Review By: Corinne Blair
Author: Thien Pham, Jason Reynolds, Aninah Mae Safi, Gene Luen Yang, Nicola Yoon
Published: 2018, Crown Books for Young Readers
Genre: Short Stories, Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Fantasy, LGBQTIA+, Anthologies, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Audience: 9, 10, 11, 12, Adult
Triggers: None
Summary: Careful–you are holding fresh ink. And not hot-off-the-press, still-drying-in-your-hands ink. Instead, you are holding twelve stories with endings that are still being written–whose next chapters are up to you. Because these stories are meant to be read. And shared. Thirteen of the most accomplished YA authors deliver a label-defying anthology that includes ten short stories, a graphic novel, and a one-act play. This collection will inspire you to break conventions, bend the rules, and color outside the lines. All you need is fresh ink.
Review: This was a really powerful book and I loved the set up of short stories. The stories cover important topics like racism, police violence, LGBTQ+ identity, and the struggles of growing up. Each story is different, but they all share one thing in common: they highlight experiences that are often ignored or not represented in popular books. One special feature is a graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang, which adds a visual element that makes the anthology even more engaging. What makes “Fresh Ink” really stand out is how it connects with readers personally. The characters feel real, the situations they face are believable, and the emotions they express are genuine. Whether it’s about dealing with identity, facing pressure from society, or just trying to find where they fit in, these stories resonate with readers from all backgrounds. This anthology celebrates diverse voices and shows why representation in literature is so important. I really enjoyed the short story, Why I Learned to Cook by Sara Farizan in this book. It tells the powerful story of Yasaman, a young Iranian-American girl who decides to learn how to cook traditional Persian dishes from her grandmother. This choice helps her connect with her cultural background while also dealing with her identity as she is in a relationship with a girl named Hannah. Yasaman struggles with the fear of coming out to her traditional grandmother, which adds tension to her journey. As she learns to cook, she discovers her grandmother’s challenges and sacrifices, helping her understand her family’s history better. The story shows the bravery it takes to accept who you are and the love that comes from being true to yourself, making it a memorable piece that resonates with readers on many levels. This was a quick but powerful read that I think is so important!
