• This is the third in a series listing teen favorites in the genre of fantasy “Fantasy is the impossible made probable. Science Fiction is the improbable made possible.” —Rod Serling If you heard fairy tales when you were little,
• This is the third in a series listing teen favorites in the genre of fantasy
“Fantasy is the impossible made probable. Science Fiction is the improbable made possible.” —Rod Serling
If you heard fairy tales when you were little, then fantasy is one of the first genres you’ve known. Today the most popular fantasy story is probably the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. In this series, as in all fantasy stories, the alternative reality is based on magic or other supernatural elements.
Here are some reading suggestions for the lover of fantasy.
“The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson’s father left before he was born. He’s been kicked out of six schools in six years. He’s dyslexic and he has ADHD. Oh yeah, and he’s also a demi-god. Percy and his friends have to try to prevent a war between Greek gods Poseidon (his dad), Hades and Zeus. (Grade 5 up)
“The Wizard of Earthsea” by Ursula LeGuin
Headstrong Duny has an extraordinary talent for magic. His reputation grows after he cleverly uses a fog-gathering spell to protect his village from foreign raiders. Fearing that Duny will become a danger to others if not trained, Ogion the mage accepts him as his apprentice. But Duny’s pride grows faster than his skill and his attempt to summon a dead spirit goes terribly awry. (Grade 7 up)
“Graceling” by Kristin Cashore
King Randa forces Katsa to use her Grace — or special power — to hurt and kill people. But she also secretly plans missions to defend people throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Katsa’s latest deed is rescuing the King of Lienid, who’s been kidnapped for some reason — which she investigates with her friend Po, who has his own powerful Grace. (Grade 7 up)
• Michelle Young is the young adult librarian for Lihu‘e Public Library.
