Hi everyone, this week’s post is a short-ish booklist post of short stories I have enjoyed over the years. You would think it’s easy to write a short story, but after reading these books I’m sure you will change your mind, like me!! Hope you enjoy my selection…
Rain Stones by Jackie French was one I really enjoyed even if I had picked up the 25th Anniversary edition of her famed work.
What this book is about: ‘Rain Stones’ and the other stories in this collection reveal that the country is a magical place, that there is an extra dimension to be found by those whose minds and hearts are open to the possibility. Michael knows that the hills around Canberra are sleeping dinosaurs waiting for darkness to fall to begin their nightly dance. Jacob is blind, but he can show his friends things they never dreamt existed. And Helen is hoping that the rain stones will bring rain to the parched land where everything is dying. Powerful, imaginative, and moving, this collection of short stories reveals the extraordinary early talent of this remarkable writer, who to date has written over 140 books and was the 2014-15 Australian Children’s Laureate.
My review: I didn’t realise this was Jackie French’s very first book reprinted for its 25th anniversary!! What a delightful read it was!! To think even when she started writing she had that much talent and imagination!! I also love the Afterword where readers can find out how it all began and what happened to make her what and who she is today!! Awesome read!!
My rating: 5 ⭐
In Flying lessons and other stories edited by bestselling Ellen Oh, we get a collection of diverse short stories from an amazing collection of authors along with We Need Diverse Books.
What this book is about: Whether it is basketball dreams, family fiascos, first crushes or new neighbourhoods. These stories celebrate the uniqueness in all of us. Award-winning and best-selling middle grade authors Kwame Alexander, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Pena, Tim Federle, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, Walter Dean Myers, Tim Tingle and Jacqueline Woodson are joined by newcomer Kelly J. Baptiste in this anthology partnership with ‘We Need Diverse Books’, edited by Ellen Oh. From ten distinct authors come ten unique stories reaching for flight. Dedicated to Walter Dean Myers – who believed that young people need to see themselves reflected in the pages of the books they read.
My review: What an exciting and eclectic collection of stories these were!! Each one celebrated the diverse nature of kids of all races!! I found some awesome and great stories!! Some exceptional writing from these authors!!
My rating: 5 ⭐
Once upon an Eid, edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed, gave me an illuminating introduction to the amazing world of Muslim writers.
What this book is about: Once upon an Eid is a collection of short stories that showcases the most brilliant Muslim voices writing today, all about the most joyful holiday of the year: Eid.
Eid: the short, single-syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it’s waking up to the sound of frying samosas or the comfort of bean pie, maybe it’s the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it’s the gift giving and holiday parties to come that day. Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy. The anthology will also include a poem, graphic-novel chapter, and spot illustrations.
Contributors: G. Willow Wilson, Henna Khan, N.H. Senzai, Hanna Alkaf, Rukshana Khan, Randa Abdel-Fattah, Ashley Franklin, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Candice Montgomery, Huda Al-Marash, Ayesha Mattu, Asura Hussein & Sam Alfageeh.
My review: Wow!! What a lovely collection of stories this was!! I learned so much about the different ways Eid is celebrated by Muslims around the world and what it means to the young children growing up in this modern world. Each story took me deep within myself and I found myself thinking about the way we also celebrate in my culture. A truly remarkable celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr!! You could almost see the bright and vibrant clothes, taste the yummy food and smell the aromas!! A great read!!
My rating: 5 ⭐
Miss Mahee's Library of Reads 