"If any proof were needed that literature for young adults has come of age, Lisa Heggum has provided it in this extraordinary anthology, which demonstrates-once and for all-the inextricable connection between young adult and adult literature. Older teens and adults will recognize the commonalities of their interests and experiences in these superbly realized and selected short stories. Bravo " -Michael Cart, Booklist columnist and Founding Editor of Rush Hour "Dark, tender, and funny, this is the book I wanted when I was a teen." -Maggie MacDonald, author of Kill the Robot and member of the Hidden Cameras and Republic of Safety This anthology combines powerful young adult fiction and adult fiction with teen appeal. It gathers stories of interest to older teen readers, an often overlooked group. Many teens think young adult books are too simple or out of touch, or both. They often skip them entirely and turn to adult books, thinking they are more challenging. But these readers often have trouble locating adult literature that deals with issues relevant to their lives. The stories in this collection are funny, nasty, playful, heartbreaking, angry, honest, authentic and surreal. They're about family, friends, obstacles, searching, love, loss, music, sex, discovery and growing up. Lisa Heggum, a librarian passionate about reaching older teen readers, has gathered stories from some of the brightest lights writing today. Authors included in this anthology: Gil Adamson Diana Aspin Gary Barwin Martha Brooks Ivan E. Coyote Brian Doyle Anne Fleming Lee Henderson James Henegan Sheila Heti Susan Kernohan Carrie Mac Derek McCormack Janet McNaughton Joe Ollmann Michel Rabagliati Stuart Ross Arthur Slade Susannah M. Smith Ania Szado Madeleine Thien Tim Wynne-Jones Lisa Heggum is an award-winning teen services librarian who began her career in New York City and currently works as the Youth Collections Librarian for the Toronto Public Library-the largest public library system in North America. Lisa is active in the Ontario, Canadian, and American Library Associations.