Nature gets to eat its mistakes, but we have to live with ours
Having forgotten about this review after the upheaval of last year’s end, I belatedly bring you this review, after a badly needed editing session.
This latest anthology (and my first foray into the YEAG series) is packed with 24 multifarious stories. In a universe where anything can happen, the scope will really appeal to children who no doubt already love their science fiction with so much good stuff about in plenty of mediums.
Getting children reading is always rewarding both for themselves and in the wider view a more literate society. Having heroes their own age, who they can relate to and imagine themselves in such situations will definitely fuel their passion for books and adventure.
The Dreaming Robot Press page states that, Our characters are white, black, asian, latino. Human and robot. Everyone belongs here. Add in people with handicaps as well and this is a truly inclusive mix. I did find the book heavily weighted to female protagonists which makes sense as there is an under representation of both female authors and female protagonists in the genre. The boy in me would have perhaps wished for a bit more balance but there is enough choice for me out there already and it was refreshing to read about female characters and their escapades for a change.
The variation is pleasing and has plenty of depth with the different styles of writing and setting, there is something to suit all tastes and also a lot of scope here to feed a child’s imagination and to encourage them to write and read more. The stories also have a social aspect, exploring what it is like to be seen as different, coping with illness as well as displaying determination, loyalty, and all that good stuff too.
The first story The Robot Did It The Robot Did it, written by Nebula award winner Nancy Kress starts the anthology off with a tale of friendship and responsibility when the life of all is threatened. The final offering rounding everything off is Jess Harpley’s The First Dawn of Earth, a tale of startling change for the protagonist and the sense of a weight of history and decision. In between the reader is invited to journey below the waves, marvel at volcanic derring-do and explore long forgotten colonies.
Perhaps it is just me but the title holds special appeal as it reminds me of The hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and linking books together is a great way to set a younger reader’s book wish list well on its way to the length that will finally make its completion attainable, just like it is for the rest of us.
After wrestling with the temptation all review, I’m just going to go ahead and say it….its fun to stay at YEAG!
I don’t normally add trailers, mainly being unaware of their existence but I found this one and it reminded me vaguely of the theme tune from Star Trek: Voyager and by extension Kes, who was always far more interesting than all that 7 of 9 nonsense.
Book to the Future 
Anything even vaguely reminiscent of Star Trek Voyager has my vote. And so interesting to read about ‘a universe where anything can happen’, particularly today when world developments that no-one would have predicted are unfolding.
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Imagination is bigger than reality perhaps. It is great to read stories uninhibited with all the usual news. Escapism always get my vote and sometimes twice, if the Russians help out!
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That’s a nice trailer for a book . Interesting.
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I have largely avoided the trailer phenomenon but space is great so I had to stick it in.
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This actually sounds wonderful, Ste J 🙂 I wish it was available through my library, but the trailer showed it’s a kickstarter project? Not traditionally published so not available that way :-\
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It is a shame but if it grows in popularity, who knows what will happen. There will be a Kickstarter for the 2018 version starting around August and it is worth contribution as depending on the amounts you can receive a copy of the book or even get it into various libraries as well.
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About what age group of young reader would you say this is for, Ste J? Asking so I’ll know whether or not to refer my precocious nephew to it….
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The website says middle graders which probably makes sense to you more than it does me.
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Middle school is around 11-13 I believe. LOL just about right for me 😉
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Fantastic review, Steve. I especially liked that the book is for all, not just one segment of the children’s readership.
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All inclusive and plenty of high adventure, I think kids will love it and it has enough variety in to keep adults interested as well. It’s a proper family book.
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It’s good to see you back, J.
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Thank you my friend, it has been a good month writing wise, I am keeping one review ahead of what I post as well which is almost unheard of for me!
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I think it’s a good practice. And we shall have more to look forward to from you which keeps me motivated to write more.
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That sounds like an excellent and inspiring collection – thank you for sharing this review.
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It was late in coming but I finally get there in the end, I’m on a roll of late with reviews, or at least posting them.
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These anthologies are excellent and are a great way of trying out a genre or an author without putting too much pressure on young people. The artwork and titles on the cover look really familiar but I know I haven’t read any of the three anthologies published so far. Weird!
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They bring to my mind the covers of Peter Hamilton’s books, I haven’t read any of them but for some reason always seem to recall them. I never really bothered with anthologies but I am now getting into them which is always dangerous for the pocket.
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Yes, I know what you mean about anthologies 😮 I don’t know Peter Hamilton so I’m not sure about that connection. I’ll have to have another think about this – it’s probably all in my mind (which is full of old rubbish and lots of cobwebs).
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Hi Ste J! Nice post! Btw I have nominated you for the Mystery Blogger Award. You can check it out here: https://poshtofu.wordpress.com/2017/01/22/mystery-blogger-award/ Love your posts forever and ever!
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Sorry for the late reply, your comment dropped into the spam box for some reason. I don’t do awards these days, as I have so much on with authors sending me books that they they want reviewed but thank you anyway and I will reply with my answers shortly.
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Woah. Thank you for checking your spam box and letting me know about it. Anyway, thank you so much for answering my questions. As always, i love reading your words.
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Thanks for giving my brain a workout on what was a bit of a lazy day yesterday, I do enjoy a challenge and also your support.
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Always.
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I might just get this for a quick and easy read
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It’s got some great ideas in it and is a worthy diversion.
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Wow! Another fab reblog for Kids’ Month!
Also, I watched the trailer, and I totally make the Star Trek: Voyager connection>
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Feel free to reblog anything you see on the blog my friend, I am reading another YA book now so you may have another reblog on your hands soon.
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Yay!!!! I am very excited about Kids’ month!
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Bravo to the authors – it’s a great and noble idea, a project worth supporting. Thank you for introducing us to it!
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It sure is, the Kickstarter for the 2018 version will go live in August which always gives back for each donation which always helps as well.
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Reblogged this on Journal Edge.
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