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2018 Young Explorer’s Adventure Guide
Girls, Boys, Robots -
Everyone is Welcome here!
What’s it like to be a space station detective? To be homesick for Mars? What do you say when your robot
gets you in trouble?
Join the adventures of a diverse cast of characters in this year’s Young Explorer’s Adventure Guide, featuring award-winning writers alongside great new voices. If you’re lucky, you might even learn how to raise a dragon from a chicken egg or where to find the best space treasure.
Everyone is Welcome here!
What’s it like to be a space station detective? To be homesick for Mars? What do you say when your robot
gets you in trouble?
Join the adventures of a diverse cast of characters in this year’s Young Explorer’s Adventure Guide, featuring award-winning writers alongside great new voices. If you’re lucky, you might even learn how to raise a dragon from a chicken egg or where to find the best space treasure.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2017
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26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 1, 2017
Several excellent works with great ideas and world-building start off this fourth anthology of Young Explorers Adventures. One of them is from the respected author Nancy Kress, who is also quoted in the blurb on Net-Galley and the same quotes for this edition are used in earlier blurbs on Goodreads.
I really enjoyed the first six or so stories. With the anthologies I've read recently, I've enjoyed being able to read a whole story in one sitting. I was also keen to get back and see what jewel awaited me next. Somewhere along the line this anthology lost its sparkle. There was nothing wrong with the last couple of stories I'd read, but nothing was pulling me back to the next one. It's possible that after the early, highly innovative stories, the ones in the middle were reminiscent of earlier plots or well-known worlds. I can't put my finger on it; they were nicely written, but lacked the inventiveness of others. I know I feel lacking in inspiration at present, but the last one to inspire me was the girl who lived in a mining ship that either was, or bore a distinct resemblance to, a squid. I think it actually was a spacesquid. It was brilliant, with a well-told twist on an otherwise predictable plot.
Middle graders tend not to be too concerned with originality in plot. That seems to be something craved by older readers - as in 'I didn't see that coming'. For younger readers, the authorities recommend a safe outcome from a dangerous situation. So I'm not too concerned about that. I was a little disappointed by stories set in the author's series worlds that really aimed to give you a taster for the series, rather than a self-contained story. That was a shame in one, in particular, where the protagonist had to decide between an operation which would lead her to years of servitude, or blindness and freedom. I'd like to know how that worked out, but the protags didn't do it for me.
All in all, the idea of the anthology series for younger readers is good, and there are excellent stories in this one.
I really enjoyed the first six or so stories. With the anthologies I've read recently, I've enjoyed being able to read a whole story in one sitting. I was also keen to get back and see what jewel awaited me next. Somewhere along the line this anthology lost its sparkle. There was nothing wrong with the last couple of stories I'd read, but nothing was pulling me back to the next one. It's possible that after the early, highly innovative stories, the ones in the middle were reminiscent of earlier plots or well-known worlds. I can't put my finger on it; they were nicely written, but lacked the inventiveness of others. I know I feel lacking in inspiration at present, but the last one to inspire me was the girl who lived in a mining ship that either was, or bore a distinct resemblance to, a squid. I think it actually was a spacesquid. It was brilliant, with a well-told twist on an otherwise predictable plot.
Middle graders tend not to be too concerned with originality in plot. That seems to be something craved by older readers - as in 'I didn't see that coming'. For younger readers, the authorities recommend a safe outcome from a dangerous situation. So I'm not too concerned about that. I was a little disappointed by stories set in the author's series worlds that really aimed to give you a taster for the series, rather than a self-contained story. That was a shame in one, in particular, where the protagonist had to decide between an operation which would lead her to years of servitude, or blindness and freedom. I'd like to know how that worked out, but the protags didn't do it for me.
All in all, the idea of the anthology series for younger readers is good, and there are excellent stories in this one.
November 24, 2017
Editors Sean and Corie Weaver have done yeoman’s work in compiling this wonderful anthology of science-fiction short stories sure to appeal to young explorers and older ones, too. This collection contains stories from writers of every experience level, be it newcomers, six-time Nebula winner Nancy Kress and everything in between.
Speaking of Kress, the book kicks off with her “The Great Broccoli Wi-Fi Theft,” a charming beginning. Other highlights include the offbeat “The Sting of the Irukandji” by Australian author Kristy Evangelista, “No Place Like” by newcomer William Wolfe, with its twist ending; the charming “Nocturnal Noise” by another newcomer, L.G. Keltner, and my favorite, “On the Lam on Luna” by Morgan Bliss. However, I enjoyed every single short story in this eclectic collection — a rarity with anthologies. Highly recommended.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Dreaming Robot Press in exchange for an honest review.
