This document defines and provides criteria for the genres of science fiction and fantasy. It states that fantasy involves imaginary worlds where magic is common, while science fiction features improbable elements like advanced technology or altered histories made possible. Examples are provided that fit the criteria, such as Charlotte's Web representing fantasy with its talking animals, and June 29, 1999 fitting science fiction with its depiction of aliens. Discussion questions are also included to analyze whether certain works exemplify these genres.

1. Genre
SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY

2. ROD SERLING SAYS…
• “Fantasy is the impossible made
probable. Science fiction is the
improbable made possible."

3. FANTASY CRITERIA
• Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where
magic and magical creatures are common
• The identifying traits of fantasy are the inclusion of fantastic
elements in a self-coherent (internally consistent) setting, where
inspiration from mythology and folklore remains a consistent theme.
• Within such a structure, any location of the fantastical element is
possible: it may be hidden in, or leak into the apparently real world
setting, it may draw the characters into a world with such elements,
or it may occur entirely in a fantasy world setting, where such
elements are part of the world.
• Essentially, fantasy follows rules of its own making, allowing magic
and other fantastic devices to be used and still be internally
cohesive.

4. • FROM THE CRITERIA: Any
location of the fantastical
element is possible: it may be
hidden in, or leak into the
apparently real world setting,
• The farm and the fair are the
apparently real world settings.
• The fantastical elements include
the talking animals and a world
that the humans know nothing
about.
CHARLOTTE’S WEB BY E.B. WHITE

5. SCIENCE FICTION CRITERIA
• A time setting in the future, in alternative timelines, or in a
historical past that contradicts known facts of history or the
archaeological record.
• A spatial setting or scenes in outer space (e.g. spaceflight),
on other worlds, or on subterranean earth.
• Characters that include aliens, mutants, androids, or
humanoid robots and other types of characters arising from a
future human evolution.
• Futuristic or plausible technology such as ray guns,
teleportation machines, and humanoid computers.
•

6. SCIENCE FICTION CRITERIA CONTINUED
• Scientific principles that are new or that contradict accepted
physical laws, for example time travel, wormholes, or faster-
than-light travel or communication.
• New and different political or social systems, e.g. dystopian,
post-scarcity, or post-apocalyptic.
• Paranormal abilities such as mind control, telepathy,
telekinesis, and teleportation.
• Other universes or dimensions and travel between them.

7. JUNE 29, 1999 BY DAVID WIESNER

10. WHICH OF THE SCIENCE FICTION CRITERIA FIT?
• A spatial setting or scenes in outer space (e.g.
spaceflight), on other worlds, or on subterranean
earth.
• Characters that include aliens, mutants,
androids, or humanoid robots and other types of
characters arising from a future human
evolution.

11. • In small groups (4 – 6)
discuss the reasons
THE UNDERNEATH is
considered Fantasy.
• Be prepared to share
with the large group.
•AND…
CHILDREN’S GROUP DISCUSSION

12. • In your small groups
come up with a short
list of children’s books
that fit into the Science
Fiction genre.
• Be prepared to share
with the large group.
SCIENCE FICTION CHALLENGE

13. • In small groups (4 – 6)
discuss the reasons THE
KNIFE OF NEVER
LETTING GO is considered
Science Fiction.
• Be prepared to share with
the large group.
• AND…
YA GROUP DISCUSSION

14. • In your small groups
come up with a short
list of children’s books
that fit into the Fantasy
genre.
• Be prepared to share
with the large group.
FANTASY CHALLENGE