiness, even if it seems unrealistic or difficult to attain.
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Soontornvat, C. (2022) The last mapmaker. Candlewick Press.
In the pursuit of a better life, free from illegal activities and lies, Sai sets out on an expedition that will bring unexpected adventures.
There are definitely ‘true’ elements in this book. Sai’s main goal is to be free of a life she doesn’t want. Throughout this she struggles with things such as identity, worth, poverty, etc., all of which are things that people in ‘real’ life experience and struggle with. Fantasy elements, in my opinion, can be a way to explain more difficult topics, make them more ‘digestible’ (especially for younger audiences), and can make it a fun reading experience. In other words, characters and their experiences are often based on ‘real’ experiences, often that others can relate to. Adding in fantasy elements doesn’t make these any less relatable for the reader.
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Paolini, C. (2003b). Eragon. Alfred A. Knopf : Distributed by Random House.
Young Eragon discovers a strange, blue stone and soon finds the stone is his new, dragon ally. Where he thought luck had found him, he comes across his identity, legacy, and friendships that guide his new path through fate and free will.
I remember reading this book in fourth or fifth grade, and immediately took an opportunity to come back to it. I agree that these fantasy stories are "real" in the lessons and themes explored. There are true things that one experiences through fantasy, and true emotions that aren't fake just because the subject matter is not a part of reality. I think fantasy can shape people into who they are, while shaping interests. It can shape their moral compass. That means that not only are things within the book still real, but their lasting effects are just as real. Another argument to be made is the author's work being real. I don't mean the book itself, but the emotions, inspirations, and creativity becoming a story that others relate to is so incredibly real.
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1. White, E.B. (1952). Charlotte’s Web. HarperTrophy.
2. Wilbur, the pig, is saved by the farmer’s daughter, Fern, and goes to live with Fern’s uncle on the farm. There he is befriended by a spider named Charlotte and learns valuable lessons in friendship.
3. The truth in this book comes in the form of lessons in friendship. Charlotte befriends Wilbur when he is feeling low and repeatedly demonstrates what true friendship is. She stands up for him when the other animals are unkind to him and makes it her mission to protect him at all costs and until the end of her life. In turn, Wilbur learns what a true friend is and carries that legacy on with Charlotte’s children and grandchildren long after she is gone. To me, the summary of the truth of this story is when Charlotte tells Wilbur that it was enough that he was her friend even if he never did anything for her.
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The One and Only Ivan
1. Applegate, K. (2012). The one and only Ivan (P. Castelao, Illus.). HarperCollins.
2. Ivan, a silverback gorilla, begins to rethink the circumstances of his 27 years within a shopping mall enclosure when tragedy strikes.
3. Although The One and Only Ivan is an animal fantasy, it is most certainly true. First and foremost, Ivan’s journey is based off a true story. In this novel, however, readers are able to hear Ivan’s thoughts, feel his emotions, and view his perceptions. In this way, the author is able to fully explore complex universal concepts of loneliness, found family, death and grief, and freedom. Ivan has not seen another gorilla for 27 years. His closest friends become his family. And he grieves the deaths of Stella, Tag, his parents, and his childhood. At the same time, the author invites the reader to carefully examine the morality of keeping animals in cages, no matter how large.
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1. A citation for the book in APA format.
Rivera, K. (2022). Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls. Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers.
2. A brief annotation for the book, no more than two sentences.
Cece must secretly become a bruja (magic wielder and healer) to save her sister. Her sister was kidnapped by a dark magical creature.
3. Your response to this question: Author Ursula K. LeGuin said that fantasy is not real but it is true. Do you think the book you read is “true” in some sense of the word? Explain. Your answer to #3 should be about 100 words in length.
The strongest remnants of truth in this story tie back to themes in growing up and community. Throughout her journey, Cece must learn to listen to the wisdom of the elders that she has heard around her as it is the only way to keep her safe and to save her sister. She has to be respectful of the very real dangers that are present where she lives (a desert) and although she thinks that she must do this alone, eventually she learns that you need others around you to help and support you on your journey. So it is true in the sense that while the magic and kidnapping exaggerate the story, these are lessons that many must learn as they are growing up, particularly in areas that take so much knowledge to stay safe in.
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1. Jones, D. (1986). Howl’s moving castle. Harper Collins.
2. Follow along as Sophie navigates her destiny in a magical world. What does it mean to be the oldest?
3. While many themes found in this book are true for the audience. As a fellow oldest daughter, I really related to many of the feelings experienced by Sophie. Sophie feels it is her responsibility to protect her younger siblings and she will intervene in any way necessary to help them. The audience also sees how Sophie feels it is her job to help her stepmother run the hat shop when her younger siblings move on to go learn magic. Finally, Sophie feels it is her destiny to fail because she is the oldest and her siblings are the ones meant to succeed. Taking on that (unfair) burden is felt so deep by, I imagine, many older siblings.
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2.Law, I. (2008). Savvy. Puffin Books.
3. Savvy is story about Mississippi or Mibs Beaumont. Mibs is soon approaching her thirteen birthday which is really significant. In the Beaumont family on their thirteenth birthday, each member begins to develop a "Savvy" or special power. Throughout the story we learn about Mibs savvy and the adventure it causes.
4. There is truth in the book because of the story and emotions. While teens maybe don't develop a "savvy" many can still relate to Mibs and her emotions of turning thirteen because many do see it as a big deal. You are officially a teenager and you're dealing with that, and you want to fit in. You start to discover who you are. Throughout this story we see Mibs learning to accept her "savvy" and how it is part of who she is, and it makes her special in a strong way.
