Adults Quote by Jane Yolen
“A child who can love the oddities of a fantasy book cannot possibly be xenophobic as an adult. What is a different color, a different culture, a different tongue for a child who has already mastered Elvish, respected Puddleglums, or fallen under the spell of dark-skinned Ged?”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Magic School Bus series, unknown edition
Exposure to diverse fantasy cultures reduces prejudice by normalizing difference early.
In simple terms: Reading varied fantasy lessens adult xenophobia.
Key Takeaway
Encourage diverse reading to build empathy.
Themes
empathy
diversity
prejudice
education
Mood
hopeful
inquisitive
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- school curricula
- parental reading
- library programs
- book clubs
Key Concepts
cultural literacy
imagination
identity formation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fantasy shape real‑world tolerance?
- Can imagined cultures replace real cultural understanding?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue fantasy doesn’t translate to real‑world attitudes.
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
