Modern Fantasy

Imaginary Lives

Preface Statement

Where else but in fantasy does a reader find insight into reality via unrealistic modes? The magical, fantasitic realm brims with excitement from fresh, imaginative ideas. Fantasy utilizes animals, toys, and the supernatural to hook our interest in the unknown, but maintains our interest by exploring universal questions and ideas. Fantasy nurtures our human gift of imagination; to dream our dreams allows us to survive in our realities.

Online Imagination

Readers Grades 3-5

The Mosquito King: An Agate and Buck Adventure

  • Written by Scott R. Welvaert; Art Director: Heather Kindseth; Graphic Designer: Kay Fraser; Photos: Karon Dubke and Kay Fraser
  • Published in 2008 by Stone Arch Books, ISBN 1-59889-857-4
  • Special powers defeat the enemy's magic in this good versus evil selection. Pencil drawings enhance the wild atmosphere of the story. Chapters are supplemented by an explanation of the mosquito legend, author and illustrator information, glossary, discussion questions, writing prompts, and related web sites.*

Thomas and the Dragon Queen

  • Written by Shutta Crum, Illustrated by Lee Wildish
  • Published in 2010 by Alfred A. Knopf, ISBN 978-0-375-85703-4
  • A princess, a knight, and dragons--this fantasy reveals diplomacy, caretaking, loneliness, and the somberness of death.

Readers Grades 6-9

1-800-WHERE-R-U: Missing You

  • Written by Meg Cabot
  • Published in 2006 by HarperCollins Children's Books, ISBN 0-06-087430-9
  • Last in a series of five, this fantasy is driven by young girl who gains special powers after getting struck by lightning. Jessica's powers do not get in the way of her having to face typical young adult problems and conflicts. In fact, those special powers create struggles that shed perspective on her "real" life.*

Everlost

  • Written by Neal Shusterman
  • Published in 2006 by Simon Pulse, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, ISBN 0-689-87238-0
  • Stuck between life and death proves to be a dangeraous place. Survival plays a key role in the magical realm in which two young people find themselves after a "fatal" car crash. Realistic imagery turns the pages.*