How Fantasy Builds Confidence in Kids: From Dungeons & Dragons to Vikings

When we think about fantasy, we think of dragons, swords, ancient maps and secret worlds. For adults, it’s a complete escape from reality, but for kids it’s actually about a lot more than that. 

Fantasy lets them be someone braver, bolder or cleverer than they feel in real life. This happens through books, movies or games — like Dungeons & Dragons — but wherever their imagination is sparked, they get to explore important things. Things like courage, loyalty, quick thinking and they get to see what happens when they use them. 

As someone who writes fantasy adventure books for middle grade readers, I see what happens when kids read stories like mine. Parents and teachers tell me that just one book can give a reluctant reader a reason to keep going. Or helped a shy one come out of their shell.

Kids get to become a hero in their minds, and it can change how they see the world. 

In this week’s post, I want to take a look at how stories like The Viking’s Apprentice, and games like D&D help kids figure out who they are, and who they want to be.  

Fantasy as a safe space to be brave

In the real world, being brave is hard. It’s speaking up in class. It’s trying something new. It’s getting something wrong in front of your pals. But in a fantasy world? You can be a knight, a rogue, a Viking, or a hero and suddenly, facing your fears doesn’t feel so scary.

Quest stories are powerful because the stakes are high, but the reader’s safe. They can try out big feelings in their minds from the safety of their role as a reader.

In The Viking’s Apprentice, Peter doesn’t start out with superpowers. He’s a good kid, smart, athletic, loyal to his friends, but he’s normal. When strange things start to happen in Campbell’s Cove, he just has to figure it out. Bit by bit and mistake by mistake.

He’s scared, but he steps up. And I think that’s what young readers respond to. Not a perfect hero, but someone who just keeps going.

In Dungeons & Dragons, kids can create characters and throw them into all sorts of chaos: battles, puzzles, moral choices. They get to act with courage in the game and it gives them a little more of that feeling outside the game too.

Imagination builds identity

Kids can’t always find the words to say who they are or who they want to be, but if they imagine themselves as a favorite character in a fantasy world, they'll show you.

In books and games, they get to be someone brave, loud, clever or powerful, maybe

all the things they don’t feel safe to be in real life yet. But the longer they identify with that character, the more they can see themselves in a different way.

With readers of The Viking’s Apprentice, some kids connect with Peter: smart, sporty, brave when he has to be. Other kids love George, who’s curious, a little impulsive, and constantly poking into things he maybe shouldn’t. Then there’s Charlotte, a strong girl who’s got lots of courage, but is gentle and loyal. Every child sees a bit of themselves in someone.

It’s the same with Dungeons & Dragons. A quiet kid might build a bold warrior. A rule-follower might try out being a mischievous rogue. And they figure out how to speak up, lead, or try something new, even if it’s just for one game. 

This kind of storytelling is really important, because it’s identity-building, with a nice little bit of magic thrown in.

Why fantasy helps reluctant readers engage

If your child can’t sit and read, they maybe just haven’t found a reason to. Fantasy could give them that. A monster to defeat. A riddle to solve. A character who’s just like them, facing something bigger than they’ve ever imagined.

In The Viking’s Apprentice, the action doesn’t take three chapters to get going. Peter and George are drawn into something strange as soon as they arrive at Peter’s grandfather’s house. The mystery builds quickly. The danger creeps in fast. 

The chapters are short. The language is accessible. The plot keeps moving.

It’s also why I think the Audible version works so well (especially for children who prefer to listen). Danielle Cohen, who narrates the series, brings energy too. Whether it’s at bedtime, or in the car, it’s another way in. Sometimes, that’s all a reluctant reader needs.

How fantasy encourages teamwork and problem-solving

Fantasy is full of dragons and magic, but characters are making lots of decisions. Who do they trust? What do they risk? What do they do next?

Fantasy stories are also a great way to teach kids how to think on their feet and how to work as a team. In The Viking’s Apprentice, Peter and George have to rely on each other and on unexpected allies, like a talking bear or a huge dragon once feared by the village. 

It’s the same with Dungeons & Dragons. Every player has a role. One might be the strategist, another the healer, another the loud one with a sword. Things work when they listen, think creatively, and support each other.

Teamwork builds resilience and it shows kids they don’t have to have all the answers; they just have to keep trying, and keep showing up for their friends and teammates.

Ready to join the adventure? Your quest starts here

Yes, fantasy is escapist fun with dragons, portals, and potions, but it’s also about helping kids grow into people who are brave, curious, and willing to try.

I love keeping that in mind when I’m writing my stories — and I always try to think about what I loved to read as a child. 

If your child is ready for their next adventure, the full Viking’s Apprentice series is now available on Kindle Unlimited. Whether they read or listen on Audible with Danielle Cohen’s brilliant narration, there’s a world waiting for them in Campbell’s Cove.

You’ll also find free Viking activities on my website, which are perfect for school projects, some quiet time in the afternoons, or for spinning out the story a little more.

Explore The Viking’s Apprentice on Kindle Unlimited and download the free activities pack at kevinmcleodauthor.com.