In the introduction, Lamar Giles, editor of FRESH INK: AN ANTHOLOGY, talks about not finding himself represented in literature as a child. Or when black young men were characters, they were stereotypes, sidekicks and murder victims. I grew up in a very white small town, never thinking about race until I saw the miniseries Roots. Like Giles, I was a voracious reader. I remember seeing the book ROLL OF THUNDER HEAR MY CRY in the library, passing it over because I had no interest in reading about a black girl. A metaphoric lightbulb flashed in my head, as I wondered how black kids felt always reading about white kids.

FRESH INK is such an important book of short stories, from some of the top names in YA lit including a graphic short story and a one act play. Readers are treated to stories of minority (in the USA) races, religions, sexual orientations and gender expressions in genres from contemporary to historical fiction to fantasy. FRESH INK would be a perfect anthology for students. There’s something for everyone and the stories of family, acceptance, love, life and death are universal.

I’ve read most of the writers prior to FRESH INK, so these never before published short stories were an extra treat for me. I hope everyone decides to give FRESH INK a try. You won’t be disappointed.