In Short, Read These

This year, we’ve seen a lot of quality novels, but we’ve also seen some notable short story collections and anthologies.’  Short story collections might not sell huge numbers, but they do provide for worthy discussions and make a great choice for both teens and librarians who are short on time but want an enjoyable, complete story.’  I’ve been a big fan of short stories all my life, from fairy tales to Shirley Jackson to Margo Lanagan.’ ‘  Here are some books that will both complete and diversify your collection.

First Kiss (Then Tell): A Collection of True Lip-Locked Moments edited by Cylin Busby.’  They’re hilarious!’  They’re disgusting!’  They’re first kisses!

Love is Hell by Justine Larbalestier, Melissa Marr, Laurie Faria Stolarz, Scott Westerfeld, and Gabrielle Zevin.’  True love between zombies and humans is almost always doomed.

Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle.’  A snowstorm blankets three stranded teens in angst and waffles.

Pretty Monsters by Kelly Link.’  Digging up dead girlfriends.’  Worlds in handbags.’  It’s all normal here.

Up All Night by Peter Abrahams, Libba Bray, David Levithan, Patricia McCormick, Gene Luen Yang, and Sarah Weeks.’  There’s more to these all-nighters than caffeine and term papers.

Firebirds Soaring edited by Sharyn November.’  Fantastic fantasy and flights of fancy.

How They Met and Other Stories edited by David Levithan.’  Where “nice to meet you” takes on a whole new meaning.

Also, keep an eye out for two highly anticipated short story collections in 2009:’  Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci, and Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan.