Starred Review. Grade 8 UpβThis inspiring collection of short stories contains contributions from authors who are well known in the science-fiction genre, including Neil Gaiman, Corey Doctorow, Garth Nix, and Scott Westerfeld. As the subtitle indicates, the selections look forward to what life might be like in the distant, and not-so-distant, future. Some common sci-fi tropes are explored, including alien visits to Earth and overpowering computer games, as well as some less familiar styles and topics such as the future of vampirism and a particularly interesting story written as answers to an unseen questionnaire. Each of the tales is not only entertaining to read, but also provides a thought-provoking element to consider. This anthology provides ample opportunities for new readers to sample the genre and will keep die-hard fans content. Quality stories by authors at the height of their craft make this anthology a must-have for any library.
ASS-HAT MAGIC SPIDER by Scott Westerfeld
CHEATS by Ann Halam
ORANGE by Neil Gaiman
THE SURFER by Kelly Link
REPAIR KIT by Stephen Baxter
THE DISMANTLED INVENTION OF FATE by Jeffrey Ford
ANDAβS GAME by Cory Doctorow
SUNDIVER DAY by Kathleen Ann Goonan
THE DUST ASSASSIN by Ian McDonald
THE STAR SURGEONβS APPRENTICE by Alastair Reynolds
AN HONEST DAYβS WORK by Margo Lanagan
LOST CONTINENT by Greg Egan
INCOMERS by Paul McAuley
POST-IRONIC STRESS SYNDROME by Tricia Sullivan
INFESTATION by Garth Nix
PINOCCHIO by Walter Jon Williams