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Things from Other Worlds
"Enchanting!" -Ellie Ann, New York Times bestseller
Many strange things wait inside these pages. There's a fuzzy ball of kindness, camped out on a grumpy man's porch. A chewed piece of gum with a mind of its own. A smart Alec who actually stands in line twice when they're handing out brains. A girl who isn't afraid when all the plants in her neighborhood come to life.
This collection of 15 science fiction and fantasy stories for kids by award-winning author Anne E. Johnson is perfect for ages 8-12, or anyone with a child's heart.
Many strange things wait inside these pages. There's a fuzzy ball of kindness, camped out on a grumpy man's porch. A chewed piece of gum with a mind of its own. A smart Alec who actually stands in line twice when they're handing out brains. A girl who isn't afraid when all the plants in her neighborhood come to life.
This collection of 15 science fiction and fantasy stories for kids by award-winning author Anne E. Johnson is perfect for ages 8-12, or anyone with a child's heart.
- GenresMiddle Grade
84 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2015
About the author
Anne E. Johnson
57 books41 followersAs the author of dozens of published short stories, Anne E. Johnson has won writing prizes for both children's and adults' short fiction.
Her book-length fiction includes:
SPACE SURFERS, adventure novel for teens.
THINGS FROM OTHER WORLDS: 15 Alien and Fantasy Stories for Kids.
GREEN LIGHT DELIVERY and BLUE DIAMOND DELIVERY, humorous science fiction novels.
EBENEZER'S LOCKER, paranormal mystery for kids.
TROUBLE AT THE SCRIPTORIUM, medieval mystery for kids.
Anne lives in Brooklyn with her husband, playwright Ken Munch.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 30, 2015
I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis:
A fun collection of easy-to-read stories that would make great brain-breaks in a classroom setting.
Things From Other Worlds runs the gamut from sentient beetles assisting with illustrator’s block to aliens that binge on Vitamin C. For kids that enjoy fantasy and science fiction, this will be a welcome addition to the library. The stories are basic enough for the younger end of the middle grade age range to manage on their own but have wide enough appeal for older readers to enjoy them as well. Brains Coming Out of My Ears, featuring a boy who stood in line twice when they were handing out brains, was my stand-out favourite, being the story with (in my opinion) both the cleverest concept and the most humour in the telling. I also really enjoyed To Be A Tree, in which a boy discovers that looking after the environment takes a lot of commitment, because it had a sinister undertone and creepy ending.
I was a little disappointed with the lack of suspense in these stories. Most of the fantasy and sci fi elements are given in a very matter-of-fact way through the narration and I felt that this didn’t do the stories any favours. I suspect that having grown up in Australia, I have been spoiled by being raised (as many Aussie kids of a certain era were!) on the incredibly funny and brilliantly executed short story collections of Paul Jennings and therefore have a very high expectation of short stories aimed at children. I am also a great fan of Chris Priestley’s Tales of Terror short story collections and Neal Shusterman’s Darkness Creeping, that feature similar fantastical themes, and this collection doesn’t live up to those by any means, having a much more placid narrative style.
While not being the most inspiring short story collection I’ve read for this age group, Things From Other Worlds is still worth a look if you have a budding fantasy or sci-fi fan who is beginning to read independently and is looking for a change from the standard chapter book format.
Ten Second Synopsis:
A fun collection of easy-to-read stories that would make great brain-breaks in a classroom setting.
Things From Other Worlds runs the gamut from sentient beetles assisting with illustrator’s block to aliens that binge on Vitamin C. For kids that enjoy fantasy and science fiction, this will be a welcome addition to the library. The stories are basic enough for the younger end of the middle grade age range to manage on their own but have wide enough appeal for older readers to enjoy them as well. Brains Coming Out of My Ears, featuring a boy who stood in line twice when they were handing out brains, was my stand-out favourite, being the story with (in my opinion) both the cleverest concept and the most humour in the telling. I also really enjoyed To Be A Tree, in which a boy discovers that looking after the environment takes a lot of commitment, because it had a sinister undertone and creepy ending.
I was a little disappointed with the lack of suspense in these stories. Most of the fantasy and sci fi elements are given in a very matter-of-fact way through the narration and I felt that this didn’t do the stories any favours. I suspect that having grown up in Australia, I have been spoiled by being raised (as many Aussie kids of a certain era were!) on the incredibly funny and brilliantly executed short story collections of Paul Jennings and therefore have a very high expectation of short stories aimed at children. I am also a great fan of Chris Priestley’s Tales of Terror short story collections and Neal Shusterman’s Darkness Creeping, that feature similar fantastical themes, and this collection doesn’t live up to those by any means, having a much more placid narrative style.
While not being the most inspiring short story collection I’ve read for this age group, Things From Other Worlds is still worth a look if you have a budding fantasy or sci-fi fan who is beginning to read independently and is looking for a change from the standard chapter book format.
January 5, 2016
As a former school social worker my only suggestion is add some color pictures. Kids love visual.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. 15 very well written MS-age children’s short stories (book). They were all very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. They all could make another great children’s movie, animated cartoons, mini TV series. Not for every kid so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Autographed; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. 15 very well written MS-age children’s short stories (book). They were all very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. They all could make another great children’s movie, animated cartoons, mini TV series. Not for every kid so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Autographed; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
January 18, 2016
Howdy… okay… so I am all about it when it comes to supporting my fellow writers… but is this is even better than mere support… pivotal even… muhahahaha… parents this is your chance to prepare the next generation… it is your responsibility to brainwash the young’uns into loving paranormal and fantasy… yep… it is a must…
Okay… I’m done being silly… but truthfully… they were some of my favorites (these types of stories) when I was a kid… mamaw would always read to me (dyslexic here… I so wasn’t doing it myself) she had all the Disney classics, bible stories for kids, and ghost stories… if I had a little one, I would definitely read these stories for him/her at night… it is one of my favorite childhood memories… this book would fit right in...
Okay… I’m done being silly… but truthfully… they were some of my favorites (these types of stories) when I was a kid… mamaw would always read to me (dyslexic here… I so wasn’t doing it myself) she had all the Disney classics, bible stories for kids, and ghost stories… if I had a little one, I would definitely read these stories for him/her at night… it is one of my favorite childhood memories… this book would fit right in...
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews