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Much literature for children appears in the form of series, in which familiar characters appear in book after book. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, authors began to write science fiction series for children. These early series generally had plots that revolved around inventions developed by the protagonist. But it was the development and use of rocket and atomic science during World War II that paved the way for interesting and exciting new themes, conflicts, and plots. While much has been written about the early juvenile science fiction series, particularly the Tom Swift books, comparatively little has been written about children's science fiction series published since 1945. This book provides a broad overview of this previously neglected topic. The volume offers a critical look at the history, themes, characters, settings, and construction of post-1945 juvenile science fiction series, including the A.I. Gang, the Animorphs, Commander Toad, Danny Dunn, Dragonfall Five, the Magic School Bus, and Space Cat. The book begins with an introductory history of juvenile science fiction since 1945, with chapters then devoted to particular topics. Some of these topics include the role of aliens and animals, attitudes toward humor, the absence and presence of science, and the characterization of women. A special feature is an appendix listing the various series. In addition, the volume provides extensive bibliographical information.
Much literature for children appears in the form of series, in which familiar characters appear in book after book. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, authors began to write science fiction series for children. These early series generally had plots that revolved around inventions developed by the protagonist. But it was the development and use of rocket and atomic science during World War II that paved the way for interesting and exciting new themes, conflicts, and plots. While much has been written about the early juvenile science fiction series, particularly the Tom Swift books, comparatively little has been written about children's science fiction series published since 1945. This book provides a broad overview of this previously neglected topic. The volume offers a critical look at the history, themes, characters, settings, and construction of post-1945 juvenile science fiction series, including the A.I. Gang, the Animorphs, Commander Toad, Danny Dunn, Dragonfall Five, the Magic School Bus, and Space Cat. The book begins with an introductory history of juvenile science fiction since 1945, with chapters then devoted to particular topics. Some of these topics include the role of aliens and animals, attitudes toward humor, the absence and presence of science, and the characterization of women. A special feature is an appendix listing the various series. In addition, the volume provides extensive bibliographical information.
Due to publisher restrictions the library cannot purchase additional copies of this title, and we apologize if there is a long waiting list. Be sure to check for other copies, because there may be other editions available.
Due to publisher restrictions the library cannot purchase additional copies of this title, and we apologize if there is a long waiting list. Be sure to check for other copies, because there may be other editions available.
About the Author-
Karen Sands-O'Connor is British Academy Global Professor at Newcastle University, UK, where she previously held a Leverhulme Visiting Professorship. Her previous monographs, Soon Come Home to This Island: West Indians in British Children's Literature (2008) and Children's Publishing and Black Britain (2017), examine inclusive literature in the British context.
Table of Contents-
Preface Introduction That Spark of Subversion: Robots, Androids, and Artificial Intelligence The Celestial Barnyard: The Familiar and the Strange No Business in Space?: The Female Presence Science Is Serious Business: The Role of Humor But What Is a Superconductor, Anyway?: The Absence and Presence of Science The City of Gold and the City of Lead: Utopias and Dystopias We Must Learn to Get Along: Aliens and Others Juvenile Science Fiction Series and the Coming of Age Appendix: Annotated Bibliography of Juvenile Science Fiction Series Bibliography Index
Reviews-
March 1, 2000 The authors delve into the elements of juvenile and young adult science-fiction series such as "Animorphs," "Tom Swift," and "Danny Dunn." The introduction traces the history of these books and the impact that World War II and the development of rocket and atomic science had on the genre. Chapters deal with the inclusion of robots, androids, and artificial intelligence as stock conventions; animals, strange and familiar; the female presence; the role of humor; the absence or presence of scientific theory; utopias and dystopias; aliens; and coming-of-age stories. While a great deal of research and analysis has gone into this volume, the approach is more theoretical than practical. Libraries that have science-fiction clubs or readerships may want to invest in it. An annotated bibliography of series is appended, but it is descriptive rather than critical, and suggested grade levels are not given.-Debbie Feulner, Northwest Middle School, Greensboro, NC
Copyright 2000 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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