Too many vampires and wizards?
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Too many vampires and wizards?
Henry David Thoreau
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Apart from fantasy, I like historical fiction and mysteries for kids. Here are some of my favorites.
Historical fiction/memoirs: the Little House books (including Farmer Boy), Caddie Woodlawn, A Girl of the Limberlost, The Bronze Bow, and I'm sure there are many others.
Stories about ordinary kids: Many of the ones I'm aware of, were written so many years ago that they are almost historical fiction. But there are the books by Beverly Cleary, which include some for boys like Otis Spofford, Henry Higgins, and Ribsy. For older kids, there are the Henry Reed books, if you can find them. Also, The Chocolate Touch. Written more recently is the Babysitter's Club series, which my sister loved.
Mysteries: I know many people enjoyed The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. I never read those as a kid, but I did love The Three Investigators, which is a slightly updated Hardy Boys, basically. Each book has a mystery that looks like it's going to be supernatural, but always turns out to some kind of crime ring. But I never stopped hoping!
Animal stories: Rabbit Hill, Black Beauty, The Wind in the Willows
Also, when I was a kid, there was a series called Illustrated Classics that I absolutely loved.
Sorry this post has gotten kind of long.
Going back to your concern, I think there is a related problem within the fantasy worlds themselves. Sometimes it seems like if you're not a highly trained magical ninja were-Elf or something that, but instead an ordinary human being, then your character has no chance of surviving in the story, AND is hopelessly boring ... the kiss of death!
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So true. Although I do prefer it when the magical stuff does not become pedestrian, but keeps it mysterious thrill.Narcissa13 wrote:Actually I viewed the vampirism and wizardry as literary vehicles the authors can use to develop their characters and the story line. The important part of any book is the action between the characters and the supernatural touches just make the story more fun. Plus its nice to defy the laws of biology and physics and get creative with reality! Escaping from reality sometimes is the good part...
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I hear you about the dystopian theme! In my opinion, that's been more overdone that the supernatural stuff (which has been around since the beginning of mankind). I realize that fiction is conflict-driven, but just for once can we have a futuristic YA book isn't all doom and gloom?gatorgirl_823 wrote:Yeah, basically 9 times out 10, when I browse the YA section, all I see is supernatural/paranormal or dystopian (with a 17-year old heroine in a love triangle taking down the government storyline). LOL!
-- 09 Sep 2015, 13:58 --
You make an excellent point here! I was one of those children who used to "escape" into fantasy realms to get away from the less-than-ideal aspects of everyday life.Lust_for_Literature wrote:I think that children should be allowed to disappear into imaginary realms whenever possible. I know that burying myself in fantastical narratives provided me with a much needed escape and coping mechanism as a child. I think that the plethora and popularity of supernatural children's books is probably tied to the fact that it is often introverted, slightly alienated children who end up becoming the most avid bookworms. Therefore it is the books that provide them with escape, not a reminder, of their day to day lives that ends up dominating their bookshelves. I am by no means saying that all children who read are alienated or introverted, I just think that it's an interesting correlation.
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But, as a writer who plans to write children's book with magical elements, I have a different answer: it is a matter of magic. Surprise! It is about creating very different world from the reality, giving them countless ways to dream while exploring something that the adults will say: "It doesn't exist." Or "It's not real". Well, to children everything is real, so why not use it and give them something to fantasize?
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