Annotated Bibliography
Science Fiction and Fantasy for the Young Adult
This list of books is intended to provide an introduction to Science Fiction Fantasy for young adult readers. The mixed genre of Science Fiction and Fantasy is one of critical importance, yet often scoffed at or missed by the scholarly and the educators. In spite of this disdain one should use Science Fiction and Fantasy for what they are best at. That is discussing reality by allegory of the fantastic. Or, as the quote goes "just because it is not real does not mean it is not true." Now I have failed utterly to find where I picked that line up, much to my dismay, but it is too relevant to omit.
Other than narrowing down the vast array of excellently written Science Fiction and Fantasy to a few samples, the hardest part when discussing this genre is to distinguish between these two aspects of it. Now personally I file both as types of speculative fiction, both intended to illustrate or criticize some aspect of the human condition. Where they differ is as a matter of convention. Science Fiction takes the current state of knowledge and technology and extrapolates what could happen several steps out. It is required to not contradict too much of the known facts of our reality at the time of its publication. Now this does not mean that older Science Fiction, passed by the technology since it was written is any less valid, rather that we can see how the world did turn out as opposed to how the author saw it might. In addition, many are the examples of what was once Science Fiction that are now common place.
Fantasy is often more reflective on human nature and morality than on the future. It is not required to be based on the world as we know it, leaving authors much more leeway to set the stage for their tales. However with this freedom comes a critical challenge. Fantasy needs to be internally consistent, that is once an author establishes the rules for their world they need to obey them. The characters in the story must likewise act within the framework provided in a plausible manner. This ability to maintain the suspense of disbelief is absolutely necessary to good Fantasy.
There are several considerations that go into what titles should be part of this list. The first of these criteria is that the title must be able to defensible as an example of good young adult fiction. The next goal of this list is to provide a decent cross section of the myriad types of books in this genre. Near infinite are the variations within the general heading of science fiction and fantasy; however, there are some major themes, or types of stories. These titles cover many of these broad themes; from space opera, to humor to high fantasy. In addition all of these works can be used to reflect back upon our reality. Tolkien for example has a strong anti industrialization and ecological ruin theme running through his works, albeit as a bit of a longing for the pastoral. As well the main characters being while not young or children, are still the little people more easily identified with by a Young Adult audience. Elizabeth Moon and Anne McCaffrey both often focus upon female characters and the female perspective. Douglas Adams satirizes and critiques social norms in a hilarious fashion. The use of Science Fiction and Fantasy while amazing for imagination and escapism also returns us to, and grounds us in reality.
Douglas Adams
A British author with a decidedly British feel, Adams writes comedic science fiction. A different style from the more serious science fiction, it uses the unlimited topias of the author's imagination to create insightful and hilarious situations for readers to enjoy. With the imminent release of the movie version of this story it is doubly important that people experience the original for themselves.
Adams, Douglas. The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide. New York: Portland House, 1986.
This is the omnibus edition of all the various hitchhikers books combined. Buying the set together in one cover is by far the most cost effective method. Combined within this edition are the once separate books The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, Life the Universe and Everything, So long, and Thanks for All the Fish, Young Zaphod Plays It Safe, and Mostly Harmless. These are the bewildering and amusing tales of Ford Prefect, Arthur Dent, Zaphod Beeblebrox, Trishia (Trillian ) McMillian. The story begins with the destruction of Dent's house to make way for a highway bypass followed by the destruction of Earth to make way for a hyperspace bypass. Arthur Dent's day gets worse from there
Orson Scott Card:
Orson Scott Card has a large number and wide variety of works published. Three main series make up his contributions to the science fiction fantasy genre. While his "Alvin Maker," and "Memory of Earth" series are quite good, the most notable is the Ender series.
Card, Orson Scott. Ender's Game. New York: Tom Doherty Associates, 1977,1985,1991.
This book is one of the most engrossing novels it has ever been my pleasure to encounter. Twice I have read this one from cover to cover in a single sitting. This is the story of the youngest of three super intelligent children Andrew (Ender) Wiggin taken by the planetary hegemony to be trained as a leader in the military from a very young age. The Hegemony has been seeking and training extraordinary kids in order to have the core of officers ready for the third Bugger war expected to begin at any time, the first two having almost wiped out humanity. Most disturbing for some adults and most powerful for most youths is the representation of the battle school children's thoughts and feelings as just as important, if not more real, than the adults.
Card, Orson Scott. Ender's Shadow. York: Tom Doherty Associates, 1999.
The first of one path of sequels to Ender's game, Ender's Shadow is not actually a sequel itself. This is the story of the events happening simultaneously with Ender's Game; however, following the story of Bean, one of Andrew's classmates. Like the first book, this is largely an adventure story with engaging action and a gripping pace. The sequels that follow this continue on in similar style.
Card, Orson Scott. Speaker for
the Dead. York: Tom Doherty Associates, 1986, 1991.
