NONFICTION

Equipping Space Cadets: Primary Science Fiction for Young Children

by Emily Midkiff
Univ. of Mississippi. (Children’s Literature Association). Apr. 2022. 218p. Tr $99. ISBN 9781496839022; pap. $30. ISBN 9781496839015.
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.tarting from the history of both children’s literature and science fiction, this title builds a compelling case for adult gatekeepers to reconsider any resistance they may have to the idea of science fiction for children. Midkiff emphasizes the speculative power of science fiction to support young readers as they develop their own reasoning skills, and she argues that children have the capacity to understand science and technology in their narratives and are eager to do so, despite the scarcity she identifies in genre titles geared at children. The work highlights over 350 children’s books through three empirical studies. Even better, it presents the voices of real children and practitioners. Black-and-white images and over 21 charts break up the text.
VERDICT A good choice for genre studies shelves.
Reviewed by Jen McConnel , Feb 01, 2023

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