fiction

Young people who are “hooked” on watching fantasy or reading science fiction may be on to something. Contrary to a common misperception that reading this genre is an unworthy practice, reading science fiction and fantasy may help young people cope, especially with the stress and anxiety of living through the COVID-19 pandemic. I am a professor with research interests in the social, ethical and political messages in science fiction. In my book “Medicine and Ethics in Black Women’s Speculative Fiction,” I explore the ways science fiction promotes understanding of human differences and ethical thinking. While many people may not consider science fiction, fantasy or speculative fiction to be “literary,” research shows that all fiction can generate critical thinking skills and emotional intel...

Growing up, I read like crazy. My book lust was so overwhelming that I actually wanted to be the protagonists. And since I never saw myself reflected in these heroines, I'd picture myself as the black version of my favorite characters. In my head, I was a black Ramona in Beverly Cleary's classic children's books (with a cuter hairdo). I was a sexy, ruthless Lucky Santangelo (yes, I hid Jackie Collins novels under my mattress). I was a black Scarlett O'Hara, breaking Civil War–era hearts in Gone With the Wind (several layers of problematic, but I was 11!). It was weird. I was surrounded by fascinating black girls in real life. But reading most of American fiction, you'd think we were invisible. Source: Why Aren't There More Black Women in Fiction?

Tag: fiction

Science fiction builds mental resiliency in young readers