Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

RURAL VOICES is a YA anthology of stories that encapture so many of the stereotypes of small-town life. I can see younger readers identifying with many of the stories and finding themselves among the text. I enjoyed the variety of media used- poetry, graphics, and personal essays. Not coming from a rural environment myself, I still identified with many of the stories. This would be an ideal purchase for a school library and a public libraries as well. It demonstrates that not only are stereotypes not always true, but we all are more alike than we think.

This is a beautiful anthology of texts exploring the stereotypes surrounding rural communities and the vast backgrounds of individuals who call small towns, countrysides, and a variety of quiet spaces their home. As a girl who grew up in a small rural town, I find my voice heard through so many experiences shared here. Perhaps some of the most poignant collections are the poetry/prose woven throughout the book. There are strong-willed characters, overarching themes, and the need for beautiful words to be heard throughout these pieces. This would be an ideal acquisition for higher level 8-12 grade classrooms looking to incorporate narrative structures with a punch, or looking for stories influenced by author's experiences. Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.