Reading science fiction and fantasy may help students cope

Young people who are “hooked” on watching fantasy or reading science fiction may be on to something. Contrary to a common misperception that reading this genre is an unworthy practice, reading science fiction and fantasy may help young people cope, especially with the stress and anxiety of living through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: Science fiction builds mental resiliency in young readers

I didn’t get a chance to read much science fiction as a kid. The local library had some science fiction materials (including a book that I probably shouldn’t have read as a middle schooler!) but I did not have easy access to the library.

Now, there is an abundance of scifi and fantasy reading materials thanks to the internet, including old scifi magazines of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. The recent book The Martian started as a blog. There are tons of stories out there!