Life on Mars: Tales from the New Frontier

In this strong anthology, Strahan (The Starry Rift) collects stories by some of the most talented writers in science fiction. Ranging from the first Mars landing to the far future, they often make use of the most recent scientific data about the Red Planet. In "The Old Man and the Martian Sea," Alastair Reynolds tells the exciting story of a teen who, upon running away from home, finds herself in the presence of a legendary Martian explorer. Nancy Kress, in "First Principle," explores the difficult relationship between a genetically engineered Martian teen and an embittered young man who has come to Mars as a refugee from a dying Earth. Ellen Klages touchingly recounts the birth of the first baby on Mars, while Nnedi Okorafor explains why Martians might particularly like Nigerians. Invoking some of the great authors of Martian tales, from Burroughs and Bradbury to Heinlein and Kim Stanley Robinson (whose "Discovering Life" is the only story not new to the collection), this anthology is sure to appeal to any teens who yearn to explore Earth's nearest neighbor. Ages 12–up. (Apr.)