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Definition.htm
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- Definition
- Evolution
- Categories
- Authors
- Criteria for Selection
Definition
* Science Fiction is a variety of fantasy that is
inspired by scientific developments. It is possible, but IMPROBABLE!
Evolution
- 1811, Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - inventing new life and transplanting new organs
- 1865, From Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne - space travel
- 1869, Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne - the submarine
- 1898, War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells - an invasion from outer space
- 1947, Rocket Ship Galileo by Robert Heinlein (and
12 novels in the series) - robots (Heinlein based fiction on researched
scientific advancements.)
- 1950’s - many science fiction books for children
- 1963, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle won a Newbery Medal
Categories
* Projecting Scientific Principles:
o The
possibilities of scientific principles are played out in a narrative.
o Examples include:
+ 1986, The Boy Who Reversed Himself by William Sleator
+ 1988, The Duplicate by William Sleator
* Utopian and Dystopian Societies
o Ideal or
utopian societies in literature include Eden, Plato’s Republic
and St. Augustine’s The City of God.
o Dante’s Inferno is a dystopia.
o Examples in children’s literature include:
+ 1990, Invitation to the Game by Monica Hughes
+ 1993, The Giver by Lois Lowry
+ 1994, The Ear, the Eye and the Arm by Nancy Farmer
+ 2002, Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry
+ 2004, Messenger by Lois Lowry
+ 2005, Uglies by Scott Westerfield (followed by Pretties in 2005,
Specials in 2006 & Extras in 2007
* Surviving Environmental Catastrophes
o This
literature deals with survival in the FUTURE following an environmental
catastrophe, such as a nuclear holocaust, pollution, overcrowding,
overpopulation, or extreme natural disasters.
o Examples include:
+ 1985, Children of the Dust by Louise Lawrence (nuclear disaster)
+ 1994, Phoenix Rising by Karen Hesse (nuclear)
+ 2002, The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick (monumental
earthquake)
+ 2004, The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
* Science Fantasies
o This
literature, also called space fantasy, includes an understanding of
scientific principles or inventions, but is primarily based on
IMAGINATION. It is often silly.
o Examples include:
This is where I indented and outdented:
+ 1977, Fat Men from Space by Daniel Pinkwater (Invaders attempt to
steal junk food.)
+ 1980, Space Case by Edward Marshall (An extraterrestrial is mistaken
for a trick-or-treater.)
+ 1984, Interstellar Pig by William Sleator (Shape-shifting aliens are
on Cape Cod.)
+ 1987, This Place Has No Atmosphere by Paula Danzinger (A family moves
to the moon.)
+ 1988, Company’s Coming by Arthur Yoricks (Aliens are invited to
dinner.)
+ 1988, Stinker from Space, and 1993, Stinker’s Return by Pamela
Service (Agent from outer space enters the body of a skunk.)
Authors
* Douglas Adams
* M. T. Anderson
* Isaac Asimov
* John Christopher
* Andrew Clements
* Eoin Colfer
* Jeanne DuPrau
* Nancy Farmer
* Margaret Haddix
* Madeline L’Engle
* Lois Lowry
* D. J. MacHale
* John Marsden
* Garth Nix
* Rodman Philbrick
* Neal Shusterman
* William Sleator
* Scott Westerfield
Criteria for Selection
* Has the author provided enough details that the
setting is believable? Has the future been shaped by a present-day
scientific possibility?
* Does the author clearly show how characters feel about their world and/or their dilemmas?
* Are the plot threads clear, logical & consistent?
* Are changes from reality to imagination clear?
* Are questions that arise meaningful to readers?