A suspenseful historical YA debut inspired by the true story of an all-female bomber unit in Russia during World War II. World War II has erupted in Valka’s homeland of Russia, and Valka is determined to help the effort. She’s a pilot—and a good one—so she eagerly joins an all-female bomber regiment. Flying has always meant freedom and exhilaration for Valka, but dropping bombs on German targets is something else entirely. The raids are dangerous, but as Valka watches her fellow pilots putting everything on the line in the face of treachery, she learns the true meaning of bravery. As the war intensifies, though, and those around her fall, Valka must decide how much she is willing to risk to defend the skies she once called home. Inspired by the true story of a famous all-female Russian bomber regiment, Gwen C. Katz weaves a tale of strength and sacrifice, of learning to fight for yourself, and of the perils of a world at war.

Out of the darkness of the present comes the light of the days ahead … From all the good things provided by advanced AI to the innocence of discovering new worlds, join our authors as they present uplifting stories of science fiction and fantasy. With stories from Kevin David Anderson, Maureen Bowden, Steven D. Brewer, Nels Challinor, Regina Clarke, Stephen C. Curro, Jetse de Vries, Nestor Delfino, Gail Ann Gibbs, Henry Herz, Gwen C. Katz, Brandon Ketchum, Julia LaFond, R. Jean Mathieu, Syn McDonald, Christopher Muscato, Alfred Smith, A.M. Weald, and David Wright.

The third edition of the pioneering book series Animals speak. But humans are, with few exceptions, ill-equipped to understand them. Fortunately, we have writers. Writers play the critical role of interpreter, positioned between humans and the billions of nonhuman animals with whom we share this planet. In Among Animals 3, you will meet some of these writers as well as the animals who inspire them. The short stories in this edition feel more visceral, more urgent than ever. Perhaps it is climate change and the plight of animal species around the globe that compels us all, writers and readers alike, to take a closer look at what we are so close to losing. Perhaps it is also the plight of the human species and the many stresses of a tiny virus. The rapid spread of Covid has underscored that we humans are not just animals but highly social animals who can spread a virus faster than any other species on this planet. And perhaps because of Covid, we face the simple realization that life is short and we must make the most of our time and our talents. Fortunately, these writers have made the most of their talents in writing about animals, about species ranging from dogs and cats to chickens and pigs. In one story, we meet a donkey. In another, a jaguar. And we even encounter a species or two not yet formally identified. These stories challenge us see what we have tried to avoid seeing. It’s only by looking straight on—and acting upon what we witness—that we can ensure a better future for animals and the planet.

DATES is an anthology of positive queer historical fiction, set throughout time and across the world. This is Volume 2! Watch a young trans woman grow into herself in 19th century Bengal, or a young woman from the 1920s Dominican Republic study to become a doctor. Or, if you're interested in a raucous good time, join two innkeepers as they stand their ground in Mesopotamia during Hammurabi's reign. In DATES 2, 35 amazing creators have come together to tell stories about personal, societal, and technological progress, creating a total of 218 pages of comics, 16 stunning color illustrations, and 2 short prose stories.

These aren't your granny's fairy tales. Or they might have been, but not after we got done with them. We've bent, twisted, welded, and remade them for an industrial age. Eleven stories with characters you'll recognize, but they will not turn out like you remember. Give this volume to children at your own risk.