Magical+Powers

Magical powers, extraordinary worlds, aliens, cyberspace: Why are these so important to children?
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//Added by Pat Henderson// A story that is set in a fantasy world encourages children’s imaginations as well as their ability to visualize, or picture an unknown world. Some children will willingly suspend their beliefs and agree to the story requirements. This willingness enables children to step out of their own realities and see other possibilities. Other children, however, must find the reality in the story in order to find believability and go along with the fantasy tale. Talking animals in stories may represent noble qualities such as loyalty, honor, or friendship: The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, Charlotte’s Web by E.B.White. The story may have aliens: The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex. Time travel can entertain and comfort children by taking them to other places and worlds: Babe and Me by Dan Gutman, The Zack Files by Dan Greenburg, Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne. Magical powers or abilities show children possibilities and empowers them: Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo. The story may have alternate realities and show the harsh side of life: Among the Hidden by Margaret Haddix, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. The story may contain fantastic situations and escapist machines: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl. The categories of modern fantasy are many, but one unifying factor is that a classic fantasy story has universal appeal that is not tied to one culture or time period. It can be believed by anyone, regardless of their background or previous reading, and allow the reader to escape, travel, see other worlds, and understand new possibilities.

The elements present in fantasy: magic, extraordinary worlds, talking animals, and aliens allow children to exercise their imaginations in ways that realistic fiction cannot. “Fantasy writing helps children expand their curiosity, become observers of life, learn to be sensitive to rules, and variations of rules, and open their minds to new possibilities.” (Norton 352). Children have little power of their own, but armed with a fantasy tale they can slay dragons, battle evil lords, turn into animals, or visit imaginary worlds. Fantasy provides a safe way to explore and build a child’s imagination and also provides them with a sense of power that they normally would not have.
 * Added by Marcia Bernard**

In //Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone//, by J.K. Rowling, Harry learns many spells and curses which allow him to control different situations. He is provided with an invisibility cloak, allowing him passage into rooms unseen. Throughout the series he defeats one enemy after another---yet is just a boy (well, a very special wizard, but still a boy.) The magical elements allow children to imagine being able to control a situation and handle enemies much larger and stronger.

Through the use of anthropomorphism, children can learn to deal with situations and feelings in a way which may feel safer to them than reading about humans. “Children often see themselves in the actions of their animal friends” (Norton 367). In //Charlotte’s Web,// for example, the animals provide a window on a sad situation for the child. The effort to save Wilbur and the friendship that grows between Wilbur and Charlotte allows children to see the world in a new way. This allows them to safely explore their own feelings.

//The Animorphs// series by K.A. Applegate with over 50 volumes features children who morph into the animal they touch. They then go on to fight an alien invasion of Earth. This sci-fi series has remained popular for many years; children are fascinated by the human-animal connection and by the survival of the characters. Many of my students have been drawn in by the covers alone and then go on to read the books by the dozens. By suspending disbelief, the author allows children to live inside these characters who face darkness, war and moral conflicts. Not only do the children experience a great adventure, but he story allows them to wrestle with some of these difficult concepts and since they are not realistic, they are less frightening.

Fantasy books provide ways for children to develop their imaginations (which seem to shrink proportionally as they age and become bound by reality) and the opportunity to experience a very different life, one in which they are powerful and have control, if only for a few hours.

Resources Applegate, K.A. //The Invasion//. New York: Scholastic, 1996. Morgan, Mia. “Modern Fantasy, Science Fiction” Powerpoint for LBS 803. Fall 2009. Norton, Donna E. //Through the Eyes of a Child.// 5th ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice-Hall, 1995. Rowling, J.K. //Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone//. New York: A.A. Levine Books, 1998. White, E.B. //Charlotte’s Web.// New York: HarperEntertainment, 1952.