Shades Within Us: Tales of Migrations and Fractured Borders

In this third installment in the series, 21 established authors tackle the subject of human migration. An introduction page explains that migration is more than simply a change in location but also an alteration in mind and spirit. Short, speculative stories explore this idea of migration of the soul, mind, and spirit. They also examine the concept of fractured borders, both visible and invisible; there is a price to be paid for attaining a new life or reality. All tales have some otherworldly component whether fantasy, science fiction, or paranormal. Particularly strong offerings include Rich Larson's chilling "Porque El Girasol Se Llama El Girasol." Young Girasol and her mother join refugees fleeing a futuristic Mexico into the United States, but they must travel through a dangerous, heavily armed border wall. Amanda Sun's "The Travellers" and Sarah Raughley's "The Vagabond of Trudeau High" are other standouts. Many selections are no longer than eight pages in length, although a few are as short as two pages and others as long as 15. This volume includes sections about the contributors and the editors as well as mental health and antidiscrimination resources.