This
is the first book in the other tangent of sequels from Ender's Game. Very different in pace and tone from
its predecessor, Speaker for the Dead is accessible on a very different
level. This reaction is mainly
from a case of having the wrong preconceptions and expectations. A much more serious story, wandering
off into the realm of speculative science fiction, Speaker is hardly the
page turning adventure novel that Ender's Game is. This however, does not detract from
what it is, being a much more serious thought provoking tale about life,
sentience and morality.
Ursula Le Guin:
A prolific writer in both science fiction and fantasy, not to mention both adult and children's literature La Guin is an obligatory member of this list. The sample for her work that examined is the first three books of the Earthsea series. Two other books have been written many years later extending the saga of the archipelago of Earthsea. These three still remain the core of the onetime trilogy.
Le Guin, Ursula K. A Wizard of Earthsea. New York: Bantam, 1968.
This is the story of Sparrowhawk, future Archmage of Roke, the isle of the wise, before his power and his fame. This book has a definite sense of being biludungsroman, or a story about the moral and ethical growth of the main character. Sparrowhawk has to grow and mature from a young boy full of potential and arrogance, and learn to take responsibility for his actions. This worthwhile tale is set to the rich background of a world filled with dragons and magic and pirates, of all the stuff fantasies are made.
Le Guin, Ursula K. The Tombs of Atuan. New York: Pocket Books, 1970,1971.
The second installment of Earthsea is primarily about a young girl Tenar the supposed reincarnated high-priestess of the Nameless Ones. Her very name has been taken from her leaving her just the name/title of Arha, or The Eaten One. Like the first book this tale too deals with growing up and maturing, however from a very different perspective and situation. Most notably the story is from a female view this time. There also exists a strong sense of the difference between learning about and from others, as opposed to the realizations you come to within oneself.
Le Guin, Ursula K. The Farthest Shore. New York: Pocket Books, 1972.
The third and for many years the last part of the tale of Earthsea returns to Sparrowhawk as an old man, yet still a man of much power and influence. The story follows the voyages of Sparrowhawk and a young noble Arren who brings the news of the disturbances in the world that cause Sparrowhawk to venture forth again. There remains a certain degree of the bildungsroman within this text as well; however, it remains yet again distinct and separate from the two that came before it. To augment this continuing theme enters another aspect that of the other end of life, death.
Elizabeth Moon
By far the least well know of the authors on this list Elizabeth Moon I discovered quite by accident when I was in junior high. Moon has co-written several books with Anne McCaffrey including the Dinosaur Planet and Sassinak series. She also has a long series of space opera science fiction as well as a few stand along novels. However the piece of her work I am going to focus on is The Deed of Paksenarrion.
Moon, Elizabeth. The Deed of Paksenarrion Riverdale, NY: Baen,1992. Originally Published as Sheepfarmer's Daughter (c. 1988), Divided Allegiance (c. 1988), and Oath of Gold (c. 1989)
This trilogy follows the adventures of Paks, a young girl, who runs away from home to become a mercenary rather than marry the village pig farmer in an arranged marriage. Being both young and female makes this character and perspective stand out in the fantasy genre. While still writing mainly swords and sorcery fantasy, Moon has the admirable talent of creating characters the audience genuinely feels empathy for and cares about what happens to them.
J.R.R. Tolkien:
No list of fantasy can escape the inclusion of Tolkien. His work is in many ways the frame in which much fantasy is placed within. Many are the imitators and disciples of Tolkien's work, and if one were to read widely of the fantasy genre one of the joys is looking for and experiencing the various twists upon the world and setting of Tolkien. In addition from a Young Adult perspective while the primary protagonists are not children, the hobbits being little people helps younger people identify with the tale.
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Hobbit or, There and Back Again. Boston: Houghton, 1966.
This is the prequel to Tolkien's main trilogy and the first book many people are introduced to. This is the story of Bilbo Baggins the unwitting companion and "thief" for Thorin Oakenshield and his party of darves. Varied topias, ogres, giants, goblins, dragons all combine to make a tale that will keep most peoples attention. With poetry both beautiful and funny, riddles and battles of wit this story grabs a reader and wont let him go. On a personal note, looking at the inscription inside my copy, I realize I was given this book at age five, and it has set the tone for my continued reading nicely.
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings. Boston: Houghton 1965.
Due to the recent movie version of this story there is very little that needs to be said to introduce people to the basics of The Lord of the Rings. However anyone who enjoyed the movies should seriously consider reading the books for they have only received the bare bones of the story with much of the richness lost to the time and money constraint of the movie format. This a very long tale, consisting of six books which is often broken into three volumes of two each and called a trilogy. The only significant failure of Tolkien's work is the near total lack of female perspectives or characters.
Now this list just starts to scratch the surface of one of the most entertaining and powerful genres in literature. However these are titles I would recommend specifically for the young adult reader as having validity both for quality of writing as well as accessibility. The following is a list of authors (however incomplete) that I would also have no qualms recommending in general if less specific to young adults.
Isaac Asimov
Piers Anthony
Robert Asprin
C J Cherryh
Sara Douglas
Raymond E Feist
Terry Goodkind
Simon Green
Robert Heinlein
Frank Herbert
James P Hogan
Robert Jordan
George R R Martin
Anne McCaffrey
Larry Niven
Spider Robinson