Out of This World Library Programs: Using Speculative Fiction to Promote Reading and Launch Learning

Focusing on the most compelling titles across the vast area of imaginative fantasy and science fiction literature and media, this book showcases creative ways to build on existing interest in these genres and promote reading, literacy, and critical thinking.

Science fiction and fantasy stories captivate the imaginations of youth and adults--even today, when real-life technological developments often border on unbelievable. We see evidence of the universal appeal of sci-fi and fantasy-themed tales in popular books, movies, and television series--from The Hunger Games, The Martian, and Star Wars to Jessica Jones and The Man in the High Castle. This guide provides avenues for making use of what naturally interests young audiences pre-teen through emerging or new adult with some 50 programs based on speculative fiction.

For each of the literature-based programs, the book provides a description of the project that identifies the appropriate age level and its goals and learning objectives as well as the duration of time and materials needed. While the selection of titles is diverse, special emphasis is given to media and books created by women and people of color. The step-by-step directions, annotation of the book on which the project is based, list of related titles, and special tips ensure that you’ll be able to easily implement the program in your classroom or library. Most of the programs have a technology-related component but can be adapted to be done as traditional crafts. All of the programs are appropriate for students in English and creative writing classes as well as for youth or young adults in a public library setting.

Joel A. Nichols, MSLIS, is the data strategy and evaluation administrator at the Free Library of Philadelphia, where he has previously worked as a children’s librarian and branch manager.