Science Fiction & Fantasy

Science fiction and fantasy both feature a setting, characters, or objects that do not exist or can not exist in the real world. Science fiction focuses on inventions, discoveries, or technology that are a part of the future. The plot often deals with man’s interaction with this new scientific marvel. A work of fantasy focuses on magic, super powers, and mystical creatures. In many fantasies, the plot action revolves around a journey, quest, or task that must be completed by the main characters.

The Queen’s Croquet-Ground

In Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, Alice meets many curious characters in the strange land she accidentally discovered. The Queen of Hearts is one of those strange characters. In this passage, the Queen has commanded Alice to join a very odd game of croquet. ————————————— ‘Get to your places!’ shouted…

The Oriole and the Snipe

“Hi, I’m Sandy. What are you doing up there?” A bright orange oriole dangled upside down from a branch. “Hi, I’m Oliver. I’m building my nest.” Sandy flew up to a nearby branch. “Interesting. I’m a Wilson’s snipe. I live down by the marshes. The bushes give me plenty of…

Come Away! Come Away!

Peter Pan tells the story of a boy from Neverland who has some amazing adventures. In this passage, Peter has left his shadow in the bedroom of the Darling children. He has come to get it back. With him is his best friend, Tinker Bell, a fairy. Peter has not…

Peggy and June

Today was the day of the big race, and every frog in the first grade at the Pond School wanted to win. Peggy was not happy. She knew she couldn’t jump as far or as fast as the other frogs. Whenever she got excited, her feet twitched. When her feet twitched,…

Marley’s Ghost

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a successful businessman in Victorian London. This passage is from the beginning of the tale. —————————— The door of Scrooge’s counting-house was open, that he might keep his eye upon his clerk, who in a dismal little cell beyond,…

Wendy’s Story

Peter Pan is the story of the adventures of Wendy, John, and Michael Darling after they meet the flying boy, Peter Pan. Peter teaches them to fly, and they leave the Darling home through an open window. They go with Peter to his home in magical Neverland. Once there, Wendy…