The new Locus Round Table topic is Fantastic literature for kids, with a particular focus on SF. Karen Burnham, currently at home with her brand new baby, outlines the beginning of the series here.

And the first post is BY ME! I made the science fictional personal by talking about some of the SF I read when I was young, but particularly what robots and spaceships are on my daughters’ bookshelves. Including our favourite Play School modern classic, Jemima To The Rescue:

“A great feminist moment. She rescues the honey. The day is saved because Jemima is a big damn hero who is also good at her job. In space.”

I don’t know who else will be participating, but I’m excited to see their posts this month.

Elsewhere, Sherwood Smith talks about the perception that kids don’t want to read science fiction. I was surprised at the premise as I have seen quite a bit of SF for middle grade around, and from what I hear, publishers are very keen for YA SF to take off as the next big thing. But the discussion & the comments so far are an interesting read.

Tags: girls in spaceships, linkage, locus, play school, reading, SF, SF for kids