Modern Fantasy

 Modern fantasy is a form of literature that defines all natural laws as we know it. This theme of literature captures ideas of magic, talking animals, outrageous danger, and even evil villains. Modern fantasy allows the impossible to become possible for characters or even the readers. Students enjoy this type of literature because anything can happen even if the odds are not in your favor! It gives readers a sense of hope that the unthinkable will happen. Modern fantasy includes stories with motifs like good vs evil, heroism, and even other worlds.  Critical issues that surface in this type of literature include, comparing and contrasting the difference in fantasy and realistic events and supernatural events. Teachers can use this work to help with literacy development. Many connections can be made to History,Science, and even Language Arts. They can also read out loud to their students and discuss what is real and what is make-believe. The most important thing that a teacher can do is use visualization to help students understand elements of fantasy. 
Some categories in Modern Fantasy include:

• Animals
• Miniature Worlds
• Time Warps
• Unreal Worlds
• Ghost Stories
• Quest Tales

Where the Wild Things Are by: Maurice Sendak

Grade 1-2

This is the story about a young boy who is sent to his room after getting into trouble. In his room, he imagines that hi room transforms into a wild land filled with mysterious creatures.  Max shows no fear towards the creatures and becomes the king of the land. He soon realizes that being the king of this land isn’t as fun as he thought it would be and becomes homesick. He then travels back to his long lost room where he finds his dinner waiting for him.

 

The Reptile Room (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 2) by: Lemony Snicket
Grade 3-4This series is for older mature students. The theme of the series is based around bad events happening to characters that don’t deserve it. The characters are faced with difficult and wild challenges throughout the books. Students enjoy the series because the characters face challenges and overcome unfortunate events day after day! Teachers can use this series as a form of enjoyment of modern fantasy.

 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by: J.K. Rowling
With the Harry Potter series, children are overwhelmed with magic, witchcraft, wands, and the super natural; all topics that students want in their own life! Harry Potter is a good read for students that are creative and have a great sense of imagination. Teachers can use this series for modern fantasy that has a lot of fast pace action in it!