Speaking of Kress, the book kicks off with her “The Great Broccoli Wi-Fi Theft,” a charming beginning. Other highlights include the offbeat “The Sting of the Irukandji” by Australian author Kristy Evangelista, “No Place Like” by newcomer William Wolfe, with its twist ending; the charming “Nocturnal Noise” by another newcomer, L.G. Keltner, and my favorite, “On the Lam on Luna” by Morgan Bliss. However, I enjoyed every single short story in this eclectic collection — a rarity with anthologies. Highly recommended.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Dreaming Robot Press in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2018
The Young Explorer’s Adventure Guide, Volume 5, edited by Sean & Corie Weaver, is a fun collection of science-fiction stories for middle-grade readers. Journeying to planets both known and unknown, these futuristic tales star robots, space pirates, and plenty of smart, daring and diverse kids. What reader wouldn’t fall headfirst into an adventure on an airship, a high-voltage car race of the future, or pilot a shuttle into uncharted space to discover a new moon? This is a book that young readers won’t want to stop reading once they begin.
From the very first story, Machine Language - of thirteen-year old Yuka, who lives in a spaceship colony, has a prosthetic arm and works as a rover controller - I noticed how diversity and differences are highlighted. Another theme that runs throughout the stories is one of overcoming adversity in often life-threatening situations. Often, as in Yuka’s story - this is done through a mixture of human skill, technology - but also connection. Sometimes that connection is with robots, space dragons, or woomarrin aliens - other times it is with friends and family. Whichever way the authors of these stories chose to send their characters on journeys, and with whom - each one brought not only swashbuckling, high-flying fun but also a healthy dose of heart in the process. My favorite story in the collection was the airship adventure of Juliet Silver and the Orb of Fortunes, which starred Juliet as the pirate captain of the Realm of Impossibility, includes a masked ball, a theft & of course, space-pirate action!
Young reader’s imaginations will be sparked by this exciting, creative anthology. With diverse characters, fun plots and a healthy dose of humanity and heart to go along with its futuristic adventures - The Young Explorer’s Guide, Volume 5 is a collection of science-fiction stories that will delight middle-grade readers.
*Received ARC from NetGalley & Dreaming Robot Press in exchange for an honest review.
From the very first story, Machine Language - of thirteen-year old Yuka, who lives in a spaceship colony, has a prosthetic arm and works as a rover controller - I noticed how diversity and differences are highlighted. Another theme that runs throughout the stories is one of overcoming adversity in often life-threatening situations. Often, as in Yuka’s story - this is done through a mixture of human skill, technology - but also connection. Sometimes that connection is with robots, space dragons, or woomarrin aliens - other times it is with friends and family. Whichever way the authors of these stories chose to send their characters on journeys, and with whom - each one brought not only swashbuckling, high-flying fun but also a healthy dose of heart in the process. My favorite story in the collection was the airship adventure of Juliet Silver and the Orb of Fortunes, which starred Juliet as the pirate captain of the Realm of Impossibility, includes a masked ball, a theft & of course, space-pirate action!
Young reader’s imaginations will be sparked by this exciting, creative anthology. With diverse characters, fun plots and a healthy dose of humanity and heart to go along with its futuristic adventures - The Young Explorer’s Guide, Volume 5 is a collection of science-fiction stories that will delight middle-grade readers.
*Received ARC from NetGalley & Dreaming Robot Press in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2017
I have not read the other Young Explorer's Adventure Guides, but this was a very refreshing and different anthology written by authors with varying experiences of writing. I love scifi, and as an adult, I was engrossed in these stories, There's sometimes humor or references to Earth life thrown in which ring true, and every story is different from the next. There's certainly a lot of action, adventure exploring and fun to be had within the pages of this book. Every story brings something to this anthology, and I was pleased to read work by authors who were all new to me.
The Great Broccoli Wifi Theft made for such a fun beginning, I was also taken by The Sting of the Irikundji, which was a fun and quirky tale. Nocturnal Noise was also brilliant. I liked the way that many of the stories touched on disability or another difficulty in life that the characters had. As. a person living with disabilities myself, I identified with them. I especially liked the author's portrayal of Amélie in Polaris in the Dark.
The anthology is great to read straight through, as I did, or to dip into whenever you like. I can see myself being interested in other volumes of the anthology if they are released in future years.
Overall, the book taught about families, aspects of disabilities and adventure. I'd recommend it to children and adults alike whether you are a scifi fan or not, because we can all learn something from it.
Thank you to all the participating authors and Dancing Robot Press for an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an. honest review.
The Great Broccoli Wifi Theft made for such a fun beginning, I was also taken by The Sting of the Irikundji, which was a fun and quirky tale. Nocturnal Noise was also brilliant. I liked the way that many of the stories touched on disability or another difficulty in life that the characters had. As. a person living with disabilities myself, I identified with them. I especially liked the author's portrayal of Amélie in Polaris in the Dark.
The anthology is great to read straight through, as I did, or to dip into whenever you like. I can see myself being interested in other volumes of the anthology if they are released in future years.
Overall, the book taught about families, aspects of disabilities and adventure. I'd recommend it to children and adults alike whether you are a scifi fan or not, because we can all learn something from it.
Thank you to all the participating authors and Dancing Robot Press for an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an. honest review.
December 2, 2017
Full disclosure, I wrote one of the stories in this anthology (hope you liked it!), but that’s not why I’m rating this book 5 stars. I had so much fun reading all these stories, seeing all kinds of perspectives of our universe. I had some stories which I liked more than others, but even the stories I didn’t like as much I still found to be really great. I just flew through the book in about 4 hours, and I’m looking forward to picking up the 2015, 2016, and 2017 young explorer’s adventure guides soon.
