Chapter 6: Modern Fantasy

We love Modern Fantasy! At least I hope so- I see no reason why we shouldn't love modern fantasy! It can take us away from the real world to a magical world, full of wonder, mystery, and adventure. Modern fantasy is like a whole new world, where people and/or animals become more than what they really are. The benefit of modern fantasy is that it can bring insight to reality for children. There are two categories of Modern Fantasy, low fantasy and high fantasy.

Stories considered to be low fantasy takes place in the real world but magical elements of fantasy make them impossible. They are usually lighthearted and center on younger children with concerns on home, family, and self-identity. There are three categories of low fantasy:

Animals- these animals have human thoughts, feelings, and language, all of which are human characteristics.

Toys and Objects- displays belief in human characteristics children give their playthings.

Miniature Worlds- involves human emotions in action on a miniscule level.

            Stories considered being high fantasy takes the information and experiences from the real world and projects them into an “other world.” These high fantasy stories have a serious tone and are read by older children. There are six categories of high fantasy:

Time Warps focus on central characters going through challenges such as loneliness, alienation and sensitivity through time travel.

Unreal Worlds take place in fantasy land and where the author makes the world very real to readers.

Ghosts Stories are stories about ghosts and spirits who haunt the real or imaginary world.

Magic Powers is where the characters possess magical powers through voice or objects.

Preposterous Characters/Situations are where characters develop vivid and descriptive images of features and actions.

Quest Tales have magical settings and characters from traditional tales of heroism. It’s where good overcomes evil.

            The benefits of modern fantasy are about finding magical beauty, daring imaginations, and untold adventures that are otherwise not seen or told in the real world. Fantasy stories speak to the hearts and minds of children. As a teacher, I want to create a world for my children where they can pretend they’re flying, or pretend they’re super heroes from another world. I believe if we expose modern fantasy in our classrooms, not just the library, they’ll be more susceptible to keep reading.