School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up--This collection of stories, all set in the nighttime, seamlessly brings together some of the biggest names in YA fiction. While most stories fall into the genres of realistic fiction or romance, the collection also includes a thrilling tale of a party game gone wrong ("Never Have I Ever" by Karen M. McManus), a bone-chilling haunted house horror ("Missing" by Kathleen Glasgow), and a genre-defying superhero story ("Under Our Masks" by Julian Winters). The mix of genres and diverse casts allows the collection to address many issues plaguing teens: first love, self-acceptance, growing apart from friends, and navigating new experiences; many of the entries center around graduating high school and leaving one's hometown and friends behind. Each author shares their own unique voice, yet nothing here feels disjointed or out of place. The volume includes representation of characters with disabilities, characters who are LGBTQIA+, nonbinary characters, and many BIPOC characters without making their identities the central plot point. Similarly, tough topics such as racism, mental illness, and sexuality are included and discussed frankly without seeming preachy. It should be noted that one story (Marieke Nijkamp's "Con Nights, Parallel Hearts") centers abuse and may be triggering for some. VERDICT High-interest stories by popular authors make this a first purchase for high school libraries and teen collections, especially those where YA anthologies, such as Jennifer L. Armentrout's Meet Cute and Sangu Mandanna's Color Outside the Lines are popular.--Mary Kamela, Kenmore West H.S., Buffalo, NY
Publisher's Weekly Review
Multiple genres find a home in this intriguing anthology of 13 stories that each take place over one long night, written by YA authors including Brandy Colbert, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nina LaCour, and Marieke Nijkamp. Featuring characters of varying backgrounds and identities, the grouping kicks off with Karen M. McManus's astonishing "Never Have I Ever," about a high school game that turns into a murder mystery. A disabled teen gets snowed into an Atlanta flower shop with her former best friend in Kayla Whaley's touching "Old Rifts and Snowdrifts." A gay vigilante with "slightly-above-human" powers struggles to come out to his crush in Julian Winters's inspirational "Under Our Masks." And in Laura Silverman's funny "Creature Capture," an introverted high schooler hunts the Loch Ness Monster via an augmented reality game while wrestling with how a relationship has changed. Representing multiple forms of love--between crushes, friends, pets, and siblings--this group of stories offers an inclusive range of narratives and twisty endings alongside sound lessons about love, joy, and life's natural changes. Ages 12--up. (July)
Kirkus Review
Thirteen contemporary short stories by some of today's leading young adult novelists explore how one late night can change the course of everything. Editor Silverman compiles an impressive collection that explores coming-of-age themes, including the thrill of teenage crushes, the whirlwind of preparing for prom, and the adjustments needed to create a blended family, while also featuring a mix of characters diverse in race, sexuality, and gender identity. Grace Finch is the daughter of a respected police detective who joins a group of friends in playing a fateful game that involves sneaking into a rumored haunted house in "Never Have I Ever" by Karen McManus. An introspective teen struggles with the fact that her lifelong friendships are ending in Maurene Goo's "Like Before." While all of the stories are worth reading and savoring, particular standouts include Tiffany D. Jackson's "Shark Bait," in which a teen girl moves to her ancestral home on Martha's Vineyard and has a tumultuous romance with a local boy; "What About Your Friends," Brandy Colbert's tale of two estranged childhood best friends who end up attending the same college; and Julian Winters' "Under Our Masks," a truly original take on the superhero origin story. A thoughtful volume that will appeal to a broad range of readers. (Anthology. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Anything can happen after night falls. During these magical hours, teens can be anyone or do anything, and this anthology explores a variety of the possibilities therein. Whether these shorts feature shifting friendships, finding new romance, or confronting old crushes, in them the evening hours hold wonder, excitement, and mystery. In addition to presenting stories from all genres, this well-rounded collection features a diverse range of characters, including representation of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled people, penned by an exciting array of authors: Brandy Colbert, Kathleen Glasgow, Maurene Goo, Tiffany D. Jackson, Amanda Joy, Nina LaCour, Karen M. McManus, Anna Meriano, Marieke Nijkamp, Laura Silverman, Kayla Whaley, Julian Winters, and Francesca Zappia. Some stories offer a bit of fluff, some take unexpected turns, and others tackle sensitive topics such as abuse and mental health. The variety keeps things fresh and interesting, ensuring that there is something here for everyone. A solid addition to high-school collections wanting to expand their coverage of short stories and top YA talent.
