Explores the "escape" genre of children's literature, and recommends and describes several books that deal with such topics as escape from prison camps, from slavery, from the Holocaust, from war, and from Utopian societies. These books should provoke meaningful classroom discussions and allow children to view their own world from different…

Provides an overview of science fiction titles in print and discusses the value of science fiction as a literary form. Specific titles are included, and the need for formats designed for permanent preservation in libraries is discussed. (EAM)

Presents an interview with science-fiction writer and 1999 winner of the Margaret A. Edwards Award, Anne McCaffrey. Discusses other awards and honors, how science fiction has changed in 30 years, inspiration for characters, writing for young adults, discovery of science fiction, research, writing habits and dealing with writer's block, and the…

Presents an annotated list of the 40 books reviewed in this journal from 1996-2000 that were judged to be the best in quality and popularity, including fiction, nonfiction, and science fiction/fantasy/horror. Discusses the review process for books that appeal to young adults. (LRW)

The question this article addresses is: Is "Artemis" art? That is, how successful is Eoin Colfer's attempt to combine disparate forms, such as fairy stories, science fiction stories and thrillers in the three "Artemis Fowl" novels? Basic elements of story, such as narrative stance, characterisation and plot, as well as some particularly…

Through the use of some purposeful anachronisms, Tom Stoppard uses his 1993 play "Arcadia" to explore the effects on man's psyche of the transition from Newton's Laws to the laws of thermodynamics and from thermodynamics to chaos theory. However, remarkably similar reactions to these changes are also reflected in works from the actual time periods…

As with many science fiction works, the "Star Trek" franchise uses allegory to address contemporary social issues. Taking a liberal humanistic stance, it addresses race and racism using aliens as allegorical stand-ins for humanity. However, the producers of the "Star Trek" franchise were inadvertently perpetuating the racism they were advocating…

Suggests that the excitement of 20th century science has had its truly important influence on the forms of literature--as a rich new source of metaphor, analogy, and style--and even on the structure of fiction. (Author/EB)

Provided are background materials relating the study of extraterrestrial life to common biological principles. A history of the creation of the sun and earth is included, as well as a summary of one current theory regarding the origin of life on earth. Relationships are identified regarding possible origins of life on other planets. Factors…

This newsletter deals with public conceptions of science. Included is a "Survey on Public Attitudes toward Science: Some Key Questions." This inventory, with topic areas, specific questions, and dates of surveys may be useful for research on changing patterns of public understanding of science. Other articles are: "An Annotated,…

This book is divided into twelve sections and contains photographs from many of the films discussed. The introduction defines film genre and describes the general theories behind this book; "The Individual Film" analyzes the film "Little Caesar" as it relates to the genre of gangster films; "Comparative Forms"…

In the terms of this annotated bibliography, science fiction is defined as literature in which the author departs from some situation in the present and constructs a world which might exist at some time in the future. The bibliography lists more than 280 science fiction novels, short stories, and anthologies; 7 magazines devoted primarily to…

Explores ways that science fiction can be used in the classroom in discussions of world affairs, social studies, and science. (HOD)

This article reviews the development of the literature of science fiction and fantasy since the mid-19th century. Diversity of topics is a remarkable characteristic of this writing. An annotated reading list is included. (GC)