Ryan Hickox

Why Children Should Be Encouraged To Read Fantasy & Science Fiction

I was very fortunate to be raised by a mother and grandmother who loved to read, and encouraged my own love of reading.

I remember fondly the book I read as a child that ignited my lifelong passion for fantasy and science fiction - C.S. Lewis’ classic The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe.

I was completely enthralled by the adventures of the Pevensie children as they explored the wild, magical kingdom of Narnia.

In fact, my late grandfather owned a huge, handsome oak wardrobe I was convinced would transport me to Narnia so I could have my own adventures — and possibly meet the grand lion Aslan himself!

Since my early childhood, no other genre of literature excites my imagination quite like fantasy and science fiction.

Of course reading non-fiction literature like history, biographies, the sciences, etc., is a vital, necessary component of a child’s education. Still, non-fiction literature presents the world as it was, or is.

Fantasy, science fiction, and other speculative fiction asks us to consider worlds comprised of “what ifs?”

For me, that is the singular most important benefit to encouraging children to read fantasy and science fiction — it excites not only their imagination, but their curiosity as well.

We know encouraging an active imagination and curiosity in children benefits them immensely, including:

• the development of problem-solving skills
• fostering creativity
• formulation of healthy coping skills for intense emotions

Fortunately, there is a growing list of exceptional multicultural books in speculative fiction for children and young adults from diverse backgrounds.

My belief is reading science fiction and fantasy literature should be encouraged in children as early as possible.

Inciting children’s curiosity and imagination by allowing them to explore realms of wonder and possibility through speculative fiction will help ensure they develop the skills necessary to successfully express themselves creatively.

It will also help equip them to adroitly navigate the world around them, and enable them to blaze their own paths.

Hi, I’m Rod T. Faulkner. I’m a HUGE sci-fi fan, and I wrote 200 Best Online Sci-Fi Short Films a compilation of terrific science fiction and genre short films available for viewing online.