Fantasy / Science Fiction:  Criteria and Book List

Fantasy/Science Fiction, imaginative fiction that deals with alternate realities and suspends scientific explanations and natural laws, is a search for deeper realities and eternal truths. In fantasy, animals talk, miniature creatures inhabit  a world beneath the floorboards, and a peach swells to the size of a house. Some of the characteristics found in fantasy extend to science fiction, which is set most often in the future and deals with the impact of technology and science on humans. In science fiction, robots talk, people travel faster than light, and Martians exist.  Scroll down to see the Booklist for this genre.

Fantasy/Science Fiction worlds depend entirely upon language to create their images. Therefore, the language of the telling was among the primary criteria used in selecting books for this genre. Fantasy/Science Fiction writers expect their readers to suspend belief; therefore, the logic of the fantasy world created has to be convincing. Strong characters that are well developed are necessary for a believable fantasy world. The books chosen had to have memorable and well-delineated characters who develop, grow and change during the time period of the story. 

Fantasy/Science Fiction titles were selected not only because of their wide appeal, but, more importantly, because they were titles that are worthwhile--the ones which would raise the sights of a reader to more ennobling thoughts--with themes that are uplifting and values that are worthy. For example, in Charlotte’s Web, children can identify with the friendship among barnyard animals that talk with each other. They can envision a world found by walking through a wardrobe where it is always winter, as in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. They can imagine how super intelligent rats would organize their lives as in Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH.

Fantasy/Science Fiction has earned the distinction of being the most favored by children and even by many adults, particularly readers of science fiction. Many of the popular titles are featured in the Core Collection.

Recommended Placement Level: The following chart lists the titles by our level designations.  A column is provided for you to indicate placement or grade level based on your student population and your class for a given year.  You can print this page and work with your school librarian and the reading coordinator to identify books that are challenging for your students, easy for your students, or right on grade level.  We also suggest that you have several books available and let your students select a book based on their interest and/or favorite genre.  Oftentimes, your students will stretch to the level of the book because their interest is so high.  To confirm the selection, you might choose to have your student(s) read a page aloud.