This is an interesting anthology; a collection of short stories by writers focussed on Young Adult readership. It covers a wide range of topics: from sci-fi to queer teen romance, and from the devastating results of climate change to life after death.

It begins with a young man, excitedly waiting to have a book signed by his favourite author. It ends with a young woman, whose life is governed by the need to do well at school and to work hard, irritated by her carefree younger sister. There’s a family living underground, whose grandmother goes missing up on the surface of the planet. Another family is fleeing rising flood waters and their grandmother refuses to go with them. A teenage girl is lured to her death by a spirit in the creek, and another’s life is ruined socially by her lack of a superpower. There’s a non-binary young person who, you would think, has enough on their plate already, but they’re on a quest to buy an illegal substance for someone special in their life.

There’s also an excellent foreword by Fleur Ferris (the author of Risk, Wreck, Black and Found) about the uncertainties of the publishing world, with tips on how to find your way through the maze.

The foreword is not only a celebration of the authors published in this anthology, it’s also helpful advice to the many young people who aspire to write books and get them read.

Reviewed by Wendy Noble
Age Guide 14+