Definition and Description: * Modern fantasy: the setting, events, or characters cannot really exist in real life. * People are aware it’s not true; ex. Giants, fairies, wizards, imaginary worlds. * Contains lessons that are relatable for the real world. * Cycle format: where one book connects to another because of characters and/or settings. * Usually a series of books like Harry Potter.
Evaluation and Selection of Modern Fantasy: * Fiction and modern fantasy books usually have standards they must meet such as well-developed and believable characters, as well as developed settings. * Author has to make the story believable and relatable to reader, even though it may be magical or imaginary. * Usually a transition between real and imaginary will occur, whether it is through setting or plot. * Development of plot, characters, and setting is really important in fantasy. * For it to be very imaginative and fantasy is must usually have a very extreme and unique setting and original. * Many fantasy books, especially ones that contain supernatural powers are challenged and censored by many people, especially religious groups.
Historical Overview of Modern Fantasy * Did not appear until the 18th century. * Intended for adults as political satire, but children enjoyed it as well as adults. * Gulliver’s Travels (1726). * Most modern fantasy was established in England. * Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, The Tale of Peter Pan, Winnie-the-Pooh, Mary Poppins, The Hobbit, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, etc. * Modern fantasies from other countries include: The Adventures of Pinocchio, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Around the World in Eight Days. * Scandinavian modern fantasies include The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Thumbelina, and Pippi Longstocking. * Some United States modern fantasies include The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Rabbit