Fantasy and science fiction books encourage children to explore the realities of their own world while at the same time transporting them to a fictitious place that nurtures their sense of imagination. When the unbelievable happens alongside the believable, science fiction and fantasy work their magic on the reader. Poetry lets children experience descriptive language, rich sensory images, a natural and fresh rhythm that colors the tone of the poem, and a voice that speaks to children without being didactic. Contemporary realistic fiction offers sincere portrayals of real life through believable characters and plots. Looking through the eyes of another into a different world and experience, children gain an understanding of themselves and their world.
Historical fiction provides insight and understanding into the past and present.
Quality historical fiction combines fact with fiction to make the story believable, reflects different points of view, and effectively uses dialogue, authentic language, and background details to convey the values and spirit of the time period portrayed. Series books tend to be those that children can't stop reading and libraries and bookstores can't keep on the shelves. These stories center around one main character with whom children can identify, build on the story line in each book, and envelop children in a world that they come to know well. Classics are books that almost every generation calls their own. They are favorite books that use timeless themes and characters to tell a story that has mass appeal.