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Hobson, B. (2023). The Storyteller. Scholastic Press.
A boy’s quest to find clues about his mother’s disappearance brings him face to face with characters out of the lore of his Cherokee heritage.
This book is very true. Ziggy, and his sister, Moon, along with some friends, encounter a host of characters, including animals, shapeshifters, and people, all of whom have a lesson for Ziggy. For example, when they meet a frog that used to be an opera singer, they all kiss him in an attempt to turn him back into a person. It doesn’t work, and from him they learn that you can’t turn back time and you have to accept the past as it is. This question reminds me of a quote from another book I love, The Facts and Fictions of Minna Pratt, by Patricia McLachlan: “Fact and fiction are different truths.” Even if the events described in fantasy are not real, readers can still learn true things from them.
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1. Dahl, R. (1982). The BFG. Puffin Books.
2. BFG stands for Big Friendly Giant. A young girl befriends a giant and is taken to a magical world.
3. The BFG teaches children a lesson about choosing your own path and standing up for what is right. The BFG is a giant and, for all intents and purposes, should eat children. In spite of who he has been told to be, the BFG chooses to be kind to children. He collects good dreams to send to children and eats snozzcumber instead of people. All of this points to the fact that The BFG works hard to choose his own identity rather than being who everyone expects him to be. In this way, although the story isn't real, it contains truth that is powerful for children. We do not have to be who people tell us to be. We can choose kindness when no one else does.
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Lewis, C. S. (2021). The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Harper Collins.
A board book version of the classic tale of siblings who find themselves in the magical world of Narnia.
This book is a very shortened version of the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series. It is very simple, as it is intended for very young readers. I do, however, get a sense of "truth" in the lesson of Edmund being under control of the evil White Witch because he is selfish. This is giving a lesson to the readers indicating that being selfish is bad.
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The Sea of Monsters
Riordan, R. (2006). The sea of monsters. Disney Hyperion.
In this sequel to The Lightning Thief, Percy Jackson, half-human son of the sea god Poseidon, must journey to the Bermuda Triangle to save his friends and their magical summer camp.
This story is true in that its themes are true to the human experience. Though the context is often fanciful, the underlying feelings can be found in people in our world. Percy has complicated feelings about whether his father really cares for him and how his life is dictated by forces outside of his control. He discovers he has a brother, Tyson, who he is often embarrassed and ashamed of before moving past his biases. Tyson himself is ridiculed for being a cyclops, much like how people in real life are persecuted for their race. These traits help make the story true and relatable to readers.
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1. Barnett, M. (2015) Leo: A ghost story. Chronicle Books.
2. When people move into the home Leo resided in as a ghost, he leaves and befriends a girl that can see him who enjoys playing with him at her home.
3. While this story is fantasy due to its addition of a ghost, there are some truths in the messages it attempts to convey. Leo feels neglected when a family moves in and does not appreciate his kind gesture of making them tea. Instead, the family hides in their bathroom until he leaves. They did not understand that Leo meant no harm. This can be seen as a lesson on how people can make misinterpretations of actions and how those actions can be easily judged. Another truth is found when Leo meets and gains a positive relationship with Jane. Although Jane believes Leo is another one of her imaginary friends, she ultimately does not judge him when she finds out he is a ghost. This highlights how understanding and empathy should be displayed when someone is met with new people or situations they can’t initially comprehend.
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Stevens, Bethan. (2024) The not so wicked witch. Frances Lincoln Children's Books.
This is the littlest witch and she does not like being wicked like the others.
While this story is seen as a fantasy book, this book does have a somewhat true meaning behind it. As we have grown up as children we often see the witch or the term being associated with a bitter and mean personality. This story shows that not all witches are mean. This can connect with the reality that not all people are mean and that there will be people out there that will try to get you do do things that will hurt others, but you have the choice to be nice or be mean. This was an enjoyable book and think it would be a great lesson on self reflection for young students.
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Osborne, M. P. (1993). The knight at dawn. Random House.
With their magical treehouse, Jack and his sister Annie travel back to a time of castles and knights, where they soon find themselves in a tricky predicament. To return to the treehouse, they’ll need quick wit, clever thinking, and a little help from a knight in shining armor.
The book "A Knight at Dawn" is a fantasy novel, featuring a time traveling treehouse and magical elements throughout the series. However, each book includes elements grounded in truth. In this particular story, an example would be when Annie uses her flashlight to trick the guards into thinking she possesses a magical wand, which fits the historical setting since flashlights hadn’t yet been invented. This also shows her cleverness. The reader is often learning about true facts mixed with the fantasy of time travel. Additionally, the relationship between Jack and Annie reflects realistic traits. Annie’s impulsiveness contrasts with Jack’s more rational, protective nature. These qualities make the characters relatable and lifelike.
5183 Fall 2024 Information Resources and...
Books mentioned in this topic
The Knight at Dawn (other topics)The Not-So-Wicked Witch (other topics)
Leo: A Ghost Story (other topics)
The Sea of Monsters (other topics)
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Board Book (other topics)
More...
Note: You may not be able to add a book, if the book has already been added to the group bookshelf by another student. In this case, add the title information to your post.
Part 2: This week I'd like you to write on the fantasy book that you chose to read (besides The Girl Who Drank the Moon).
1. A citation for the book in APA format.
2. A brief annotation for the book, no more than two sentences.
3. Your response to this question: Author Ursula K. LeGuin said that fantasy is not real but it is true. Do you think the book you read is “true” in some sense of the word? Explain. Your answer to #3 should be about 100 words in length.