Use the Points to Ponder document found below to guide your reading and focus on the major points in the chapter.

1. Modern Fantasy

2. Definition
• Modern fantasy is rooted in earlier sources – in folktales,
legends, myths, and the oldest dreams of mankind
• Helps the child in developing his/her imagination
• Reveals new insights into the world of reality

3. Types of Modern Fantasy
1. Animal Fantasy
2. The World of Toys and Dolls
3. Eccentric Characters and Preposterous Situations
4. Extraordinary Worlds
5. Magical Powers
6. Suspense and the Supernatural
7. Time-Shift Fantasy
8. Imaginary Realms
9. High Fantasy

4. Science Fiction
• What is the line between fantasy and science fiction?

5. Evaluation Criteria
1. What are the fantasy elements of the story?
2. How has the author made the story believable?
3. Is the story logical and consistent within the framework
established by the author?
4. Is the plot original and ingenious?
5. Is there a universal truth underlying the metaphor of the
fantasy?
6. How does the story compare with other books of the
same kind or by the same author?

6. A Few Quality Fantasy
Books
Title Author Description
Percy Jackson and
the Olympians
Rick Riordan A boy with ADHD finds out he is the
half-human son of a Greek god. His
quest is to restore order in the
supernatural realm and discover his
true identity.
A Series of
Unfortunate Events
Lemony Snicket The three Baudelaire orphans
encounter one horribly funny
adventure after another.
The Miraculous
Journey of Edward
Tulane
Kate DiCamillo A narcissistic rabbit doll falls
overboard on an ocean voyage and
learns what it means to love.