Bibliography

Giles, L. et al. (2018). Fresh Ink: An anthology. New York, NY. Penguin Random House LLC.

Plot Summary

This anthology has twelve short stories that depict teenagers in different situations. Shay, Dante,Tamia, Hubie, Shirin, Yasi, Ramses, Rosie, Zakary, Jasmine, Tommy (Chloe), X and Syrita. These teenagers face many societal issues. These issues can stem from young romance, racism, overcoming obstacles, violence, sexual orientation (transgender), gang violence and police brutality. 

Critical Analysis

This novel is an anthology because it contains twelve short stories that were written by different authors. They collaborated together to compile the stories that depict teenager’s social issues. Some of the stories can be categorized as realistic fiction because they have events that can happen in real life. However, there are other stories like Super Human and A Stranger At The Bonchinche which might be considered fantasy or Science fiction because they have elements of superhuman strength and machines that make humans fly.  The short story titled Don’t Pass Me By is excellent at displaying bullying and racism against Native Americans. Even Though, these short stories depict many societal issues mentioned above, the theme ultimately is perseverance, love, hope and friendship. 

Strengths: The character development is excellent and the plot is easy to follow. 

Weaknesses: The ending of some of the short stories is not clear. They leave the reader hanging or wanting to read more about the characters. 

Review excerpt (SLJ)

https://www.slj.com/review/fresh-ink-an-anthology

 Reviewed by Kaetlyn Phillips, Yorkton, Sask. , Jun 01, 2018

Review excerpt (Booklist)

https://www.booklistonline.com/Fresh-Ink-Ed-by-Lamar-Giles/pid=9709036

First published February 15, 2019 (Booklist). Becca Boland