Thursday 20 September 2012

Science Fiction Books For Kids Are Important

By Marissa Potter


Imagining what the future will be like is something we all think about. Science fiction books for kids enable them to transcend the limitations of the present, allowing their imaginations to run wild in a universe where the rules of everyday life do not apply.

Most of these stories have strong characters children can relate to. In seeing how these characters relate to what is happening, their own understanding grows. It gives them a way of exploring the issues which are changing our world and the implications on people in the future.

These stories are largely about new ideas. The imagination is stimulated by ideas such as robots who become like humans or teleportation. These ideas go beyond the limitations of the present reality. Who knows how many inventions have been made which have been inspired by reading this genre. Seeds can be planted in a fertile young mind which can germinate and grow.

There are those writers who seem to be able to tune into the future. They are not prophets but their dreams of what could happen often come close quite close to reality. Popular twentieth century authors like Jules Verne and H. G. Wells come to mind. Going up into space was an element of the imagination until it actually happened. On the other hand, there are other writers who see how far they push the boundaries without going into the realm of fantasy.

Issues affecting us in our world today, such as environmental concerns, can be addressed in this genre without having to stick to mere dull facts. Frank Herbert did this in his novel Dune. Dune, which has been read by thousands, dealt with exploitation of a delicate ecosystem. This desert planet with its giant spice worms conveys a message loudly and clearly but in a highly entertaining way.

Kids can see their own world through fresh eyes when reading about other worlds. Isaac Asimov wrote many stories about robots. These robots often took over from humans. Reading about this encourages children to think more deeply about certain implications of technological developments which have not crossed their minds before. They may be made more wary of certain developments but they are also given a sense of hope that there may be solutions to the problems the world faces today.

This genre provides a wonderful escape, enabling children to inhabit times and places that do not even exist. They take a journey in their minds, suspend disbelief and enter wholeheartedly into a world the writer has imagined. They have to build up a new world from clues the writer gives. Putting everything together can be just as interesting as the characters and the plots.

Science fiction books for kids provide escapism and wonderful entertainment. They can also be a learning tool, enabling children to explore issues facing humanity. They are a source of inspiration too, providing endless new ideas and possibilities.




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