Book Review: Other Realities: A Collection of Fantasy, Fiction and Something in Between By Young Writers
Other Realities: A Collection of Fantasy, Fiction, And Something in Between by Young Writers. Compiled by K.B. Jensen and Shelly Wilhelm. Written by Matilda Bosch, Ellyse Brumfield, Monte Canales, Niya Girish, Jaymie Gruber, Kayla Hari, Isabella Koroleva, Chloe Mosher, Rishi Niranjan, Anika Srinivasan, Alusha Vostrikova, Blue Square Publishing, November 17, 2021, Paperback and eBook, 170 pages.
Review by Barbara Belford.
Other Realities is an anthology of short stories by young writers, ages 11 to 13, who attended a virtual writing camp offered by My Word Publishing to help kids cope with the loss of summer programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All serious writers yearn for safe places where they can share their writing and hone their craft, and these young writers are no different. Because they are in the beginning stages of experimenting with style and genre, their stories are wonderful glimpses into what their writing futures might become. These stories are like rocks in a polishing tumbler or clay on a potter’s wheel—and I enjoyed witnessing their development. These stories gave me such hope for our next generation of authors.
As a teacher, I know how much work an anthology can be. It’s a much larger project than just dotting i’s and crossing t’s, and to do it well—without squelching the creativity and enthusiasm of the young authors—is a delicate task. Each of these short stories shows the dedication of both the writer and their mentor.
The anthology format illuminates the authors in a special way—with a dedication and a short bio—that gave me insight into their personalities and interests, which added even more depth to the stories. As a bonus, lined pages in the back of the book are springboards for readers to write their own short stories.
This would be a perfect book in a middle school library to serve as inspiration for kids who lack the confidence to write and to prove that writing is meant to be shared. It can also serve as a mentor text for what works well and what might need revising because, of course, these stories aren’t perfect. But, they are written with the creative passion that true writers possess. As Beethoven says, “To play a wrong note is insignificant, to play without passion is inexcusable.” I’m so glad these writers shared their writing with the world and didn’t wait until they got it all right. I even learned some techniques to try in my own writing as I face the challenges of story arc and point of view.
Some specific notes about each individual story:
“A Glitch in the System” has a wonderful twist and an unusual concept when technology goes off the rails.
To combat an old man’s attack, Jason and Max must use their ingenuity in “Gumdrop Invasion.” I found myself immersed in the imagery of this funny story.
The perils of eating a fluffernutter sandwich before bed forces the protagonist to save herself in “The Secret Land of Magitopia.”
An ingenious use of breaking the fourth wall gives “A Day in Orangia” a savvy voice. Her comments throughout the piece made me laugh out loud.
Any lover of sweets will salivate at the setting of “The Princess and the Peacock.”
“Home”—one of the more serious stories—explores the theme of being content with what you have and not being too quick to throw it away for an inherited treasure.
The depth of emotion in “Story in Verse” gave me chills as the protagonist goes through some of the stages of grief. My favorite line: “Father was meant to be a who. Not a when.”
Where do we go when we’re unconscious? “Pain, Only Pain” gives us a clue as the protagonist experiences a deep sense of pain and loss.
“She’s Part of My Zodiac Sign” is written as journal entries—already a unique type of structure—but even more unusual as the narrator writes as two people—herself and her frightening alter ego.
Something as simple as eating an orange begins a strange journey into an alternate reality in “Oranges.” I really enjoyed the dialogue in this story.
If only we could wage war against disease from the inside out like the protagonist in “Red Everywhere,” who enters his body in response to an induced coma as a treatment for cancer. Jacob and his army fight against Lord Cancirious and win. From now on, I will forever be hopeful that this is what our brain can tell our body to do!
I hope there will be many sequels to this anthology and that I will have the honor of reading the works of future authors.