Cyberia by Chris Lynch (science fiction)


                "Cyberia" by Chris Lynch brings science fiction to life with main character Zane and his dog Hugo. Life seems perfect for Zane until he comes to the unbelievable realization he is living in a video game. Technology has reached a point in advancement in this book that even pets can talk.

    Science fiction focuses on technological advances and incredibly hard to believe versions of reality. What makes science fiction so interesting is the way it is able to twist our minds into questioning whether an event or concept make ever actually exist. It provides a version of the world that is beyond our own, into the future. In "Cyberia", Lynch does just that as he takes us through this wired version of the world where he presents interesting ideas about technological possibilities in a story that is intended for younger readers. There are many challenges that Zane must face in this story, and the adventure aspect of it is what makes it an engaging read for elementary aged children. In this story, readers are able to question and explore a different world and new perspectives of technology and science as a whole. It allows students to think not only scientifically but creatively. I think that this is a good story for students to explore the world of science fiction. It has a very child-like humor which will make it appealing to the intended audience. 

Motivational activities: 

    Along with most science fiction books, comes a lot of opportunity for enticing activities and questions. Possible questions that could be asked to readers to engage them to think creatively and scientifically could be:

"What kinds of technology do you think will exist in the next 20 years?"

"Do you think one day animals will have the ability to talk like in the book?"

"Do you think scientists should have a beneficial purpose to their inventions? Or do you think it's okay to invent things just to see if it's possible?"

"What is something you would invent if you could that doesn't already exist?"

"Would you ever want to live in a video game? If so, which one and why?"


    Another activity that could be done is to have students create their own inventions of the future, something that they think would benefit our world. They could do a write up on their idea, and then get to create a model of it to share with the class. They also could make predictions on the different kinds of technology they think will exist in a given amount of time. For example you could provide students the prompt "What do you think technology will look like in 20 years?" and have students brainstorm their predictions and then hold debates / class discussion to share the ideas and predictions students comes up with. 


Personal reaction:

 I think this is a cute read for younger students to begin. exploring the world of science fiction. It is very on target for the younger school aged children so I think that reading this as a class and having it available in the classroom library would be beneficial to students who are interested in the topic. Science fiction opens up the door for students to start thinking in a new light, and to explore the possibility of new technology in our future. Plus, who doesn't love talking animals? I can see children being drawn to the story based on the fact they can relate to the main character Zane in the way that he's a kid just like them. It goes through this whole adventure of a boy who lives in a technologically run world, and I think students will gravitate towards the story. 


References:

Galda, L., Liang, L. A., & Cullinan, B. E. (2016). Literature and the Child. Cengage Learning.

Lynch, C. (2008). Cyberia: Book 1 (1) (0 ed.). Scholastic Press.



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