ENG 251: Children's Literature

In this collection of essays a team of academic experts trace the magical tales which have inspired the finest writers for children.

This dynamic book delves deeply into children's responses to literature, and in particular, to works of fantasy. Powerful Magic explores how literature influences children's lives and why children find fantasy so compelling, and focuses on what can be learned from children's responses rather than on what adults might think is important to teach children about literature.

Breaking the Magic Spell examines the enduring power of fairy tales and the ways they invade our subjective world. Zipes looks at how folk tales influence our popular beliefs and the ways they have been exploited by a corporate media network intent on regulating the mystical elements of the stories. He examines a range of authors, including the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson, Ernst Bloch, Tolkien, Bettelheim, and J.K. Rowling to demonstrate the continuing symbiotic relationship between folklore and literature.

Includes relevant chapter: "Magic and Magic Realism"

Includes two relevant chapters: "The Way of the Wizarding World: Harry Potter and the Magical Bildungsroman" and "Magic, Medicine and Harry Potter"

Includes relevant chapter: "Science, Magic, and the Test of Luck"