Girls need to read stories where any number of possible roles are modeled for them. Just as importantly, boys need to read stories where girls are active participants in adventures. And children of all colors and backgrounds need to know the future includes them.

The Kickstarter for the Young Explorer's Adventure Guide is up -- if you or a kid in your life is interested in middle grades science fiction, please consider backing the project and spreading the word! I think it'll be a fun anthology, including 20 stories by some great authors.

$5 will get you a DRM-free electronic copy of the anthology; $20 will get you a paper copy or let you donate a paper copy to your local library or school. Higher backer rewards include story critiques, additional books, and the opportunity to have the name of a character in one of the anthology's stories changed to the name of your choice. Go check it out!