FRESH INK starts off with an introduction from editor Lamar Giles, who talks about not finding himself represented in literature as a child. Because of this, he found himself wondering what other kids like him thought as they read about characters who were not diverse or did not fit outside of the norm. This was the perfect start to a collection of short stories that are relatable and vividly realistic in today's society.
This collection of short stories, written by some of the top names in young adult literature, includes a one-act play, a graphic short story, and several short stories that are sure to get the imagination working overtime. Everything from humor, romance, history, drama, and cooking are included in this remarkable collection. A true roller coaster of emotions lies within the pages of these dynamic short stories.
A diverse collection of character backgrounds that feature African- American, Asian, Native American, Latinx, Persian, Filipino, other backgrounds, as well as LGBTQ characters. The storylines are quite complex despite each story being quite short. They are just the right length to get the wheels turning in your imagination to make the story an overall memorable read.
FRESH INK has a wonderful set of characters that are realistic and relatable with storylines that are sure to stay with you long after reading. If you are a fan of any or all of the young adult authors that are included in this collection you are going to love FRESH INK! You won't be disappointed.
All it takes to rewrite the rules is a little
fresh ink in this remarkable YA anthology from thirteen of
the most recognizable, diverse authors writing today
including Nicola Yoon, Jason Reynolds, Melissa de la Cruz,
and many more, and published in partnership with We Need
Diverse Books. This collection features ten short stories, a
graphic short story, and a one-act play from Walter Dean
Myers never before in-print. It will give readers the
opportunity to discover how the next chapter is up to them.
"I absolutely love this mix of established and
newer talents, and I'm really intrigued and excited by the
mixed formats."—BookRiot
Careful—you are holding fresh ink. And not hot-off-
the-press, still-drying-in-your-hands ink. Instead, you are
holding twelve stories with endings that are still being
written—whose next chapters are up to you.
Because these stories are meant to be read. And shared.
Thirteen of the most accomplished YA authors deliver
a label-defying anthology that includes ten short stories, a
graphic novel, and a one-act play about topics like
gentrification, acceptance, untimely death, coming out, and
poverty and ranging in genre from contemporary realistic
fiction to adventure and romance. This collection will
inspire you to break conventions, bend the rules, and color
outside the lines. All you need is fresh ink.
AUTHORS INCLUDE: Schuyler Bailar, Melissa de la Cruz, Sara
Farizan, Sharon G. Flake, Eric Gansworth, Malindo Lo, Walter
Dean Myers, Daniel José Older, Thien Pham, Jason
Reynolds, Aminah Mae Safi, Gene Luen Yang, Nicola Yoon
© 2003-2026