The 2018 Young Explorer's Adventure Guide

Join us for the fourth year of the Young Explorer's Adventure Guide anthology - 24 amazing science fiction stories for middle grade readers.  

“When I was a child, the school library had a Girls’ Section, which included fairy tales, and a Boys’ Section, which included all the science fiction. Things have changed, of course, but not enough. There is a strong need for science fiction, as opposed to fantasy, aimed at girls, especially in the middle grades. This anthology is an important contribution to the effort to fill that need, and I’m delighted to be a part of it.”~ Nancy Kress, winner of six Nebulas, two Hugos, a Sturgeon, and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award    

We’ve got another great collection of 24 stories from amazing authors, ranging from Nebula and Hugo winners to relative newcomers to the field. Our characters are white, black, asian, latino. Human and robot. Everyone belongs here.

Here's what parents, kids and reviewers have said about previous collections: 

"This collection of short science fiction is an ideal entrée to the genre for neophytes, as it’s not laden with heavy doses of technological jargon or larded with dystopian violence. Offering just the right amount of imagination, humor, and contemporary nuances to engage young readers, this is a must-have in science-fiction collections serving middle graders and teens. " ~ Kirkus Review of Books, for the 2017 edition

"There are not very many action, adventure, superhero, or sci-fi stories that feature girls, but there needs to be. I have read this whole book and now I have become even more interested in space and robots and things like that." ~ Lily F. (10 years old)

“I backed the book for my 6-year-old daughter. I had to pry it out of her hands to get her to go to bed. She has declared it her favorite book.” ~ Gary D. 

 “My daughter is on the couch presently, reading her copy, which I handed to her approximately 3 minutes ago. She is engrossed. Thank you.” ~ Matthew M. 

 “Entertaining, varied and enrapturing - my young wards for the weekend have positively devoured the book and I'll admit enjoying it myself once they very reluctantly set it down.” ~ Andro B.

"While I was funding you last night, my 8-yr old daughter came by and asked what I was doing. When I explained that I was funding the second volume of this, she said that she liked the first volume so much that she wanted to give you $5 of her own money, so she went and got her bank, and I upped my donation by $5. :-)" ~ Warren B.