A fun collection of well-done YA science fiction shorts. The pieces range from tense, to funny, to sweet, and there were enough standouts I won't try to name them all. Like so many small-press books, there were spots that could have used a firmer—or perhaps more practiced—editorial hand, but except for one or two places nothing so jarring that it detracted from my enjoyment.

I read the 2017 anthology, and I liked this one even more. I'll certainly be getting next year's when it comes out. ( )

The latest installment in the Young Explorer's Adventure Guide offers a fresh new batch of intriguing, thought-provoking, and entertaining short fiction for young (and young-at-heart!) readers. I'm always pleasantly surprised at the new ideas, varied settings, and brilliant and diverse characters presented in these stories. I know there are many young readers who will thrill to the sense of wonder and discovery these tales offer.

Full disclosure--I have a story in this volume, so of course my remarks don't apply to my own! :) ( )

An anthology of 20 science fiction short stories featuring kid protagonists. They're widely representative of different genres of science fiction -- optimistic to apocalyptic, Star Trek technobabble to gritty reality, childlike fun-seeking to exhausted-age-beyond-years. To the extent that the characters are physically described, they're ethnically diverse, too. There's something here for everyone, and although it's accessible to a middle-grade audience, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and felt inspired to write my own sci-fi stories. (Full disclosure: I provided the introduction to this book.) ( )

THE 2018 YOUNG EXPLORER’S ADVENTURE GUIDE edited by Sean and Corie Weaver is the fourth book in this annual anthology.

Containing 24 science fiction stories for middle grade readers, this short story collection includes a wide range of topics from robots to space travel. Many of the stories include diverse characters and connections to contemporary themes.

Librarians will find this anthology to be useful in introducing readers to new authors including both established writers along with newer authors. Of particular note are the many stories featuring female and diverse characters.

Published by Dreaming Robot Press on December 5, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher. ( )