(A version of this article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours Magazine, April, 2023.)
As we approach the end of the school year, the warm spring air beckons children outside. Coats and backpacks are cheerfully chucked aside as kids gleefully romp in the sunshine or stomp in the puddles. Nature has awakened and everyone is exuberant.
However, teachers and parents often face a dilemma in May: the kids are distracted. How can we keep them reading, even a little bit, especially when we want to go outside and play ourselves?!
Books that are imaginative and exciting are the solution, and speculative fiction fits the bill. Speculative fiction are stories that depart from reality in some way. While there are many different subgenres, the most common are fantasy and science fiction.
Fantasy – Stories take place in magical realms and/or have magical, supernatural characters like dragons or fairies. Example: Lord Of The Rings by J. R. Tolkien.
Science Fiction – Stories take place in futuristic realms with scientific and technological advancements. Characters include aliens, androids or robots. Example: Star Trek created by Gene Roddenberry.
Both fantasy and science fiction often come in a series. The predictability of a book series — same setting and characters — builds confidence and keeps kids motivated to read. Here are some speculative fiction book series that may cure your kids’ spring fever!
Fantasy
The Adventurers Guild #1 (Adventurers Guild series) by Zack Loran Clark — Best friends Zed and Brock of the Adventurers Guild go on an epic quest to save their city from otherworldly beasts. Filled with action, conspiracy and humor, this book will thrill middle graders who love the Percy Jackson series. Ages 9+
The Barren Grounds (Misewa saga) by David A. Robertson – – If your kids love books about portals into magical worlds, like the Narnia series, they will enjoy this Indigenous Canadian series. In the first book, Morgan and Eli, 2 Cree foster kids, stumble through one of Eli’s drawings into the mystical frozen world of Askí where they must help bring back the summer birds and the Green Time. Ages 9+
Science Fiction
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel (Mars Patel series) by Sheela Chari — Mars and his gang of superpowered friends are determined to discover why other kids have been disappearing, especially their buddies Aurora and Jonas. All signs point to mysterious billionaire tech-genius, Oliver Pruitt, but why would Pruitt leave clues on his popular podcast? Kids will love the twists and turns in this fast-paced, tech-filled science fiction mystery. Ages 8+
The Wild Robot (Wild Robot series) by Peter Brown –This science fiction novel set in the near future is surprisingly heartwarming. A robot named Roz is stranded on an island and initially viewed as an intruder, but she slowly learns the animals’ language and becomes accepted by the community; however, environmental and technical dangers soon threaten their peace co-existence. Ages 7+.
So, to keep your kids reading this spring, try these books! The original, thought-provoking storylines of speculative fiction will enchant readers of all ages and during all seasons.
Lisa's Book Corner 
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