December 4, 2017
It's hard to give an anthology five stars, because there's naturally variation, but I like this series a lot, and this is another fine edition. I wished some of the stories were longer and at least one of them moved me to tears.
April 18, 2022
The Young Explorer’s Adventurer’s Guide anthology series (now in its fourth year) is unique in providing an annual collection of scifi stories aimed at middle grade audiences. I’ve noticed that there’s generally a lack of SFF short fiction markets and material around for this age group, so it’s refreshing to see an example of well-established and well put together anthology.
The 24 stories in this collection range widely in their material, narrative style and even how they approach writing for a middle grade audience. They include stories about kids having adventures on space stations, reconnecting a long-abandoned Earth ecology, exploring new planets with their parents, learning to communicate with alien species, and finding treasures and parts of their society the adults would rather keep secret. The protagonists of these stories are wonderfully diverse, too, focusing on kids from different class and race backgrounds, different genders, and often with physical disabilities that are in no way getting in the way of them having adventures and making a difference.
Highlights for me included:
“Dance Like You’re Alone in Your Environmental Pod” by Eric Del Carlo
“Fluffy Pets are Best” by Holly Schofield
“Station Run” by Sherry D. Ramsey
“On the Lam on Luna” by Morgan Bliss
“Nocturnal Noise” by L.G. Keltner
“Clockwork Carabao” by Marilag Angway
The variety of stories included here is a bit of a double-edged sword, though. I found that that it meant that there were more stories that didn’t grab me than did, and that the tone of the stories varied from patronising to seemingly too complex or adult in concepts or morality. I found the collection a bit uneven in that sense and while this is a good, broad selection of stories, they didn’t quite come together as a coherent whole anthology for me.
Having said that I think it’s the correct decision by the editors. This anthology is aimed at middle grade audiences who may be encountering scifi content for the first time and should therefore be trying to cover as much conceptual ground as possible to have the greatest possible chance of resonating with the audience. The 2018 Young Adventurer’s Guide certainly does an excellent job at that.
I’m keen to read future annual editions of this anthology and would love to see if Dreaming Robot Press has plans to expand their range of publications for this age group (thematically linked anthologies perhaps?).
An advance copy of this book was kindly provided by Dreaming Robot Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The 24 stories in this collection range widely in their material, narrative style and even how they approach writing for a middle grade audience. They include stories about kids having adventures on space stations, reconnecting a long-abandoned Earth ecology, exploring new planets with their parents, learning to communicate with alien species, and finding treasures and parts of their society the adults would rather keep secret. The protagonists of these stories are wonderfully diverse, too, focusing on kids from different class and race backgrounds, different genders, and often with physical disabilities that are in no way getting in the way of them having adventures and making a difference.
Highlights for me included:
“Dance Like You’re Alone in Your Environmental Pod” by Eric Del Carlo
“Fluffy Pets are Best” by Holly Schofield
“Station Run” by Sherry D. Ramsey
“On the Lam on Luna” by Morgan Bliss
“Nocturnal Noise” by L.G. Keltner
“Clockwork Carabao” by Marilag Angway
The variety of stories included here is a bit of a double-edged sword, though. I found that that it meant that there were more stories that didn’t grab me than did, and that the tone of the stories varied from patronising to seemingly too complex or adult in concepts or morality. I found the collection a bit uneven in that sense and while this is a good, broad selection of stories, they didn’t quite come together as a coherent whole anthology for me.
Having said that I think it’s the correct decision by the editors. This anthology is aimed at middle grade audiences who may be encountering scifi content for the first time and should therefore be trying to cover as much conceptual ground as possible to have the greatest possible chance of resonating with the audience. The 2018 Young Adventurer’s Guide certainly does an excellent job at that.
I’m keen to read future annual editions of this anthology and would love to see if Dreaming Robot Press has plans to expand their range of publications for this age group (thematically linked anthologies perhaps?).
An advance copy of this book was kindly provided by Dreaming Robot Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2018
The latest installment in the Young Explorer's Adventure Guide offers a fresh new batch of intriguing, thought-provoking, and entertaining short fiction for young (and young-at-heart!) readers. I'm always pleasantly surprised at the new ideas, varied settings, and brilliant and diverse characters presented in these stories. I know there are many young readers who will thrill to the sense of wonder and discovery these tales offer.
Full disclosure--I have a story in this volume, so of course my remarks don't apply to my own! :)
Full disclosure--I have a story in this volume, so of course my remarks don't apply to my own! :)
February 19, 2018
A fun collection of well-done YA science fiction shorts. The pieces range from tense, to funny, to sweet, and there were enough standouts I won't try to name them all. Like so many small-press books, there were spots that could have used a firmer—or perhaps more practiced—editorial hand, but except for one or two places nothing so jarring that it detracted from my enjoyment.
I read the 2017 anthology, and I liked this one even more. I'll certainly be getting next year's when it comes out.
I read the 2017 anthology, and I liked this one even more. I'll certainly be getting next year's when it comes out.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews